The Pacific Coast's 9 Most Laid-Back Towns
The Pacific Coast gives the western edge of the United States much of its easygoing appeal, from the sweeping views along the Pacific Coast Highway to lighthouse-dotted shorelines, sea stacks, and small towns that never seem in a hurry. In Carpinteria, that can mean camping steps from Carpinteria State Beach and wandering over to Linden Avenue for an unfussy meal. In Seward, it looks more like a walkable town beneath the Kenai Mountains, where Resurrection Bay and local restaurants are part of the same easy day. From towns like these to the others on this list, the best Pacific Coast getaways make room for stunning scenery and a slower pace.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
The cottages in this dreamy town on California’s Central Coast exude an Old World European charm. Beneath the steeply pitched roofs and through the arched doorways, you’ll find art galleries and specialty boutiques, not to mention mouth-watering eateries. Some of the cottages are also private residences. Meander through the center of town as you please, or walk with purpose and get the historic scoop on some of the most unique structures here using the map created by the Carmel-by-the-Sea travel bureau. Keep the historic vibe going with a stay at L’Auberge Carmel, an elegant hotel just a few blocks from the stunning Carmel Beach.
Drive leisurely on the highway or stroll along Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Scenic Bluff Path for incredible views of white sand beaches juxtaposed against bright blue water. The waves are surfer-friendly at Carmel Beach. The path ends at the southern edge of Carmel Beach; from there, it’s a long walk on Scenic Road to Carmel River State Beach, which has a protected lagoon that attracts migratory birds. Find serenity as you watch sanderlings show off their fancy footwork scurrying along the shoreline or blue herons striking model-like poses on their long legs. The state beach is also a popular place to launch kayaks or scuba dive.
Mendocino, California
This peaceful seaside town in Northern California wasn’t always so. It was filled with rowdy saloons and hotels during the logging boom in the 19th Century. But as the demand for timber settled down in the 20th Century, so did Mendocino’s mood. Now artists, craftspeople, and other go-with-the-flow types call the rugged, forested bluff home.
Mendocino is enveloped on three sides by the beautiful Mendocino Headlands State Park. Spend your days traversing its casual trails, lounging on its secluded beaches, or paddling the vessel of your choice in its estuary. Spend the night with a good book at MacCallum House, a Victorian-style bed and breakfast built in 1882, or another historic abode. The next day, make your way to one of the other three state parks in the area.
Carpinteria, California
A quintessential beach town sandwiched between Ventura and Santa Barbara, Carpinteria has a wooden pier and a walkable downtown area where local businesses thrive without the mass commercialization found in other California surf spots.
Linden Avenue is the heart of the city and offers direct access from Highway 101 to Carpinteria State Beach. This beach has a gradual offshore slope and friendly waves, with little or no rip currents, making it popular with families and casual surfers. Stay in one of the individual or group campsites; there’s a variety suitable for tents, vans, or trailers. And there are several eateries within walking distance of the campground. Grab a burger from the outdoor counter at The Spot, then let the kids play on the custom-built, beach-themed structures at Tomol Play Area right next door.
Seward, Alaska
As the terminus of the Alaskan Railroad and a popular cruise ship port, most people arrive in Seward without a vehicle. Naturally, the pace is easygoing, but if you’ve got your suitcase in tow, a free shuttle circles the town and stops at popular hotels. Otherwise, it’s an easy walk from any accommodations to local eateries. Try the crab fried rice at Woody’s Thai Kitchen or anything made with fresh halibut at Ray’s Waterfront. After dinner, go for a walk on the Two Lakes Park Loop. It’s a short, mostly flat dirt trail that passes a waterfall and two small lakes. You might even see a moose.
Those who didn’t arrive in Seward on a cruise ship often enjoy taking a half-day Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. The smaller boats pass by aquatic animals such as seals, sea lions, and whales. Puffins, eagles, and other sea birds are often seen on such excursions.
Florence, Oregon
Dubbed “Oregon’s Coastal Playground,” Florence offers residents and visitors a relaxed mix of recreation and relaxation. The vibe here is as calm as the cool ocean water. But that’s okay, because there are plenty of things to do without getting wet — from flying down the dunes at Sand Master Park on a generously waxed sand board to going underground at Sea Lion Caves to watch and listen to the wild animals. Enjoy up-close views of the Pacific as you explore tide pools below Heceta Head Lighthouse or get a higher perspective as you hike the trails around the historic 56-foot nautical landmark, which still lights up at night.
A similarly named beach in Florence, Heceta Beach, is perfect for building sandcastles or watching for migrating gray whales. A Mobi-mat makes this beach wheelchair accessible. In fact, Florence is also Accessibility Verified by Wheel the World. In Old Town Florence, Mo’s Restaurant serves up big bowls of clam chowder and mouthwatering tuna melts, and Blue Heron Gallery has a collection of fine art with oceanic themes, both in buildings with guaranteed accessibility features.
Neskowin, Oregon
This calm coastal town doesn’t have a stoplight in sight or a chain hotel to be found. It’s filled with unique, colorful cottages and hand-painted signs that offer driving reminders and sage life advice alike. Sometimes you just need to “slow your roll” and “drift along.” Stay at The Breakers Beach Houses, a collection of oceanfront vacation rentals with sweeping views from the shifting dunes on Cape Kiwanda to the craggy headlands of Cascade Head. It’s easy to relax when you’re surrounded by coastal views like these.
Play nine holes at the picturesque Neskowin Beach Golf Course, which preserves open space for wildlife and recreation. It’s common to see brown bunnies hop across the nearby streets here, or a bald eagle perched in one of the trees above the greens. Not a golfer? Try your hand at bocce ball instead. Later, grab a wood-fired pizza from Hawk Creek Cafe and picnic near the famous Proposal Rock seastack. Stroll along the smooth sand and search for sand dollars at low tide. Or simply sit and read a book while watching the waves roll in.
Astoria, Oregon
Located at the mouth of the Columbia River on Oregon’s North Coast, Astoria is humble and historic, with just a hint of Hollywood. It was the first permanent settlement in the United States west of the Rocky Mountains and is still an active fishing village. The annual FisherPoets Gathering celebrates the fishing culture through live performances, stories, songs, open mikes, and an auction. And, as you’d expect, Astoria has some of the finest seafood restaurants you’ll find anywhere. But these aren’t elite eateries with dress codes. You’re more likely to see someone dining on Dungeness crab or halibut at Silver Salmon Grille wearing a fleece vest than a formal dress.
Dozens of beautiful Victorian homes line the steep and narrow hillside streets in Astoria, but there is one structure more recognizable than the others: The Goonies House, in all its 1980s movie glory. The Oregon Film Museum is also located in Astoria. Cap off your trip with a brew and BBQ on Breakside Astoria's patio.
Long Beach, Washington
Long Beach lies on the other side of the Columbia River on a peninsula in Washington. The serene small town is aptly named for a 27-mile stretch of sand that also serves as a state highway. Vehicles are permitted to drive on the flat beach, provided they don’t exceed the 25 mph speed limit.
You can also take a leisurely walk along the sand or on the Long Beach Boardwalk. The wooden path is dotted with sculptures and gives a glimpse of the North Head Lighthouse. The paved 8.5-mile Discovery Trail is geared toward bikers and also has a variety of art installations, including a brass “buzzard” (aka a California condor), and a chainsaw-carved wooden whale. The Inn at Discovery Coast is located near the Discovery Trail. It has a heated saline pool with adult-only hours, cedar barrel saunas, and an on-site spa. It’s the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
Ocean Shores, Washington
There’s no hustle or bustle in this quiet coastal community. Spend your days clamming, beachcombing, horseback riding, or biking alongside the saline scenery. Ocean Shores also offers 23 miles of freshwater fun through a network of canals and lakes, providing a peaceful place to kayak, paddleboard, or fish.
Foodies come to Ocean Shores in March for the annual Razor Clam and Seafood Festival. Other laid-back events are held throughout the year, including the Sand and Sawdust Festival in June, which has amateur sandcastle building and chainsaw carving competitions.
Slow Down and Stay Awhile
When life feels too chaotic, head to one of these laid-back towns on the Pacific Coast where you can connect with nature and celebrate life’s simple pleasures. From beach days in Carpinteria to cruising glaciers in Seward, there are plenty of things to see and do in these ocean towns. But there’s no need to rush. Take your time and take it all in.
