7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns on the Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast is home to some of the most relaxing small towns in the country, where laid-back vibes, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions await. Whether it’s the fairy-tale cottages of Carmel-by-the-Sea or the artistic flair of La Conner, each town offers something special. Mendocino’s rugged sea cliffs and Cannon Beach’s iconic Haystack Rock provide breathtaking views, while Morro Bay's volcanic Morro Rock is a natural wonder to behold. Explore seven of the most laid-back small towns along the Pacific Coast, each offering a perfect escape to relax and enjoy the region's beauty.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Starting off the list is Carmel-by-the-Sea. This beloved town is a consistent winner of the best cities to visit in the US. Carmel's charming European architecture, immaculate white beaches, and surfable waves are known far and wide, attracting millions of visitors annually. Start your journey at Carmel Beach, where breathtaking ocean views and scenery await you on an expansive shoreline of silky white sand. What's more, the beach is connected to natural trails, which can be enjoyed before or after your visit.
Aside from stunning shores, Carmel boasts of the best art scenes in the state, housing more than 25 art galleries, including the esteemed Carmel Art Association—the oldest gallery in town, having opened its doors almost a century ago in 1927. The non-profit establishment showcases new and permanent exhibitions in addition to monthly events for the community to enjoy. As a patron, you have the opportunity to take home works of the finest artists in the Monterey Peninsula area. To stay the night, consider one of many cottages in the area, often described by tourists as a "fairy tale" due to their sharply sloped roofs and uniquely shaped windows.
Mendocino, California
Like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Mendocino also offers top-notch beaches, but its towering and rugged sea cliffs are particularly a sight to behold. To see them, visit Mendocino Headlands Trail, where you see miles of scenic views and sea cliffs standing over the Pacific Ocean. This area is also famous among photographers, as it is home to many wildlife animals, including local seabirds. Located conveniently a 15-minute walk away, one of the most cherished tourist spots in town is Portugese Beach—this hidden gem boasts clear turquoise waters, nature trails, and rugged cliffs. Based on several reviews, it also offers enchanting sunset views during twilight hours.
Conclude your visit at the Kelley House Museum, where you can embark on an engaging tour from knowledgeable guides and learn about Mendocino's storied past, including Indigenous culture, the logging industry that developed the town's economy, while also seeing well-preserved Victorian-themed buildings.
Port Townsend, Washington
Few towns provide the historic charm Port Townsend does; with more than 300 historic buildings to explore, you can always have fascinating landmarks to see and explore. The Port Townsend Historic District is a good starting point to begin your journey—this precinct houses elegant-looking commercial and residential 19th and 20th buildings, in addition to the Jefferson County Courthouse. This majestic 143-foot-long structure stands as a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture.
Equally worth visiting is the JCHS Museum of Art and History, home to a diverse collection of artifacts and rotating exhibits. Their current exhibition, titled "Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific," runs until late October of this year and highlights the lesser-known history of Black sailors in the region and their contributions to the region's development. Finally, since this article's theme is tranquility and laid-back spots, trek the Fort Worden Historical State Park, located north of town; this park offers a captivating blend of history and nature as it's home to several prominent military sites, in addition to stunning vistas of the shoreline, sandy beaches, and well-kept trails.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria holds the distinction of being the oldest settlement in Oregon. The history of this port city dates back thousands of years ago when Native Americans inhabited the area and subsequent settlers. To get a feel of the area, consider taking a guided historical tour with Onward Adventures, a three-hour journey where you can see the best spots in a comfy air-conditioned vehicle—different stops include the 125-foot-tall Astoria Column, the Flavel House Museum, and the 213-year-old Fort Astoria. The latter is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Be sure to enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Astoria Riverwalk, a 12.8-mile path situated conveniently next to museums and shopping outlets. Overall, Astoria offers a delightful blend of modernity and a cozy small-town feel, with tons of historic landmarks to see and experience.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is a small community town with just over 1,500 residents, but its beautiful shores attract over a million visitors, given its natural beauty. Kickstart your trip by seeing Haystack Rock, a towering 235-foot-tall sea stack that stands as one of the most iconic symbols of Oregon; it serves as a critical habitat for seabirds, sea stars, and crabs; it is also a popular spot for photographers, given its massive size and habitat for wildlife. Another popular spot to observe wildlife is Ecola State Park, home to secluded beaches and stunning ocean views. Visitors here may observe seabirds and small mammals, but more impressively, migrating gray whales during spring season and winter, as well as sea lions along the shoreline.
This town is also home to several art galleries. One of them is the esteemed Icefire Glassworks gallery, a quaint studio that showcases exquisite, handcrafted glass art from local artists. When you finish exploring the many sites, you won't be surprised to find out National Geographic awarded this town among the top 100 Most Beautiful Places on Earth; the peaceful beaches, remarkable landmarks such as the Haystack Rock, and the city's artistic vibe make this town a special place to explore.
La Conner, Washington
Artistic community? Waterfront views? Tulip fields? All checked! This quaint town is home to several art galleries and museums, and is the main gateway to the famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Explore the free-to-attend Museum of Northwest Art, where you can witness a wide range of contemporary art influenced by local Pacific Northwest culture, with several pieces made by local and regional artists from neighboring states and provinces such as California, British Columbia, Oregon, and more. The museum has permanent and rotating exhibits to provide something fresh for each visit.
For all your shopping needs, First Street is an excellent one-way avenue, home to several seafood restaurants and cozy cafes, including La Conner Waterfront Café, granting scenic waterfront views and savory dishes. Finally, mark your calendars for April to journey through the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival to immerse yourself in endless colorful tulips, providing breathtaking photo opportunities and fun; the event attracts attendees from over 85 countries.
Morro Bay, California
Like Cannon Beach, Morro Bay has its own unique geological feature: Morro Rock. The 23-million-year-old rock is a towering 576-foot-tall volcanic plug, considered a sacred site for the Salinan and Chumash Native American tribes. Given its status among the tribes above and its designation as a haven for bird species, rock climbing is unfortunately not allowed. But don't let that stop you from visiting and appreciating its humbling beauty and commanding presence! It is still a sight to behold and witness, nonetheless.
Afterward, continue your nature journey and hit up Morro Bay State Park. This coastal gem offers exciting recreational activities, including kayaking through serene waters, hiking trails, and relaxing picnic spots amid the lush trees. Afterward, grab a bite at The Siren or Scout Coffee for a relaxing end to the day.
Wrap Up Your Pacific Coast Exploration
To conclude, the Pacific Coast boasts some of the country's most relaxing small towns. The towns mentioned in this article offer their own unique gems and distinct charm, providing stunning landscapes, fascinating histories, and the opportunity to see once-in-a-lifetime geological formations. Whether you're mesmerized by the 576-foot-tall Morro Rock in Cali, or marvelling at the scenic beauty of Ecola State Park, each spot grants a peaceful escape to unwind and explore this unique coast.
