6 Darling Small Towns on the Pacific Coast

North America’s Pacific Coast stretches from southern California through British Columbia and all the way to northern Alaska, with dozens of darling small towns sprinkled all along the coast. In Cannon Beach, Oregon, named one of the 100 most beautiful places by National Geographic, one of the sweetest simple pleasures is wandering the boutiques and cozy cafés gathered just steps from the sand. In Tofino, British Columbia, you can soak in the geothermally heated pools at Hot Springs Cove after a boat ride through Clayoquot Sound. The 6 Pacific Coast towns below are where storybook downtown and unforgettable coastal adventures come together in one remarkably scenic stretch of North America.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

A jewel of the California coast, the beautiful town of Carmel-by-the-Sea began life as an artist’s colony, and it’s not hard to see why. The stunning views around town are sure to inspire even the most creatively challenged. You’ll get the best seafront vistas at Carmel Beach, a long strip of unspoiled white sand that runs the length of the town. To see what Carmel’s artists are up to now and get acquainted with the town’s artistic past, visit the town’s largest and oldest gallery, the Carmel Art Association.

Carmel isn’t just known for its art; the town is also a favorite among wine connoisseurs. Pick up a copy of the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk to take a self-guided tour around the best tasting rooms, stopping at renowned wineries such as KORi Wines and De Tierra Vineyards.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Named one of the most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic, Cannon Beach is a nature lover’s paradise. Pack your camera for this trip; there are a lot of stunning scenes to capture around town. Start with local landmark Haystack Rock, a towering basalt stack on the shoreline rising 235 feet above the water. When the tide is low, you can walk right out to the rock and enjoy incredible bird watching — especially in spring and summer when scores of Tufted puffins take up residence.

For more incredible scenery, head to Ecola State Park. This retreat spans nine miles of pristine coastline with hiking trails, surfing spots, and picnic facilities. Highlights in the park include the secluded Indian Beach, an abandoned lighthouse, and the 2.5 mile historical interpretive route, Clatsop Loop Trail which follows an 1806 expedition. Visit in winter or spring and you might be lucky enough to see a pod of migrating gray whales.

Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores, a quaint town on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, exudes beachside charm. Visitors can enjoy activities like horseback riding on the sands or riding fat tire bikes along the coast, showcasing the area’s stunning seaside scenery. The Weatherwax Trail offers an up-close look at the peninsula’s rich wetlands and coastal forest, with a 1.2-mile paved loop around Duck Lake. At the southern tip lies Damon Point, a popular hiking spot where bald eagles can often be seen in their natural habitat, and on clear days, you can view Westport across the bay. The fresh sea air tends to stimulate appetites, so be sure to stop by Bennett’s Fish Shack to savor local crab, clams, oysters, and other seafood delights.

Astoria, Oregon

Located where the Columbia River prepares to meet the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is a historic town that began as a busy trading port. A quaint fishing village packed with stunning Victorian homes overlooking a picturesque harbor, Astoria is like something out of a storybook. It’s no wonder the town has provided a scenic backdrop for many movies, including Free Willy, The Goonies, and Kindergarten Cop.

Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum to explore Astoria’s seafaring history, and stop by the nearby Barbey Maritime Center for engaging displays and Native American carving workshops. Both museums are situated on the waterfront, close to the Astoria Riverfront Trolley stop. You can enjoy a scenic, hour-long trolley tour that passes attractions like the Maritime Memorial Park, Nordic Heritage Park, and Hanthorn Cannery Museum—an excellent way to see the town.

Eureka, California

Eureka is a bustling California seaport, founded in 1856, with a Victorian-era old town and a working harbor. Stroll the historic district to see glimpses of the town’s long history including the stunning Carson Mansion, built in 1884 by lumber tycoon William Carson. There’s more dazzling architecture downtown, including the former Carnegie Free Library, now home to the Morris Graves Museum of Art.

Eureka has plenty of captivating natural scenery, too. One of the best outdoor attractions is the Redwood Skywalk at Sequoia Park Zoo. This incredible rope bridge trail rises 100 feet above the forest floor, giving visitors a canopy-level view of the lush old-growth forest from viewing platforms scattered throughout the quarter-mile walk.

Tofino, British Columbia

On the western side of Vancouver Island in British Columbia is the coastal town of Tofino, a fishing and logging village turned ecotourism destination. The rainforest-covered shoreline opens up to stunning views of the Clayoquot Sound, making Tofino the perfect destination for outdoor adventure. From February to May, visitors take to the water to catch a glimpse of schools of migrating gray whales. Tofino is also an angler’s dream, with waters stocked with Chinook Salmon, Coho salmon, and albacore tuna.

Take a water taxi from Tofino Harbor to experience the unique beauty of Meares Island Tribal Park, the first Tribal Park in British Columbia established to preserve its ancient red cedar forests. Just north of Tofino, explore Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, home to Hot Springs Cove, where visitors can relax in geothermally heated waters amidst stunning scenery.

Many adventurous travelers visited the Pacific coast, from early Spanish explorers to gold rush prospectors. Before their arrival, the region was inhabited by various Indigenous communities, including the Salishan- and Nadene-speaking tribes of the Pacific Northwest, the Aleut, and others. The area’s rich heritage, history, and industries have created a vibrant melting pot. In these charming small towns, visitors can experience a taste of the Pacific Coast’s unique charm and be captivated by its magic.