The Best Small Towns On the Pacific Coast To Chill Out

Along the Pacific, small towns have always acted like waypoints, places where ocean weather, local craft, and a stubborn sense of community shape daily life. Carmel-by-the-Sea grew into an artists’ haven after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake scattered creatives down the coast, and its story still shows up in cottage architecture and gallery-lined streets.

Farther north, Cannon Beach anchors its rhythm around Haystack Rock, a lava-born sea stack that turns the tide pools into a living classroom for anemones, crabs, and seabirds. Oregon’s 1967 Beach Bill keeps the entire oceanfront open to everyone today. In our list below, you’ll find boardwalk sunsets, lighthouse lookouts, and historic main streets designed for lingering, with the shoreline never far from your next slow hour.

1. Carmel-By-The-Sea, California

With a breathtaking coastline adorned with cliffs that end with aquamarine waters at their base lies Carmel-By-The-Sea. Here lies a landscape scattered with houses, all of them uniquely designed by a plethora of artists who relocated to the one-of-a-kind town of Carmel after the tragic 1906 San Francisco earthquake. If that tidbit of history is not simply intriguing enough, one of this unique town's former mayors is the famous actor: Clint Eastwood. This creatively built town is a utopia of natural beauty, a host to awe-inspiring beaches and cliffed shorelines such as Point Lobos. Point Lobos is a marine habitat affluent in biodiversity, crystal clear waters, swimming seals, and majestic cypress trees dappled among the landscape. A relaxing walk along the dazzling azure waters that adorn gorgeous cliffs decorated with emerald green pine, oak trees and other vegetation is a paradise on the Pacific coast for travellers of all ages. Natural allure is not all that the enticing Point Lobos has to offer, as this enchanting area offers fun activities such as kayaking and even scuba diving under the cerulean waters for those visitors who desire a taste of adventure!

2. Capitola, California

Capitola is a marvellous town which perfectly captures the essence of the rainbow and individuality. Certainly, one of the most tranquil and unique in California (and the west coast overall) Capitola is the home of magenta pink, bright blue, and royal violet painted houses; a colourful garden of homes on the coastline amid calm turquoise waters, which frolic upon smooth sandy beaches. If top-tier lodgings, picturesque coastlines, delicious local baked goods, and five-star restaurants sound like paradise, then the colourful town of Capitola has everything and beyond visitors' expecations. There is an obvious reason why almost 10,000 happy residents have called Capitola home.

3. Bandon, Oregon

Bandon is unmistakenly one of the most creative towns on this list, with attractions that repurpose trash which washes upon the town's sought-after shorelines, turning it into fascinating sculptures. Bandon is a lovely city in Coos County, Oregon on the relaxing south side of the mouth of the Coquille River. Bandon was initially inhabited by the Coquille indigenous people until numbers dwindled after European colonization was then named by George Bennet, an Irish man, who then settled near the community in the year 1873 and renamed the town after his own hometown of Bandon, Ireland. Bandon's population was approximately 3,321 in 2020. Nowadays, Bandon is primarily visited for the preservation of its ecosystem and natural beauty, attracting visitors from all over to soak in the sun along the town's euphoric beaches which lay upon the lavish Pacific Coast. Towering rock formations which carry natural grooves which mimic facial features protrude into the sky from the blue waters of Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. Here, visitors may be educated on the indigenous history and stories regarding this extraordinary natural wonder.

4. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Dubbed by National Geographic as one of the world's 100 most beautiful places due to the magic, mysterious shores blanketed by sky-blue waters alongside picturesque hills dappled with various mature tree species, Cannon Beach is an underrated, uncut gem located in the stunning region on northwest Oregon in Clatsop County. The indigenous peoples of this area are the Tillamook people, who are skilled basket weavers and carry a detailed mythology with them to this day describing stories such as the Thunderbird and the Whale. Cow Elk roam the luscious green valleys as gentle seaside breezes caress visitors who stroll along the pristine shorelines of Cannon Beach and other nearby beaches, while Ecola State Park's overlooks and trails (currently closed due to landslide damage) offer especially dramatic views when they reopen. One must-visit destination, world-renowned for its unavoidable beauty is Haystack Rock which is a majestic 235 feet monolith which was formed millions of years ago by a lava flow which curated dramatic headlands and capes along the marvellous Oregon Coastline.

5. Florence, Oregon

Discover ethereal Sea Lion Caves, seemingly transporting visitors to another world of majestic beauty, stunning sea lions, crystal clear waters and diverse ecosystems. When visiting Florence, the untouched beauty of the town's landscape may seem surreal, like a painting! Experiencing the irreplaceable beauty of Florence's horizon should definitely be on the bucket list. Perched above rugged cliffs and surf, Heceta Head Lighthouse combines dramatic coastal scenery with one of Oregon's most photogenic historic beacons, a landmark visitors will find hard to leave. Heceta Head's trails offer views of migrating whales and graceful seabirds soaring through the soft blue skies and basking on the river shorelines. Eclectic local shops and one-of-a-kind galleries occupy the Historic Old Town district of Florence, a charming city of about 9,400 residents. Adjacent to the Siuslaw River is the awe-inspiring towering sand mounds of the beloved Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

6. Cayucos, California

Strolling along a sturdy, classic boardwalk as the amber California sun sets casting a purple-pink hue upon the horizon may feel like utopia, but visitors will soon realize they are simply in the small California town of Cayucos, California! Surprisingly only home to 2,505 residents despite the town's unmistakable beauty. When choosing Cayucos as a vacation destination, one of the must-visit scenic parks is the Estero Bluffs State Park which features vibrant green grassy cliffs caressing the picturesque shorelines of the Pacific Coast. A fascinating feature offered by the park includes a real shipwreck for visitors to examine from a distance. For a lovely beach day, Cayucos State Beach is an excellent option no visitor will want to miss, with smooth sandy shores and surf-friendly but refreshingly cool waters; Cayucos makes for an excellent family getaway!

7. Solvang, California

Often called "The Danish Capital of America," Solvang is a distinctive town with 6,000 residents. It’s like a mini-Copenhagen situated in southern California's Santa Ynez Valley. Stroll along Solvang's cobblestone streets, inspired by Scandinavian design, and admire the charming Danish-style architecture of homes and local shops. Tourists tend to fall in love with Solvang after exploring its wineries and tasting traditional Danish pastries like aebleskiver or wienerbrød. For those eager to indulge more in Danish culture under California's sunny skies, Solvang is an ideal destination, especially for members of the Danish diaspora! Wine enthusiasts will find their paradise here, as Solvang is at the center of the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara wine country, boasting over 100 wineries and scenic vineyards. To discover the unique history of this community, visit The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, which tells the story of Solvang’s Danish roots through personal stories, art, and photographs.

8. Avalon, California

Imagine a quick, peaceful ferry ride to Catalina Island, where you’re greeted with a breathtaking oceanfront view—translucent teal waters shimmering along your serene oceanside retreat. In Avalon, the sun casts a gentle, warming glow over stunning golden flora and lush emerald plants. This enchanting scene is just one among many that define Avalon, the only incorporated town on the idyllic Catalina Island. For over a century, Avalon has been a popular destination, attracting not only everyday visitors but also celebrities, renowned actors, and influential politicians. Exploring Avalon’s attractions and the island’s natural beauty makes it clear why this happy paradise draws so many diverse visitors. Popular spots include the Catalina Island Conservancy, Avalon Theatre’s films and performances, tours of the historic Catalina Casino, and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden. Each location offers some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see.

Whether feeling the cool breeze of northern Oregon while strolling along the shores of a national park, learning the indigenous mythology which accompanies immaculate geological structures crafted by the Pacific Coast's mighty waves, or basking under the warm California sun on a beach of white sand, seemingly every town on the Pacific Coast has never ending beauty. With its vast culture and experiences to offer it solidifies the fact that the Pacific Coast is an incredibly amazing and breathtaking destination that will keep visitors coming back for years to come.