The beach and Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon.

9 Prettiest Small Towns on the Pacific Coast

Between captivating coastal landscapes, lush forests abundant with wildlife, and diverse cultural experiences, the Pacific Coast offers no shortage of beauty. Whether you prefer the dreamlike landscapes of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the misty fjords of Ketchikan, or the mesmerizing gondola views from Squamish, these nine towns are easy to fall in love with. Discover the nine prettiest small towns on the Pacific Coast, covering a wide range of climates, city attractions, and natural landscapes.

More coast worth slowing down forThe Most Scenic Small Towns On The Pacific Coast

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Make your way to California's Central Coast to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea. This dreamy little town serves up postcard scenery that feels almost too pretty to be real. Stop by the beautiful boutiques, quality restaurants, and quaint coffee shops like Cafe Carmel as you meander down Ocean Avenue.

Downtown streets in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Image credit Oliver Delahaye via Shutterstock

Eventually, you will reach Carmel Beach, renowned for its mesmerizing sunsets, clear waters, and the annual sandcastle contest. Whether you are searching for the perfect gift or souvenir, you can take a piece of the ocean home with you by exploring Aaron Chang's exquisite fine art photography at the Ocean Art Gallery on Ocean Avenue.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Prepare to see awe-inspiring geological formations in Cannon Beach, one of the prettiest small towns on the Pacific Coast. Capture striking photos of Haystack Rock, an expansive basalt sea stack rising 235 feet above the shoreline. See the gorgeous tidepools home to intertidal animals such as sea stars and crabs, and try to spot some of the diverse seabirds, from tufted puffins to pelagic cormorants, western gulls, pigeon guillemots, peregrine falcons, and more.

Bask in the beauty of Ecola State Park, filled with gorgeous scenery at Indian Beach and the offshore Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and dates back to the late 1800s.

Tofino, British Columbia

Escape to British Columbia's beautiful Vancouver Island to discover Tofino, a true Canadian paradise. Search for all kinds of wildlife in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, exploring the gorgeous Long Beach Unit that stretches between Tofino and Ucluelet. Catch the brilliant sunset or take in the beauty of Wickaninnish Island from Tonquin Beach, which is also a lovely spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply strolling by the water.

Clayoquot Sound wilderness landscape, Tofino, British Columbia.

Venture through the Naa'Waya'Sum Gardens, passing by the verdant botanical grounds filled with medicinal plants, sculptures, ornamentals, and water features. Make sure you check out the Nuu'chah'nulth art through the welcome center exhibit and totems.

Bainbridge Island, Washington

A 35-minute ferry ride from Washington's biggest city gives you access to one of the prettiest small towns on the Pacific Coast. The ferry ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island reveals magnificent views of downtown Seattle (visible on a clear day), and even the chance to spot orca whales swimming in the waters.

Downtown Bainbridge Island, Washington. Image credit Michael Gordon via Shutterstock

Once you arrive, venture out to explore the island. You will want to see the gorgeous gardens of the 140-acre Bloedel Reserve and spectacular vistas of the Olympic Mountains from Fort Ward Park. Bainbridge Island is also home to significant sites, such as the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, which marks the removal of Japanese Americans from the island during World War II.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Head up to Alaska's Inside Passage, where temperate rainforest, eye-catching fjords, and mist-wrapped mountains astonish you with their beauty. Nearby Misty Fjords National Monument, nicknamed "the Yosemite of the North," shows off glacier-carved valleys mirrored in still Pacific inlets. Wander down Creek Street, an antique boardwalk downtown surrounded by antique shops, incredible restaurants, and fascinating museums.

The downtown area of Ketchikan, Alaska. Image credit Charles HHuang via Shutterstock

Test your luck fishing in "The Salmon Capital of the World," or watch the extraordinary salmon run that takes place each July through October at Ketchikan Creek Falls. You can also take a cruise into Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in America, renowned for its breathtaking glaciers, forests, meadows, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Squamish, British Columbia

Welcome to Squamish, a striking small town set in Howe Sound. Discover all kinds of adventures here, whether it is the scenic trails and cascading waterfalls of Shannon Falls Provincial Park or the commanding forest-mountain views from the Sea to Sky Gondola, which carries you up to the summit. Put your physical abilities to the test, hiking to the peaks of Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, rock climbing, and searching for wildlife, including peregrine falcons. See historical attractions at the Railway Museum of British Columbia, where restored vintage locomotives and railcars are on display.

Quieter stretches of the coastThe Most Overlooked Towns On The Pacific Coast

Pacifica, California

If you are searching for scenic landscapes with quirky attractions, Pacifica will be your perfect California paradise. See captivating coastal views from the crescent-shaped Pacifica State Beach, and capture striking photos of the freshwater creeks, plants, and wildlife in the roughly 1,000-acre San Pedro Valley Park. Pacifica is also home to a Taco Bell Cantina often called "the world's most beautiful Taco Bell," serving specialty food items and even alcoholic beverages by the beach. Mori Point is another great spot to explore, where vibrant wildflowers bloom in spring and exquisite coastal views await all year long.

Westport, Washington

Strengthen your connection to nature in Westport, where the parks are beautiful and the wildlife is abundant. Search for shorebirds, harbor seals, gray whales, and bald eagles in Westport Light State Park, which takes in wide beaches, forests, and coastline. Take a trip back in time as you visit Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the state, standing 107 feet high. The Westport Maritime Museum also features a wide collection of maritime, marine mammal, and natural history exhibits to guide you through the history of the area.

Astoria, Oregon

Experience the magic of Astoria, one of the prettiest small towns on the Pacific Coast. This dazzling Oregon city features exquisite Victorian homes, world-class museums, and extraordinary views of the river. Walk along the Riverwalk Trail, taking in panoramic views of the legendary Astoria-Megler Bridge (the longest continuous truss bridge in North America) spanning the Columbia River.

Downtown street in Astoria, Oregon. — Downtown Astoria, Oregon. Image credit Enrico Powell via Shutterstock

Enjoy a refreshing beverage at Fort George Brewery, home to lively events such as Sunday Music Nights and the annual Festival of Dark Arts. Pay a visit to the Flavel House Museum, an incredible example of Queen Anne architecture built between 1884 and 1885, capturing Victorian-era elegance and the history of Captain George Flavel and his family.

Even more good-looking coastal townsThe Prettiest Towns On The Pacific Coast

Plan Your Pacific Coast Escape

Whether you prefer the eye-catching geological formations of Cannon Beach, the one-of-a-kind island experiences of Bainbridge Island, or the exciting outdoor adventure opportunities of Squamish, the Pacific Coast is filled with incredible attractions to see, across a wide range of climates, cultures, and regions. Start planning your next adventure as you choose from the nine prettiest small towns on the Pacific Coast across Canada and the United States to explore today!

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