9 Towns on the Pacific Coast With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

The Pacific Coast is a charming region in the US that lures tourists from within the country and beyond year-round. Also known as the West Coast and including Washington, Oregon, and California, this region is nature’s playground, where ocean waves create awe-inspiring rock formations, wildlife thrives, and adventure awaits. And that’s not all. The Pacific Coast is also lined up with charming towns with downtowns brimming with fun attractions, local businesses, and landmarks reflecting their historic pasts. From Cannon Beach and its colorful art galleries to the waterfront downtown of Gig Harbor, here are nine towns on the Pacific Coast with amazing downtowns in 2024.

Florence, Oregon

Florence is a captivating town at the mouth of the Siuslaw River on the Pacific Ocean, with its downtown district stretching along the river. Known as Historic Old Town Florence, this district has many quaint shops, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, inns, and cafes, with scenic river views.

Stroll through the downtown and eat at Mari’s Kitchen or the Waterfront Depot, and proceed to shop for antiques and vintage items at Purple Pelican Antique Mall or Thrifty Threads. History buffs can stop at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum to see relics and exhibits related to the town’s pioneer days, the Siuslaw region, and the river. Before leaving, admire the Siuslaw River Bridge and visit the nearby Sea Lion Caves afterward to see sea lions.

Cambria, California

Cambria is a picturesque town on California's central coast that boasts more than a dramatic shoreline. This town hosts an ever-vibrant downtown full of establishments, from art galleries to boutiques, that will keep visitors exploring. First, Downtown Cambria invites art lovers to Vault, Artifacts, and Mission Galleries to feast their eyes on stunning artwork.

For antique collectors, the Antiques On Main and Rich Man Poor Man Antiques are always available for shopping. For history lovers, the Cambria Historical Museum is also downtown and is in one of the town's oldest homes, Guthrie Bianchini House. After exploring downtown, head to Moonstone Beach to walk on the boardwalk, play in the sand, and enjoy surfing.

Gig Harbor, Washington

Gig Harbor is a seaside town named after the Harbor of the same in Puget Sound. Hence, much of its downtown is on the waterfront, and strolling along it is a visual treat with sea views and floating sailboats and yachts. While in this part of town, stop at the Brix 25, Family Thai Hut, or Devoted Kiss Café for culinary delights, and grab a book to read later at Gig Harbor Book Company. Next, admire or shop artworks at Waters Edge Gallery or Woodstock Gift Gallery.

Afterward, visit the Skansie Brothers Park, a waterfront park serving as a memorial for the four Croatian fishermen brothers who lived and thrived by the shores. More history is available at the Harbor History Museum, featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits that reflect the glory of the town’s yesteryears. If there is still time, enjoy adventures at Kopachuck State Park, 15 minutes from downtown, boasting a scenic beach for relaxing, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Long Beach, Washington

Long Beach is one of the most scenic towns on Washington’s Coast, situated on the Long Beach Peninsula. The downtown is lovely and lively, featuring many businesses and attractions that will keep visitors exploring all day. To begin with, it is home to several great restaurants, like Big Catch Seafood House (offering tantalizing seafood) and Hungry Harbor Grille (offering sandwiches, chips, chicken, burgers, and chips).

In terms of attractions, downtown Long Beach is home to the world’s largest frying pan, standing 20 feet tall. Neptune Movie House is also in the downtown area, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy thrilling films, with a drive-in option. History buffs are not left out of the fun, as the area hosts Cranberry, Marsh’s Free, and World Kite museums, all with artifacts, photography, and other materials that tell unique stories.

For more adventures, step away from the town center and head to the very long shoreline to fly a kite and surf in the water, or hit the Discovery Trail for hiking and biking.

Bandon, Oregon

Bandon enjoys a gorgeous stretch of the Pacific Ocean and hosts the mouth of the Coquille River. While the ocean’s shoreline is a massive draw, the downtown or Old Town district enjoys a fair share of attention for its liveliness and bustling commercial activities. In downtown Bandon, Arts by the Sea Gallery and Second Street Gallery flaunt various paintings, sculptures, and pottery for art lovers to admire and purchase. For vitalizing meals to start up a day, visitors are welcome to Bandon Coffee Café or Loft Restaurant and Bar, with ocean views. Additionally, the downtown offers a healthy dose of history at the Bandon Historical Society Museum.

Away from downtown Bandon, visitors can also head to the beach to bask under the sun and surf the waves, or paddle and kayak on its serene waters along the Coquille River.

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria is Oregon’s oldest town, with a historic downtown that’s one of the most loved on the Pacific Coast. First, Astoria's downtown has a riverwalk trail stretching along the waterfront and featuring a variety of shopping and dining options. Walk on this trail to indulge in fun experiences and also see historic attractions like the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Astoria Megler Bridge.

Art lovers in downtown Astoria can also check out top galleries like Astoria Visual Arts, ARTstoria, and Cambium galleries. While in this part of town, be sure to shop at Astoria Vintage Hardware and enjoy dining at fine establishments like Astoria Coffee House & Bistro. After exploring the downtown, discover outdoor attractions, including Fort Stevens State Park and the 125-foot Astoria Column, which offer incredible views of the entire area.

Claremont, California

Claremont is a town of trees, colleges, and a bustling downtown, situated in Pomona Valley in the suburbs of Los Angeles. With more than 23,000 trees spread across the town, roaming its downtown is a scenic and refreshing experience. Besides its scenic allure, the town’s center, also known as Claremont Village, is home to numerous restaurants, boutiques, theaters, and galleries, among other establishments that will keep visitors exploring. Some specific establishments to check out in the area include, I Like Pie Bakeshop (for delicious treats), Bardot (for fine dining), and the Claremont 5 (for endless entertainment). For history and art, visitors are invited to Claremont Lewis Museum of Art, featuring artworks of local artists.

And for outdoor junkies, hit the 2.8-mile Thompson Creek Trail or head to Claremont Hills Wilderness Park to hike five miles of trails and soak in the surrounding scenery.

Port Townsend, Washington

Port Townsend sits on Quimper Peninsula, adjacent to Admiralty Inlet and Port Townsend Bay. Hence, it boasts a beautiful waterfront downtown lined with Victorian-era homes and storefronts, restaurants, boutiques, and inns. Stroll through this part of town and check out historic attractions like Jefferson County Courthouse and the Port Townsend Museum of Arts and History. Next, enjoy delectable meals at top restaurants like Café Tenby, then proceed to Pope Marine Park afterward to relax and savor the scenery. Just a little away from downtown, near Fort Worden, Chetzemoka Park draws visitors for relaxation and picnics, with views of Admiralty Bay.

Farther away, the Fort Worden State Historic Site beckons visitors to come to explore its military artifacts, a Coast Artillery Museum, three forts, two miles of sandy shores overlapping the ocean, and Point Wilson Lighthouse.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a picturesque beach and oceanside town in Clatsop County, with a bustling downtown worth visiting year-round. A walking tour of this downtown will reveal quaint streets with access to the beach, lined with restaurants, art galleries, pubs, shops, historic cottages, and beach houses. For art lovers, DragonFire and Bronze Coast galleries on Hemlock Street are must-visits, while history lovers will enjoy satisfying experiences at the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum on South Spruce Street.

When it's time to dine, downtown Cannon Beach offers great options, including The Bistro, Bill’s Tavern and Brewhouse, and Driftwood Restaurant and Lounge. Afterward, hit the beach to bask in the sun, enjoy picnics, stroll, and admire Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack towering into the skies from the coast. Tolovana Beach State Recreation Area is an alternate and quieter beach option at the end of the main beach to the south, with seamless access to the ocean.

The West Coast remains one of the most unique parts of the US with so much to offer. While the ocean and its tempting beaches are critical draws to this area, it also features towns with some of the best downtowns in the world, where visitors are spoiled with everything from shopping to dining, art exploration, entertainment, and more.