9 of the Most Welcoming Towns on the Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast hosts some of the largest and most famous urban areas in the world. From the Los Angeles-San Diego megacity in the south to the San Fransisco Bay area, which is home to the city of the same name, as well as Oakland, Berkeley, and San Jose, to the Seattle-Tacoma metro area in the north, large cities tend to dominate the landscape. However, tucked between these cities can be found many small towns with a slower pace, a more welcoming feel, and a different sense of what it means to live on the West Coast. So, pack a bag and follow me on a tour of the most welcoming towns on the Pacific Coast.
Bainbridge Island, Washington
We begin our trip along the coast at Bainbridge Island in the state of Washington. Known by many as the jewel of Puget Sound, most of the activities here are family-friendly, which adds to the community's warmth. Outdoor enthusiasts can start with Battle Point Park and Trail, Eagledale Park, and Trail, or the Grand Forest Trail System, all great ways to get back to nature. These eco-friendly trails are a welcome distraction from the hustle or urban life. After a savory lunch and friendly conversation at Doc’s Marina Grill, adventurous beachgoers will like Manitou and Rockaway Beaches as well as Hawley Cove Park right on the water. Some from lower latitudes may find the water a little chilly to their liking, but the great marina atmosphere and the welcoming culture on the beach make it worth a visit.
Forks, Washington
The gorgeous Olympic Peninsula hosts many great small towns, each with its own story, and picturesque Forks is among the best. The Forks Timber Museum stands among the region's best and is a great way to start your tour and get your bearings, as it features the proud history of the logging industry around the area. At the unbeatable Olympic National Park, you can visit grand glaciers and a thrilling rainforest in a single day. Blakeslee Bar and Grill is a friendly place to slake your thirst before taking in an unforgettable ocean sunset at nearby Rialto Beach near La Push. Most tourists don't make their way to this spot off the beaten trail, but the locals are friendly and inviting and worth the extra effort. Many of them came from the larger cities and, after finding the peace here, decided to put down roots.
Gig Harbor, Washington
Jigsaw puzzle-worthy Gig Harbor is deemed The Maritime City due to its rich history in the shipping industry. It is amazing to see so much character packed into such a small space. Looking like it would be more at home in New England than on the West Coast, the diminutive, charming town was once home to thriving maritime activities such as fishing, boat building, and cargo shipping. It is worth strolling along the many wharves and marinas and engaging one of the friendly fishermen and talking about old times. I have found that the best time to visit Gig Harbor is during one of its many seasonal festivals. The Waterfront Sip and Stroll and the Gig Harbor Paddlers Club and Expo are great examples. After lunch at always dependable Anthony’s, pop in for a visit to the unostentatious Fox Island Historical Society for another hidden gem.
Astoria, Oregon
If you have seen the classic movies The Goonies or Free Willy, you have seen the legendary, mystical, and uber-friendly town of Astoria, which sits near the spot where Lewis and Clark reached the shores of the Pacific. Named for the Astor family which founded it in 1811, it is located at the mouth of the Columbia River and is the gateway to all things Pacific. The austere and dignified Barbey Maritime Center is a great place to take the kids, as is the magnificently presented Columbia River Maritime Museum, which features authentic cannons from the Age of Piracy among its impressive collection. If you can stay the night, the one-of-a-kind Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can enjoy. Try not to roll over in bed, though, since the building sits on the end of a pier.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
This regal town of 1500 people is home to one of the most iconic beaches in the country. Easily recognizable Haystack Rock and scenic Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site welcome you, and delightful Arcadia Beach is only two short miles further south. Ecola and Oswald State Park, mainstays of the hiking and biking crowd, are two more friendly places to visit here. Named one of America’s best art towns, you should be able to visit all fifteen art galleries in Cannon Beach, which offer many different artistic styles and genres. Afterward, enjoy a patio lunch at Mo’s Seafood and Chowder, some of the best seafood and personal service along the coast. Cannon Beach is small enough to be missed by many travelers, so you will have a refreshingly unique story to tell when you return home.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Also known simply as Carmel, this unforgettable picturesque town is as friendly and inviting as California gets. It certainly is one of the most beautiful. Located on the Monterey Peninsula, most of the visitors come here to take in the stately and historic Carmel Mission, complete with its own well-appointed museum and fantastic fairy-tale cottages. The residents know that tourism makes up a considerable part of their collective income, so they go out of their way to make all feel welcome. The easily manageable Scenic Bluff Path will get you to the beach, and after a meal at La Bicyclette, try to visit as many of the one hundred art galleries as you can. It can be a bit overwhelming, so the best way to approach the gallery scene is to prepare in advance.
St. Helena, California
Welcome to this lovely town of just over 5000 people nestled in the heart of Napa Valley wine country. A popular destination for those wanting to avoid beaches, theme parks, and museums, St. Helena has been dubbed “Napa Valley’s Main Street. St. Helena offers an unforgettable experience not to be had anywhere else in the region. Beringer Vineyards, Louis M. Martini Winery, Sattui Winery, and Charles Krug Winery are just some of the places that put this stylish and elegant town on the must-see list. It has been said that St. Helena takes a minimum of three days to fully explore, but even that seems rushed to me. Well, if it is all you have. Set aside a full day to take in the top-notch Culinary Institute of America and its elegant Gatehouse Restaurant, one of the most beautiful places on the entire West Coast. After visiting St. Helena, winery crawling may replace pub crawling as your celebratory night out.
Solvang, California
It may not be in the famous Napa Valley, but Solvang sits amid a wine country of its own. With Gainey Vineyard, Sunstone Winery, Kalyra Winery and Brave and Maiden Estate nearby, wine lovers will find plenty to do. This serves as an excellent alternative to the wine-producing regions further north. But that is not the most impressive part of the town. Solvang is famous for its unique Danish-style architecture and the entire genteel town gives the visitor the impression of traveling back in time. So try to spend one night here at least. The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art dives into the area’s surprising Scandinavian past and connects it with a glorious present. To really get into the spirit, explore Danish cuisine at the friendly Solvang Restaurant or the Red Viking.
Avalon, California
Catalina Island is home to Avalon, one of the most unique and welcoming small towns on the west coast. It is the only incorporated city on the small island, so it will serve as your base to explore the entire area. It is an amiable waterfront community built around the charming harbor, and tourism is its main draw, so everyone from cordial shop owners to sociable waitresses is welcoming and friendly. Sailors come from all over the world to experience Avalon. On any given night, there may be as many people sleeping on vessels at anchor as there are in the hotels. Maritime life is the reason many are here, but when not sailing or swimming, you can take in a movie at the Avalon Theater or play at the Catalina Casino. Since Catalina has served as the location for many films, movie buffs can spend a weekend tracking down set locations.
The Pacific Coast of the United States offers so much more beyond the large urban areas. The many friendly small towns in Washington State, Oregon, and California bring charm and character to this region, offering innumerable opportunities for visitors who prefer the road less traveled. Whether you choose to visit by yourself, with a partner, or bring the whole family, this list proves that rich rewards await you. Pack a bag, choose one or two small, friendly towns, make reservations, and we will see you on the Pacific Coast.
