7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns on the Pacific Coast
Stretching from California through Oregon and Washington, the Pacific Coast is dotted with small towns where the water is always close and the days feel unhurried. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, that pace looks like an early walk on Carmel Beach, with the cottages and cypress-lined bluffs just behind you. Up in Cannon Beach, it’s tide pools and sea spray beneath Haystack Rock, where the shoreline feels made for slow wandering. Threaded between spots like these are harbors, boardwalks, and main streets that don’t demand a schedule—just a sweatshirt, a coffee, and some time to explore.
In this guide, you’ll explore seven of the Pacific Coast’s most relaxed small towns—from storybook Carmel-by-the-Sea to the rugged calm of Mendocino, the postcard shoreline of Cannon Beach, and the easy waterfront energy of places like Port Townsend, La Conner, Astoria, and Morro Bay.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Starting off the list is Carmel-by-the-Sea. This beloved town is a consistent winner of the best cities to visit in the US. Carmel's charming European architecture, immaculate white beaches, and surfable waves are known far and wide, attracting millions of visitors annually. Start your journey at Carmel Beach, where breathtaking ocean views and scenery await you on an expansive shoreline of silky white sand. What's more, the beach is connected to natural trails, which can be enjoyed before or after your visit.
Aside from its beautiful shores, Carmel is also known for having some of the best art scenes in the state. It’s home to over 25 art galleries, including the historic Carmel Art Association—the oldest gallery in town, opening its doors nearly a hundred years ago in 1927. This non-profit gallery features both new and permanent exhibitions, along with monthly community events that everyone can enjoy. If you're a patron, you might even have the chance to take home artwork from some of the finest artists in the Monterey Peninsula. For overnight stays, consider one of the charming cottages in the area. Many visitors describe them as feeling like a "fairy tale" with their sharply sloped roofs and uniquely shaped windows.
Mendocino, California
Like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Mendocino also offers top-notch beaches, but its towering and rugged sea cliffs are particularly a sight to behold. To see them, visit Mendocino Headlands Trail, where you see miles of scenic views and sea cliffs standing over the Pacific Ocean. This area is also famous among photographers, as it is home to many wildlife animals, including local seabirds. Located conveniently a 15-minute walk away, one of the most cherished tourist spots in town is Portugese Beach—this hidden gem boasts clear turquoise waters, nature trails, and rugged cliffs. Based on several reviews, it also offers enchanting sunset views during twilight hours.
Wrap up your visit at the Kelley House Museum, where friendly guides will take you on an engaging tour. You'll learn about Mendocino's rich history, including Indigenous culture and the logging industry that helped shape the town. Plus, you'll get to see beautifully preserved Victorian-style buildings that truly capture the area's charm.
Port Townsend, Washington
Few towns provide the historic charm Port Townsend does; with more than 300 historic buildings to explore, you can always have fascinating landmarks to see and explore. The Port Townsend Historic District is a good starting point to begin your journey—this precinct houses elegant-looking commercial and residential 19th and 20th buildings, in addition to the Jefferson County Courthouse. This majestic 143-foot-long structure stands as a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture.
You definitely won't want to miss the JCHS Museum of Art and History, which features a fascinating mix of artifacts and rotating exhibits. Right now, their exhibition titled "Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific" is on display until late October, shedding light on the often-overlooked history of Black sailors in the region and their important contributions to local development. And since the theme of this article is about relaxing and peaceful spots, be sure to visit Fort Worden Historical State Park just north of town. This wonderful park combines history and natural beauty, offering a chance to explore several historic military sites along with breathtaking views of the shoreline, sandy beaches, and well-maintained trails.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria holds the distinction of being the oldest settlement in Oregon. The history of this port city dates back thousands of years ago when Native Americans inhabited the area and subsequent settlers. To get a feel of the area, consider taking a guided historical tour with Onward Adventures, a three-hour journey where you can see the best spots in a comfy air-conditioned vehicle—different stops include the 125-foot-tall Astoria Column, the Flavel House Museum, and the 213-year-old Fort Astoria. The latter is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Take a moment to enjoy a relaxing walk along the beautiful 12.8-mile Astoria Riverwalk, which is conveniently located near charming museums and lively shopping outlets. Astoria truly offers a wonderful mix of modern attractions and the warm, inviting atmosphere of a small town, filled with many historic landmarks just waiting to be explored.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is a small community town with just over 1,500 residents, but its beautiful shores attract over a million visitors, given its natural beauty. Kickstart your trip by seeing Haystack Rock, a towering 235-foot-tall sea stack that stands as one of the most iconic symbols of Oregon; it serves as a critical habitat for seabirds, sea stars, and crabs; it is also a popular spot for photographers, given its massive size and habitat for wildlife. Another popular spot to observe wildlife is Ecola State Park, home to secluded beaches and stunning ocean views. Visitors here may observe seabirds and small mammals, but more impressively, migrating gray whales during spring season and winter, as well as sea lions along the shoreline.
This town is also home to several charming art galleries. One highlight is the lovely Icefire Glassworks gallery, a cozy studio where talented local artists create stunning, handcrafted glass art. After exploring all these wonderful sights, you'll probably be delighted to learn that National Geographic named this town among the top 100 Most Beautiful Places on Earth. With peaceful beaches, iconic landmarks like Haystack Rock, and a vibrant artistic spirit, this town truly feels special and welcoming for any visitor.
La Conner, Washington
Artistic community? Waterfront views? Tulip fields? All checked! This quaint town is home to several art galleries and museums, and is the main gateway to the famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Explore the free-to-attend Museum of Northwest Art, where you can witness a wide range of contemporary art influenced by local Pacific Northwest culture, with several pieces made by local and regional artists from neighboring states and provinces such as California, British Columbia, Oregon, and more. The museum has permanent and rotating exhibits to provide something fresh for each visit.
First Street is a fantastic one-way avenue perfect for all your shopping needs. It’s filled with a variety of seafood restaurants and cozy cafes, like La Conner Waterfront Café, where you can enjoy beautiful waterfront views and delicious dishes. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for April to experience the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. It’s a wonderful celebration with endless colorful tulips, offering stunning photo opportunities and lots of fun. People from over 85 countries come to join in the excitement!
Morro Bay, California
Like Cannon Beach, Morro Bay has its own unique geological feature: Morro Rock. The 23-million-year-old rock is a towering 576-foot-tall volcanic plug, considered a sacred site for the Salinan and Chumash Native American tribes. Given its status among the tribes above and its designation as a haven for bird species, rock climbing is unfortunately not allowed. But don't let that stop you from visiting and appreciating its humbling beauty and commanding presence! It is still a sight to behold and witness, nonetheless.
Next, keep your nature adventure going by visiting Morro Bay State Park. This beautiful coastal spot is perfect for fun activities like kayaking on calm waters, exploring hiking trails, and enjoying peaceful picnics surrounded by lush trees. To wind down your day, consider stopping at The Siren or Scout Coffee for a cozy, delicious treat.
Wrap Up Your Pacific Coast Exploration
In conclusion, the Pacific Coast is home to some truly relaxing small towns that invite you to experience their charming and unique qualities. Each town offers its own special treasures, from breathtaking landscapes to captivating histories, along with the chance to witness extraordinary geological formations. Whether you're captivated by the towering 576-foot Morro Rock in California or enchanted by the stunning scenery of Ecola State Park, every destination offers a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and enjoy this beautiful, distinctive coast.
