6 Most Idyllic Small Towns On The Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast is a real national treasure, stretching further down than the Pacific Northwest while covering much of its renowned wilderness, rugged coastlines, and even mountains. Port Orford is a scenic fishing town along the Southern Oregon Coast where the mountains and forests meet the Pacific, while Ilwaco, often overlooked on the south end of the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington, nestles in between the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River, with access to Willapa Bay.
Florence, boasting a perfect location at the Siuslaw River along the Central Oregon Coast, is home to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, as well as Sea Lion Caves and the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse for each taste of sightseers. These dreamy towns beckon adventurers, dreamers, and romantics with ocean breezes, colorful shops, and awash in history, like the exquisite Spanish colonial architecture and lush gardens of the 1770s Carmel Mission Basilica, one of the most historic in the state.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
This town, straight from a whimsical storybook cover, may be described as a luxurious shopping destination by the sea, but all the architecture, hidden passageways, and tucked-away courtyards make it a must-visit even for a quick escape. Sure, dine at plenty of diverse restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Aubergine Restaurant, or shop your heart out along the main thoroughfare, Ocean Avenue, lined with unique boutiques, or the Carmel Plaza with a metropolitan feel, but there's much more worth a few days stay at one of the adorable inns or charming b&bs. Offering more restaurants per capita than any other small city in America, a morning spent at a cafe or a coffee run to a bakery gets you the local vibes before a stroll through the markets and plenty to explore in a pet- and family-friendly atmosphere.
Despite being one square mile in size, Carmel offers over a dozen wine-tasting rooms to sip some of Monterey County's best, while the public Carmel Beach is everything you've conjured up behind your work desk, in between the legendary surf and the picture-perfect Monterey Cypress. From the pristine sands with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean to out-of-this-world sunsets, enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing, beachcombing, and sunset strolls. This town's artistic legacy and culinary touchstones along the quaint cobblestone streets, as well as its European charm, are ever-lasting, just like the exquisite Spanish colonial architecture and lush gardens of the 1770s Carmel Mission Basilica, one of the most historic in the state.
Florence, Oregon
The town of Florence, Oregon, may not be the flamboyant Italian city, but it is among the top Pacific locations at the mouth of the Siuslaw River along the Central Oregon Coast. Offering the region’s best perks just a hand's reach away, from kayaking in the river to the freshwater lakes and miles of coastal sand dunes, we haven't even gotten to the specifics, and you're already excited! Just an hour west of Eugene, you can be at Baker Beach in a heartbeat or exploring the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Florence is a dreamy destination for adventurers and romantics, home to world-renowned landmarks like the Sea Lion Caves and the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse. The rolling sand dunes and miles of beaches fringe the charming historic Old Town of Florence, with riverfront hotels and delicious seafood for rest, relaxation, and gluttony pleasures. Lakeside cabins or a forested campground offer quick access to both the downtown and "Oregon's Coastal Playground" for horseback riding along the beach and charging at the dunes on a buggy.
Ilwaco, Washington
Despite offering easy access near the border with Oregon and just 20 minutes from Astoria or 5 minutes from Long Beach, Ilwaco stays happily in its historic slumber as a little fishing village. Formerly a salmon-canning town, it has long been a destination for fishermen at the Port of Ilwaco Marina. Often overlooked on the south end of the Long Beach Peninsula, the cozy town in between the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River boasts a revitalized downtown and an up-and-coming art scene.
There's no better time to discover Ilwaco than this summer on a weekend getaway during a weekly Art Walk on Fridays and a Saturday market through September, when the Slow Drag takes place. From hiking and biking along the Discovery Trail towards the longing views of North Head Lighthouse fishing charters, there's also access to Willapa Bay, offering sheltered waters and miles of forest-fringed sands. Minutes south, Cape Disappointment State Park will exceed expectations for adventurers of all levels, including its top-rated Campground A, historical landmarks along the trails, and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse at the southern tip.
Mendocino, California
Idyllic in its tranquil and artistic ambiance, Mendocino invites one and all into its rugged clifftop embrace overlooking the vast Pacific, where local forces of nature prevail. Offering trails for every taste, from rugged cliffs to wildflower-filled meadows and picturesque coves, don't miss Point Cabrillo Light Station, a restored lighthouse perched on the cliffs. Starting the day at GoodLife Cafe & Bakery, the stunningly wild beauty of Mendocino Headlands State Park offers a scenic hike along the Mendocino Headlands, with serene coastal surroundings and wildlife spotting like seals beneath the bluffs and whales at the horizon.
From Victorian architecture through its historic district to art galleries like the Mendocino Art Center, heavenly flowers bloom through the Mendocino Botanical Gardens. Head on a souvenir hunt for colorful sea glass treasures along the Glass Beach with discarded glass bottles and debris, washed over decades of wave action, to see which sparkle captures your eye while Mendocino Arch is a natural rock formation spectacular at sundown. Surrounded by lush vineyards and relevant wine-tasting venues, Trillium Cafe & Inn is your best bet for an atmospheric stay to match the ambiance of this picturesque town.
Ocean Shores, Washington
The small, inviting, and often overlooked town of Ocean Shores is a spectacular idea for an idyllic summer getaway. In between the sandy Pacific beaches, albeit with colder surf, and the calmer waters of North Bay on the other side, there's also the snaking Duck Lake through the heart and waterfront parks. North Bay Park has a playground and ocean views, while North Bay Park features a pier. With no shortage of welcoming lodging options, inviting shops, and restaurants, it inspires a vacation like it used to be, complete with Pacific Paradise, a popular old-school amusement park.
With so much water around, every activity comes with a dose of scenery, including the Ocean Shores Golf Course, one of the best in the region. Nearby, the reputable Ocean Shores Library is a popular place to hang out, while Our Place is a sure bet for dinner. Don't miss Ocean Shores Roasters in the morning before heading to the southern tip of this barrier island for whale sightings from North Jetty. Visitors can also pack a picnic and make their way over to Protection Island for even more serenity along the oceanside Damon Point Trail.
Port Orford, Oregon
This small yet endlessly scenic fishing town along the coast where the mountains and the forests meet the Pacific has everything you're looking for on a seaside retreat, from the thriving arts to beautiful Southern Oregon ocean views. Nestled right between Bandon and Gold Beach, it is the oldest platted town site on the Oregon coast and also the most westerly city in the continental US! The history speaks for itself, along with authentic Victorian buildings and a mansion, while the variety of landscape and absolutely perfect weather in the southern states with warm winds encourage outdoor pursuits. From ocean sailing and boating in Garrison Lake to riverside fishing, its own beach overlooks Battle Rock Wayside Park, awaiting the explorers.
Inviting visitors with panoramic hiking trails through the mountains overlooking the oceanscape and spectacular sunset, it is where lasting memories are made for every group and type of traveler. Headed by Port Orford Heads State Park, grab something from Golden Harvest Herban Farm and Bakery for adventures. The coves in the ocean are great to explore via kayak and don't miss Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips by the docks for dinner. Pristine and uncrowded, home to just 1,150 people, few people have even heard of Port Orford, a tiny town, which will make you think that few places are as magical. Keeping it local, there are no restaurant chains, strip malls, or even stoplights away from traffic—just the sea breeze along the sandy beach between rocky hills.
Slowly transitioning from the super rugged Washington coastline to Oregon's spectacular wild beachscapes, in the south, California delights with idyllic soft sands like those in Carmel Beach. Ocean Shores really inspires an idyll between North Bay and the Pacific on a thin strip of land replete with attractions. With a town for each taste across the three states, these coastal gems, often overlooked, evoke old-world charm for a getaway or vacation like it used to be.
From Mendocino's Victorian architecture galore to its Mendocino Headlands State Park, the serene coastal surroundings and wildlife envelop you in a true sense of peace, with barking sea lions and whales in the distance. Whether you're in for Port Orford's panoramic views of crashing waves against rocky outcrops or Carmel's quaint cobblestone streets, inspiring European charm, these towns welcome visitors to move with the ebb and flow of the tides.
