7 Whimsical Towns to Visit on the Pacific Coast

Touching three states, the Pacific Coast of the US is a photogenic geographic area with wide-ranging panoramas and limitless opportunities to explore. The best of natural and cultural allure unite in most whimsical towns with a varied shoreline, vibes, and tides. Cool breezes spur your adventures under the sunny rays along the golden-sand beaches in California. Find a respite amid the state's coastal redwoods in Crescent City.

From the rugged Oregon shores to the coastal ranges in Washington and state parks, these seven towns boast spectacular histories and natural wonders, like the Haystack Rock, a massive monolith right offshore in Cannon Beach. Cambria is just a hop from Hearst San Simeon State Park with a castle, preserves, and camping. Choose your special blend to make memories on a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, a quick getaway, or a holiday vacation.

Anarcotes, Washington

Founded in 1879 on the northern tip of Fidalgo Island, Anacortes officially became a town in 1891. Home to the Washington State Ferries dock, it is well-known among the mariners, with services to nearby places like San Juans and Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada. Catch the sunrise from the eastern Cap Sante Park on the "hook" or the next-door marina and Seafarers Memorial Park. Nearby, the playful Dad's Diner is adorned with photos and collectibles, while the Secret Cove comes alive on weekend evenings along the waterline. Anchoring the town in the west to the sea, Washington Park overlooks Burrows Island Lighthouse.

This 220-acre city park offers camping, a boat launch, day-use picnic sites, and a scenic loop road. With Guemes Island at the head, take the elevated Guemes Channel Trail from the Ship Harbor Interpretive Preserve. The Mount Erie area is prime for mountain and water views, like the Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead, a popular hike just south of downtown. Boasting its own regional airport and the Skyline Marine Center, Anacortes W.T. Preston Museum displays the area's maritime history with a rare and historical steamboat, which you can tour. Stop by the cozy Volunteer Park at the heart and relax over a procedure or an overnight stay at the Majestic Inn & Spa.

Cambria, California

The quaint seaside village of Cambria sits along the rugged central California coast. Known for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and artistic spirit, it is home to Moonstone Beach, just south of the world-famous Hearst Castle, both within relevant state parks. Starting at Linn's Easy As Pie Cafe, with patio seating for lunch fare, baked goods, and sweets, sightsee the whimsical Nitt Witt Ridge from the street below, built entirely of recycled materials. The 30-acre Moonstone Beach State Park features a serene beach under small, rocky bluffs and a boardwalk, perfect for beachcombing and sunset strolls. Stop by Hearst Castle Visitor Center for information, the castle tour tickets, and a theater, plus casual dining and a gift shop.

Heading north, past Vista Point along the Pacific, Hearst San Simeon State Park features natural preserves, a cultural preserve, and a trail with scenic overlooks, plus camping. Don't miss Elephant Seal Vista Point while in the area to spy on elephant seals from an observation deck during birthing and breeding seasons. Green Valley Viewing Point is just a hike inland to picnic along the carpet of seasonal blooms. Unwind back downtown through antique shops, art galleries, and wine tasting rooms. Sea Chest Oyster Bar is a kitschy, nautical-themed eatery with a game-filled lounge known for its oysters and other fresh seafood, while Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill serves generous portions of seafood, steak, and pasta.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

The Oregon coastline is replete with astounding formations and charming towns like Cannon Beach, a real vision along its rugged length. Home to the infamous Haystack Rock, parks, and beaches, there's no shortage of sights that excite yet calm the soul. Just south of downtown, past Silver Point Interpretive Overlook, Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site features a sandy stretch and amenities in a low-key atmosphere. Start on a high note at the Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters over an organic brew and fresh pastry in a quaint bungalow with Adirondack chairs. Next door, check out the fascinating Icefire Glassworks, a rustic studio for locally handcrafted fine glass pieces. The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge serves American seafood plus breakfast in a stylish, woodsy vibe near beach access.

Cannon Beach elevates every classic beach town experience with quirky restaurants, shops, and breweries, like its own Pelican Brewing, with brewery tours and an airy patio. From House of Orange, an art gallery, to Cleanline Surf, a surf shop, Cannon Beach History Center & Museum offers a lowdown on the area. Minutes north, access the Indian Beach Trail and the secluded Indian Beach, a sandy surfing hotspot with tide pools. Welcome; you are now at the dramatic Ecola State Park with a 7-mile trail and an old-growth rainforest, overlooking the Haystack Rock and the desolate Tillamook Lighthouse on a promontory. Set a picnic with other picturesque rocks behind the 235-foot-tall stack of basalt rock, watching the annual puffins nest on the iconic monolith, plus the Coast Range far south.

Crescent City, California

At a gateway to the state's spectacular redwood parks, Crescent City is home to the northernmost of California’s lighthouse stations. Built using 22-inch-thick slabs of granite, the 1856 Battery Point Lighthouse offers harborfront views from its own tiny island, reachable at low tide on foot across the causeway. Climb the narrow spiral staircase to the lamp room and up a ladder through a trap door to a 360-degree view. Just minutes away, the astounding Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a playground through the dense old-growth forests along the picturesque Smith River. Ten miles south, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park offers lush forested trails to rugged ocean overlooks. For hiking, camping, river kayaking, and wildlife sightings, the Redwood National Park is 34 miles south.

Rebuilt after a devastating tsunami in 1964, the family-friendly Crescent City waterfront features cafes, a brewery, and the Beachfront Park with unique, sizable play structures for kids. Stop by Ocean World Aquarium to play catch with sea lions and visit the injured elephant seals and sea lions during pinnipeds’ feeding at the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center. Heading north from Third Street Coastal Access, Pebble Beach is strewn with agates and semi-precious gemstones for attractive souvenirs. A few miles onwards, St. George Reef Light was built 6 miles offshore after the 1865 Brother Jonathan shipwreck. You can spy on the lighthouse via Point St. George Beach Trails from the blufftop Point St. George and see its original first-order Fresnel at the Del Norte County Main Museum.

Ferndale, California

This NorCal town attracts with its quaint ambiance, scenic nature, and hospitality amid lush farmland. Charming every onlooker through the Victorian-era downtown with well-preserved architecture, soak up the historic elegance along antique stores, specialty shops, and inns. Ferndale Museum offers a lowdown on history and heritage in a former dairy creamery through logging and agriculture exhibits. It is only 10 minutes due west to the Centerville Beach Country Park, with a seclusive feel along its large, sunny beachfront overlooking cliffs and ocean views. From Guthrie Creek Trailhead to the Fern Cottage Historic District on your way back, stop next-door to the museum at the top-rated Tuyas for mole margaritas.

To the north, where the Eel River flows into the ocean, Humboldt County Fairgrounds hosts everything from horse races to kid-friendly events. Just a stroll east to Main Street, hit No Brand Burger Stand, a unique shack renowned for jalapeno burgers, shakes, and onion rings cooked to perfection. Fishermen's Park features a playground, while Russ Park is a great hiking area, and both are dog-friendly to enjoy with your whole family in tow. You will fall head over heels for Gingerbread Mansion Inn or the views from the Redwood Suites. The circa 1972 Ferndale Repertory Theatre showcases local talent over live performances and cultural events next to the charming Mind's Eye Manufactory & Coffee Lounge if you need a pick-me-up.

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

“The Jewel of the Oregon Coast” in the 1920s, Rockaway Beach has since become a destination to unwind in the sights and sounds of the surf without crowds. Home to seven miles of uninterrupted sandy beaches and locals with big personalities, it offers a retreat from the city life as you know it. Overlooking Twin Rocks Arch, Rockway Beach hugs an adorable Lake Lytle with its own fishing pier. From an oceanfront resort, kickstart your day over a homestyle breakfast, baked goods, and coffee at Grumpy's Cafe. Check out Beach Bakeshop and stop by Fork in the Road, an art gallery on the north side of the lake. Onwards sprawls the 41-acre Manhattan Beach State Recreation Site, with beach access, fishing, picnic tables, and amenities.

Lakeside Hideaway serves American grub and seafood with unpretentious vibes to enjoy in good company over domestic beer and weekend karaoke, while Old Oregon Smoke House, also on the Oregon Coast Hwy, is right by the beach. From rockhounding along the beach to tide-pooling, you will remember this not-your-average beach town with a quirky name against the towering mounds offshore. Sightsee the "twins" along the best hiking around from the popular Rockaway Big Tree Trailhead, featuring a boardwalk, beautiful trees, and amazing views of wildlife. The Old Growth Cedar Trail is a scenic stroll around ancient trees right at the heart. To the south, Twin Rocks Friends Camp & Conference Center is a bookable beachfront retreat.

Sequim, Washington

Located on the Olympic Peninsula, "whimsy" is in the name of this heavenly-scented town, looking out into the Salish Sea. Adorned in purple fields, Sequim is the lavender capital of North America, with less rain than its neighbors, which you wouldn't even guess by all the flourishing summertime blooms. Descending from the rugged peaks of the Olympic Mountains to the wildflower-covered slopes, the quaint charm of nature extends through the rich farmland of the Dungeness Valley. From Dungeness Spit to the New Dungeness Lighthouse, the town in the foothills abounds in exploration opportunities, like the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north. Enjoy sifting through coffee shops and boutiques during the Sequim Lavender Festival Weekend on the third weekend in July.

The Olympic Mountains and the Olympic National Forest border the town in the south, with great hiking trails through the forest and along the Dungeness River. To the east, John Wayne Marina offers beautiful coastal views at sunset from its restaurant serving local seafood. Heading west, the iconic Olympic National Park is home to Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rainforest, and coastal beaches. Carrie Blake Park at the heart offers playgrounds, trails, and an off-leash dog park, plus a picnic shelter, while 7 Cedars, a resort and casino across Sequim Bay, is a nightly hotspot for entertainment. Stop by the popular Purple Haze Lavender Farm or inspire a stay enveloped in blooms at the top-rated B & B Family Lavender Farm in the heart of town.

After exploring the Dungeness Valley and lavender fields in Sequim, you can escape for an overnight to Victoria, BC, just 30 minutes by ferry! Weaving old-world charm into fresh ocean breezes and picturesque nature for every taste of adventure, are you ready to make memories in a unique seaside ambiance?

Take a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to the next whimsical town holding up the crashing surf against rocky outcrops for one timeless coastal experience. Ranging from Victorian mansions in Ferndale to Cambria's colorful cottages, entertainment awaits downtown between artisan boutiques and seafood pleasures.