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 fairytale-like landscapes of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the gorgeous glaciers of Ketchikan, or the mesmerizing gondola views from Squamish, discover the nine prettiest small towns on the Pacific Coast, and you will quickly fall in love with them, covering a wide range of climates, city attractions, and natural landscapes.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Make your way to California’s Central Coast to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea. This charming small town offers picture-perfect scenery that will take you straight into a fairytale. Stop by the beautiful boutiques, quality restaurants, and quaint coffee shops like Café Carmel as you meander down Ocean Avenue.
Eventually, you will reach Carmel Beach, renowned for its mesmerizing sunsets, stunning 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.
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 stunning landscapes from Indian Beach to the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places with its past dating 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 breathtaking Long Beach Unit from Tofino to Ucluelet. See the spectacular sunset or bask in the beauty of Wickaninnish Island from Tonquin Beach, which is also a lovely spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply strolling by the water.
Venture through the Naa'Waya'Sum Gardens, passing by the lush botanical gardens consisting of 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 will reveal magnificent views of downtown Seattle (visible on a clear day), and even the opportunity to spot Orca whales swimming in the waters.
Once you arrive, venture out to explore the island. You will want to see the gorgeous gardens of the expansive 140-acre Bloedel Reserve and spectacular vistas of the Olympic Mountains from Fort Ward State Park. Bainbridge Island is also home to significant sites, such as the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, which represents the tumultuous past Japanese Americans experienced during World War II.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Head up north to explore The Last Frontier, where gorgeous glaciers and eye-catching fjords will astonish you with their beauty, and mesmerizing Northern Lights displays will light up the sky like you have never seen before. Wander down Creek Street, an antique boardwalk downtown surrounded by antique shops, incredible restaurants, and fascinating museums.
Test your luck fishing in “The Salmon Capital of the World,” or see the extraordinary salmon run that takes place from July to October in Ketchikan Creek Falls. You can also take a cruise to 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 stunning small town set in Howe Sound. Discover all kinds of adventures here, from the scenic trails and cascading waterfalls of Shannon Falls Provincial Park to the jaw-dropping forest-mountain views from the Sea to Sky Gondola, taking 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 in the Railway Museum of British Columbia, where the operating 1950s passenger train diesels CN 6520 and CP 4069 are on display.
Pacifica, California
If you are searching for picturesque 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 possibly wildlife in the 1,052-acre San Pedro Valley Park. Pacifica is also home to Taco Bell Cantina, often referred to as “the world’s most beautiful Taco Bell," serving specialty food items and even alcoholic beverages on the beach. Mori Point is another incredible spot to explore, where vibrant wildflowers bloom in the spring and exquisite coastal views await all year long.
Westport, Washington
Strengthen your connection to nature in Westport, where the parks are breathtaking and the wildlife is abundant. Search for shorebirds, harbor seals, gray whales, and bald eagles in Westport Light State Park, which consists of stunning beaches, forests, and coastline. Take a trip back in time as you visit Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the state, standing at a height of 107 feet. 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, seeing panoramic views of the legendary Astoria-Megler Bridge (the longest continuous truss bridge in North America) spanning the Columbia River.
Enjoy a refreshing beverage at Fort George Brewery, enjoying lively special events such as Sunday Music Nights and the Festival of Dark Arts in 2026. Pay a visit to the Flavel House Museum, an incredible example of Queen Anne architecture built between 1884 and 1885, depicting Victorian-era elegance and the history of Captain George Flavel and his family.
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!
