6 Darling Small Towns on the Pacific Coast

North America’s Pacific Coast stretches from southern California through Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and all the way to northern Alaska. This diverse region includes dense rainforest, towering cliffs, sandy dunes, snug harbors, and inviting coastal communities. Picturesque small towns line the Pacific Coast, offering incredible vacation experiences including whale-watching, sports fishing, hiking, history tours, and more. Explore these darling towns out west and enjoy an unforgettable vacation in America’s coastal playground.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

A jewel of the California coast, the beautiful town of Carmel-by-the-Sea began life as an artist’s colony, and it’s not hard to see why. The stunning views around town are sure to inspire even the most creatively challenged. You’ll get the best seafront vistas at Carmel Beach, a long strip of unspoiled white sand that runs the length of the town. To see what Carmel’s artists are up to now and get acquainted with the town’s artistic past, visit the town’s largest and oldest gallery, the Carmel Art Association.

Carmel isn’t just known for its art; the town is also a favorite among wine connoisseurs. Pick up a copy of the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk to take a self-guided tour around the best tasting rooms, stopping at renowned wineries such as KORi Wines and De Tierra Vineyards.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Named one of the most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic, Cannon Beach is a nature lover’s paradise. Pack your camera for this trip; there are a lot of stunning scenes to capture around town. Start with local landmark Haystack Rock, a towering basalt stack on the shoreline rising 235 feet above the water. When the tide is low, you can walk right out to the rock and enjoy incredible bird watching — especially in spring and summer when scores of Tufted puffins take up residence.

For more incredible scenery, head to Ecola State Park. This retreat spans nine miles of pristine coastline with hiking trails, surfing spots, and picnic facilities. Highlights in the park include the secluded Indian Beach, an abandoned lighthouse, and the 2.5 mile historical interpretive route, Clatsop Loop Trail which follows an 1806 expedition. Visit in winter or spring and you might be lucky enough to see a pod of migrating gray whales.

Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores is a small town on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula with serious beach vibes. From horseback riding on the sands to cruising down the beach on a fat tire bike, Ocean Shores knows how to make the most of its beautiful seaside scenery. Hike the Weatherwax Trail to see the peninsula’s diverse wetland ecosystem and coastal forest up close. The 1.2-mile loop trail winds around the edge of Duck Lake and is easily accessible with a paved path. At the southern end of the peninsula is Damon Point, another hiking hotspot where you can see bald eagles in their natural habitat and, on a clear day, look across the mouth of the bay to Westport. All that sea air often gives visitors a hefty appetite. Don’t leave town without visiting local favorite Bennett’s Fish Shack to sample local crab, clam, oysters, and other tasty delicacies.

Astoria, Oregon

Located where the Columbia River prepares to meet the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is a historic town that began as a busy trading port. A quaint fishing village packed with stunning Victorian homes overlooking a picturesque harbor, Astoria is like something out of a storybook. It’s no wonder the town has provided a scenic backdrop for many movies, including Free Willy, The Goonies, and Kindergarten Cop.

Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum for a fascinating look at Astoria’s seafaring history, and call into the neighboring Barbey Maritime Center for more interactive displays, including Native American carving workshops. Both museums are on the waterfront, near the stop for the famed Astoria Riverfront Trolley. A great way to see the town, the historic trolley tour lasts an hour and passes by attractions, including the Maritime Memorial Park, the Nordic Heritage Park, and the Hanthorn Cannery Museum.

Eureka, California

Eureka is a bustling California seaport, founded in 1856, with a Victorian-era old town and a working harbor. Stroll the historic district to see glimpses of the town’s long history including the stunning Carson Mansion, built in 1884 by lumber tycoon William Carson. There’s more dazzling architecture downtown, including the former Carnegie Free Library, now home to the Morris Graves Museum of Art.

Eureka has plenty of captivating natural scenery, too. One of the best outdoor attractions is the Redwood Skywalk at Sequoia Park Zoo. This incredible rope bridge trail rises 100 feet above the forest floor, giving visitors a canopy-level view of the lush old-growth forest from viewing platforms scattered throughout the quarter-mile walk.

Tofino, British Columbia

On the western side of Vancouver Island in British Columbia is the coastal town of Tofino, a fishing and logging village turned ecotourism destination. The rainforest-covered shoreline opens up to stunning views of the Clayoquot Sound, making Tofino the perfect destination for outdoor adventure. From February to May, visitors take to the water to catch a glimpse of schools of migrating gray whales. Tofino is also an angler’s dream, with waters stocked with Chinook Salmon, Coho salmon, and albacore tuna.

Take a water taxi from Tofino Harbor to see the otherworldly beauty of the Meares Island Tribal Park, the first Tribal Park in British Columbia which was created to protect the old growth red cedar forests on the island. Just north of Tofino, you’ll find another stunning spot in the Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. The park is the home of Hot Springs Cove where visitors can bathe in geothermally heated waters in the midst of spectacular scenery.

Many intrepid travelers have made the trip out to the Pacific coast, from the early Spanish explorers to gold rush prospectors. Before these visitors, the region was home to several different Indigenous communities, including the Salishan- and Nadene-speaking tribes of the Pacific Northwest, the Aleut, and others. The diverse nature of the area’s heritage, history, and industry has made it a true melting pot. In these darling small towns, you’ll get the chance to experience a little of the Pacific Coast’s unique magic and fall under its spell.