8 Oldest Founded Towns To Visit In the Pacific Coast
Are you looking for the perfect vacation spot? Or already planning a trip to the Pacific coast of the United States? If so, you will not want to miss out on spending some time in the quiet towns and historic cities that built the American west as we know it today. With a Pacific coastline of well over 8,000 miles, spanning five states and two continents, there is an abundance of history waiting to be experienced and nature to be explored. With fun activities for children and adults alike, including walking part of the Oregon Trail, panning for gold in California, and the chance to go deep sea fishing in the Pacific Ocean, make sure you do not miss out on experiencing all that the Pacific coast has to offer, both historical and cultural.
San Diego, California
Located in the heart of modern San Diego, California, Old Town is the site of the first European settlement in all of California, and dates back to 1769. Now a museum and historical site, tourists are welcome to spend the day wondering on their own or as a part of the many group guided tours offered at this site. Or, if you are looking to hit as many tourist sites as possible, the best way to see all of San Diego is by using the convenient Hop on Hop off bus tours, the San Diego route including top attractions such as Balboa Park and Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalб, and even included a tour guide on each bus who will keep you enthralled with their knowledge of all things San Diego.
San Francisco, California
Spanish for Saint Francis, San Francisco, California was founded in 1776. Famous for attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island, San Francisco brings tourists from all over the world, in fact it is the fourth most visited tourist city in the United States with over three million visitors every year. With too many historical sites to count there are also many modern delights waiting in the city, especially for those not afraid of heights. Spend a day and drive down the steepest street in the world, or push your limits climbing up the Golden Gate Bridge. And for any wine lovers out there, do not miss your chance to explore the Napa Wine Country, an easy day trip out of the city that cannot be beat.
Sitka, Alaska
While the archeological record indicates that there has been a permanent, and notably large, community living in the vicinity of modern day Sitka, Alaska for millennia, the first European exploration and colonization of Alaska was done by explorers funded by Imperial Russia. Located on the Western coast of Baranof Island, Sitka, or Fort St. Michael as it was referred to at the time, was founded in 1799 by Aleksandr Baranov. One of the best places to learn about pre-colonial Alaskan history is at the visitor centre in Sitka National Historical Park, a short drive outside Sitka town site. But also make sure you save a morning to stroll down Lincoln Street in downtown Sitka, an enchanting main street with lovely art shops and pictures historical buildings.
Amity, Oregon
The story of the founding of Amity, Oregon is quintessentially American. Brothers Joseph and Ahio Watt traveled the long and gruelling Oregon Trail to make it to the American west coast, where they made a land claim which would one day encompass the townside of Amity. The name, derived from the latin word for friendship, amicitia, was first used as the name of the local school, where Ahio Watt was the first ever teacher. Today tourists visit Amity primarily in the some, coming to spend time in this relaxing and slow paced sleepy town in one of its many rentable summer cabins or in one of the unbeatable bed and breakfasts on the Amity's high street.
Oregon City, Oregon
Originally known as Willamette Falls, Oregon City, Oregon was founded by Dr. John McLoughlin in 1823. In 1843 the first significant wagon emigration began to Oregon City, via the Oregon Trail, with Abernethy Green, now located in Oregon City itself, marking the traditional end of the trail. Today, Oregon City draws tourists to visit historical mill sites, some still in use today, and to observe restored wagons that were used during the emigration west from the American East coast states. Popular attractions include tours offered through Willamette Falls Legacy Project and End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
Steilacoom, Washington
The first British colonizers to explore the region where Steilacoom, Washington now sits were led by British Captain George Vancouver. After making landfall, Captain Vancouver ventured inland via the soon to be named Puget Sound, in 1792. The town itself was founded in 1854 when the local territorial legislature merged Port Steilacoom with Steilacoom City. Today, visitors come from all over to participate in the interactive living museum at Fort Steilacoom, one of Washington state’s most visited tourist attraction. For nature lovers there is the Farrell's Marsh to explore. Located in Farrell's Marsh Wildlife Area, this nature preserve offers both natural beauty and colonial history as many of the hikes in the park follow along wheel tracks that date back to the heyday of the Oregon Trail.
Coupeville, Washington
Named for pioneer Thomas Coupe, Coupeville, Washington was the first town settled by European colonists on Whidbey Island. In 1848 the population on Whidbey Island grew rapidly, with many emigrating across America to be farmers, fishermen, and to get involved with the fur trade. Coupeville is Washington state's second-oldest European settled community, so if you are an American history buff this is a town you cannot miss out on exploring. The place to start your exploration is Island County Historical Museum which recounts hoe Coupeville came to be. Today, Coupeville is the nearest city to Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, a state park in Washington which preserves both Indigenous and colonial history in the Pacific Northwest. Other attractions in the area include Price Sculpture Forest and Penn Cove Brewing Company for those looking for culture and cuisine.
Hilo, Hawaii
While all of the oldest founded towns and cities along the Pacific coast of the United State are found on the mainland, there are many noteworthy historical cities and towns on the Hawaiian Islands as well. The oldest city across the entire Hawaiian archipelago is Hilo, this city having a colonial heritage that traces back to the first Christian mission built on the Big Island in 1839. Today, a visit to Hawaii’s Big Island is not complete without venturing out into the lush tropical rainforests that surround Hilo, or, for the brave at heart, Hilo is the destination to pickup a tour that takes you snorkelling or scuba diving at night with the Manta Ray’s that inhabit the Island’s local waters.
Collectively, Pacific coast states, cities, and towns are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world, offering visitors a chance to learn about Indigenous and colonial Pacific coastal history, as well as to explore the majesty of the Rocky and Alaskan mountain ranges, the volacanic Islands of Hawaii, and experience a wide range of cultural heritages that have made these towns what they are today. From local architecture and cuisine, natural exploration, and a fascinating history, there is more to explore than anyone could see in a single vacation along the Pacific coast, so you better make it two!
