9 Towns on the Pacific Coast with Vibrant Downtown Areas
From the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State to the sun-soaked shores of San Diego, the Pacific Coast of the United States is loaded with some of the most scenic landscapes in the entire country. Also along this rich coastline lies many great small towns alongside the bigger cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle.
If you're looking to avoid the crowds on your next Pacific Coast road trip, here are 9 of these small towns that we personally recommend you stop in. Besides their often beautiful surroundings, we will focus on what their modest downtown areas bring to the table in terms of things to see and do.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria’s downtown reflects its deep-rooted history as the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Its streets feature a huge collection of Victorian-era architecture and preserved sites from its days as a prominent port town.
The Columbia River Maritime Museum provides insight into Astoria’s economic legacy, documenting shipwrecks, fishing, and river navigation through extensive exhibits. Visitors can also see remnants of the old cannery industry, now repurposed into shops and eateries along the waterfront.
For some entertainment, see the Liberty Theater, originally built in the 1920s. This classic theater continues to host performances and films to this day. Nearby, the Astoria Column, a 125-foot structure with murals depicting Oregon’s history, offers views in town of the Columbia River, the Pacific Ocean, and downtown Astoria below.
For a comprehensive view of Pacific Northwest history, Astoria combines significant historical sites with scenic views and local industry, making it an essential stop along the Pacific Coast for all.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Established as an outpost for the Spanish Empire, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a distinctly European ambiance with its narrow, tree-lined streets and Spanish-inspired architecture. While here, be sure to explore the Carmel Plaza, home to shops, fine dining, and local wineries, or wander through art galleries like the Weston Gallery Inc, which showcases local and international works.
For history enthusiasts, the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo—built in 1771—stands as a beautifully preserved site of early Californian history, complete with museum exhibits and guided tours.
Natural beauty frames the small downtown area, with Carmel Beach located just a short walk away. The views over the wide open ocean and white sands are ideal for a pleasant evening stroll.
Anacortes, Washington
Anacortes is a town of around 18,000 residents that is renowned for its vibrant downtown waterfront and its easy access to the San Juan Islands. The downtown district features a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, with a focus on local artisans and fresh seafood. Try a meal at Secret Cove, which not only serves delicious and fresh seafood dishes but has some of the best views one can have over the water from its dining room.
Visitors should start their trip by checking out the Anacortes Museum, which highlights the town's history, from its more modern connection to the ocean to the Native American cultures that once inhabited the region.
The town is also home to Cap Sante Park, which offers panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding islands, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for a great opportunity for landscape photography.
Its proximity to ferry services to the San Juan Islands also makes Anacortes a key departure point for exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Monterey, California
Monterey’s downtown area is another historic hub on the coast. A visit to Cannery Row is a must- once a center for sardine canning, it has since transformed into a vibrant waterfront district filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries. The area is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which plays a vital role in marine research and education, attracting visitors with its diverse exhibits on marine life.
The Pacific House Museum will give you a closer look at some of Monterey’s earliest residents, showcasing artifacts from its Native American history to the era of Spanish colonization. Additionally, the historic Custom House and Colton Hall serve as reminders of the city’s role in California's early governance.
Alvarado Street runs through the heart of downtown and is lined with dozens of locally-owned businesses and eateries, offering a range of dining options from casual to upscale. A stop at the Alvarado Street Brewery is highly recommended, especially on a hot California day.
The annual Monterey Jazz Festival also highlights the city’s cultural significance, drawing music lovers from across the country in late September.
Seaside, Oregon
This appropriately named town is a haven for those seeking outdoor recreation near the coast. Seaside has many noteworthy and beautiful destinations in and around it, like The Promenade, a scenic walkway along the nearby beach. The local waterfront stretches for over a mile and is lined with historic hotels, bars, and restaurants, making it a convenient place for a day at the beach.
Learn more about the local ecosystem too at the Seaside Aquarium. Established in 1937, it is a key attraction that focuses on marine education and conservation, perfect for the whole family. Visitors can also observe local marine life in the real world in Seaside, including seals and tide pool creatures along the extensive beaches nearby.
Ecola State Park is another wonderful natural destination nearby. Just south of town, this popular state park contains towering bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, more pristine beaches, and lush coastal forests with trails weaving throughout.
South Bend, Washington
South Bend rests along the Willapa River and is a beautiful little town that is a fantastic spot to stop for oysters. Recognized for its oyster industry, with nearby oyster farms contributing to local dining options and annual events like the Oysters and Beer Festival, fans of the tasty shellfish flock to this town of less than 1,800 residents year-round.
Learn more about this cozy small town at the Pacific County Historical Society & Museum, and then continue your walk along Robert Bush Drive, South Bend's main thoroughfare. Here, you can grab a beverage at either Elixir Coffee Shop or Willapa Brewing Co., and grab a bite at River View Dining (all with great views of the river).
Be sure to also check out the nearby Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, which provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest.
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay makes for an amazing escape from the bustling city of San Francisco, which sits about a half-hour's drive north of town. The town is also famous for its agricultural scene, with seasonal events like the Art and Pumpkin Festival celebrating the local farming industry and attracting visitors each fall.
The Half Moon Bay History Museum offers insights into the region’s heritage, including its development from a farming community to a popular coastal destination. Additionally, the downtown area is a gateway to coastal activities, including hiking along the nearby coastal bluffs and visiting the historic Point Montara Lighthouse.
Nearby, the Half Moon Bay State Beach provides scenic ocean views and opportunities for hiking and picnicking along the Pacific shoreline.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is widely recognized for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and proximity to some of the country's best wildlands, like Olympic National Park.
Notable sites in its vibrant dowtown core include the Jefferson Museum of Art & History, which provides an overview of the region’s past, including its maritime history and Native American heritage. Water Street runs along the waterfront, and here, you can find an assortment of local shops, restaurants, and other quality amenities like the Palace Hotel Port Townsend, a gorgeous and ornate hotel with views directly over Port Townsend Bay.
Port Townsend serves as an ideal gateway to outdoor activities in the region, with access to nearby parks and beaches, including Fort Worden State Park and the northeastern edge of the vast and iconic Olympic National Park.
Fort Bragg, California
Fort Bragg is located along California’s Mendocino Coast and draws visitors every year for its breathtaking scenery in all directions. The town's history as a military outpost is reflected in its architecture, museums, and other related locales, including the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail, which follows an old railroad line along the coastline.
The Glass Beach, famous for its colorful sea glass, is a popular attraction and a great place for a photoshoot. Experience the wonderful local scenery at other spots near Fort Bragg like the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, which showcase a diverse collection of plants and offer yet more scenic views of the coastline.
Fort Bragg is also notable for hosting the Whale Festival, which celebrates the migration of gray whales along the Pacific Coast- a true sight to behold if you're lucky enough to see them as they pass by.
Experience the Pacific Coast Through these Wonderful Towns
The Pacific Coast of the United States is a lengthy stretch of land that contains almost the full spectrum of landscapes, from rainforests to deserts and everything in between. With its equally lengthy highways running up and down, the part of the country is clearly an amazing place for a road trip, whether it is a multi-state journey or just a weekend getaway.
Hopefully, some or all of these highly recommended towns can make it onto your itinerary on your next Pacific Coast adventure.
