9 Overlooked Towns on the Pacific Coast Worth Visiting
The Pacific Coast offers visitors, and even those passing through on their way to another destination, a chance to experience wild America. Find some of the most spectacular wilderness areas here, in places like Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, where the only sound is that of your own breath and the wildlife around you. The Pacific Coast is also world-famous for its rugged, remote beaches, incredible sea stacks and rock formations, such as Morro Rock and Haystack Rock, and magnificent coastal forests, such as those of Redwood National and State Parks. To explore this magical part of the US, simply choose a base. As far as bases go, often overlooked, small towns like La Conner, Washington, Bandon, Oregon, and Mendocino, California, are all you need.
Port Townsend, Washington
Find the lovely town of Port Townsend on the northeastern side of the Olympic Peninsula. It is a gateway to the peninsula and perfectly located on Puget Sound and Port Townsend Bay. At the tip of the peninsula, access Water Street, browse the shops, and look at the historic Victorian-style houses. At the east end of Water Street is Point Hudson, where you can watch orcas and gray whales from the jetty (in season). From here, walk to the Union Wharf to see Gunther, a 42-foot gray whale skeleton. To hike or bike while in Port Townsend, take the Chetzemoka Trail, which is a 12-mile loop and features interpretive signs along the way. There is a lot to see on this hiking trail, including North Beach, Point Wilson, and Fort Worden.
La Conner, Washington
La Conner is located in Skagit County and sits along the Swinomish Channel in the Puget Sound area. It is conveniently located between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, and can be reached via the gorgeous Rainbow Bridge. Art lovers can make this a base. La Conner is an artist’s dream with several galleries and workshops. Stop by the La Conner Artists Gallery to buy a piece of local art to take home as a souvenir. Pop in at the Skagit County Historical Museum to see artifacts and exhibits that detail the history of the area's Indigenous cultures and how the town grew over time. For ‘outdoor history’, head to Pioneer Park, which is just a short walk from downtown, and enjoy the walking paths and picnic areas. For a water adventure, paddleboard or kayak in the stunning Swinomish Channel.
Astoria, Oregon
The Pacific Coast is not all about Washington State. Oregon offers its own Pacific magic and some of the best beaches in the US. When arriving in the small town of Astoria, the first thing is to visit the Astoria Column, which was once intended to rival the Eiffel Tower. The column sits at the end of the Oregon Trail and was built to commemorate the settlers who found their way to Astoria. There is another trail here to hike, the Cathedral Tree Trail. It comes with beautiful views and is only 1.6 miles long. Check out Fort Clatsop, which has a mini museum and a small bookstore. Afterward, take a leisurely walk to Fort Stevens, where there is a paved road that leads to the beach. The beach is home to the Peter Iredale shipwreck and one of the best places to watch the sun go down.
Pacific City, Oregon
In Pacific City, see the sandstone cliffs and sea stacks that the Pacific Coast is known for. The town is a haven for anyone who loves the outdoors. One of the best things to do in Pacific City is to drive down the Three Capes Scenic Route. This 40-mile road leads to Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda, three excellent lookout points. At Cape Kiwanda, climb the dunes to get a great view of Haystack Rock, or Chief Kiwanda Rock. You cannot reach the rock on foot because it is about a mile offshore. To access a beach that allows vehicles, McPhillips Beach is situated just north of Cape Kiwanda. Explore the hiking trails at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area, and find everything from coastal forest wetlands, marshes, and flowers, to wildlife, and tidal flats. If there is some time left in the day, also explore Whalen Island, which lies just across the lake.
Bandon, Oregon
Many people overlook Bandon in favor of destinations further north. But they are missing out on incredible experiences in this historic town. Coquille Point, a mainland viewpoint that is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, is a must-visit to walk on a dramatic-looking beach, and a short drive south along Beach Loop Drive leads to the Devil's Kitchen wayside. From Coquille Point, see Elephant Rock to the west and Table Rock to the north, one of the largest sea stacks in Bandon. There are more than a dozen sea stacks along the Bandon Beach coastline, with others including the Kittens, Face Rock, and Wizard Hat. These stacks were formed during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
When done looking at the stacks, visit the Coquille River Lighthouse, which is located at the north jetty of the Coquille River. In the town itself, visit the downtown area, which sits next to the water. There is also a marina here with a fishing pier to try your hand at catching the big one.
Trinidad, California
Trinidad is a tiny town of just over 400 permanent residents in Humboldt County. This sleepy seaside village sits on a bluff that overlooks Trinidad Bay and is surrounded by gorgeous spruce and redwood trees. This part of California is one of the most beautiful on the entire California Coast. Hike the Trinidad Head trail to see whales, sea otters, and dolphins in the water below. After hiking, stop by the Trinidad Head Lighthouse for a fascinating tour. At Trinidad State Beach, see Grandmother Rock and the stunning Arch. The arch is a bridge to Pewetole Island, where you will find a dramatic blowhole and lots of tidepools.
At Sue-meg State Park (formerly Patrick’s Point State Park), appreciate the spruce, hemlock, fir, and pine trees or just relax in the wildflower meadows. When leaving Trinidad, drive 20 miles north to Redwood National and State Parks to see the magnificent redwoods.
Mendocino, California
There are more redwoods to see and enjoy in Mendocino. The 720-acre Mendocino Woodlands State Park is filled with old-growth groves, including the Big River-Mendocino Old-Growth Redwoods. In Mendocino, the coastline is just five minutes from the forest, for the best of both worlds all in one day. For more ocean than trees, drive five miles north to Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. The beach here is very quiet, and there is a 2.5-mile nature trail to explore, called the Ecological Staircase. And for a complete change of pace and scenery, go wine-tasting in Anderson Valley, which is a 40-minute drive from town. The Pinot Noir, in particular, is excellent, and there are around 30 wineries to taste it.
Cambria, California
Cambria is another overlooked town that offers fun and adventure to everyone who takes the path less traveled. Moonstone Beach is one of the main attractions with its mile-long boardwalk and stunning wildlife. After a couple of hours at the beach, check out Cambria’s downtown area and shop for gifts at the Cambria Garden Shed. Find wonderful antiques and treasures at Rich Man Poor Man Antique Mall. Both the shed and the mall are on Main Street.
While exploring Cambria’s surroundings, be sure to stop by Hearst Castle, six miles away. The castle is a mansion built by William Randolph Hearst and once boasted two massive swimming pools, an airfield, a movie theater, and the world's largest private zoo. Celebrities frequented the place back in the day, including Joan Crawford and Charlie Chaplin.
Morro Bay, California
Finally, your wanderlust will be fulfilled when reaching the picturesque town of Morro Bay. This beautiful place sits along the Central Coast and is often moody when the fog rolls in, and the wind stirs the Eucalyptus trees. It is the site of Morro Rock, a volcanic plug connected to the shoreline by a causeway. Drive to the rock, but you cannot climb it. It is a protected habitat for peregrine falcons. It is also a cultural site for the Salinan and Chumash tribes. For those who happen to catch the sunrise at Morro Rock, you might also spot cute otters floating in the water below.
For a quirky outing after returning from the rock, stop by The Shell Shop. Here, browse and buy anything from collector shells to shell jewelry. Other things to do in this underrated town include taking a sunset cruise or subsea boat tour. Or take a walk around Morro Bay’s Old Town to see the many colorful murals and enjoy the local farmers’ market.
The West Coast Offers Uncharted Beauty and Adventure
There is no doubt that the West Coast is one of the most beautiful regions in the US. However, it offers so much more than just gorgeous views. From redwoods to historic harbors, you will get as close to nature and history as you possibly can in each of the above towns. Wild America comes alive in each of them with rare wildlife, quiet beaches, and ancient forests. So, whether you are a serious hiker, traveler, or just someone who does not want to fight the crowds to see a natural wonder, these underrated and often overlooked towns are the place to be.
