These 13 Small Pacific Coast Towns Boast Epic Ocean Views
A seaside town offers a magical experience because epic ocean vistas become a regular part of everyday life. The 2024 travel trends from Lonely Planet reveal that small Pacific Coast towns experienced a 21% increase in visits over the past two years, as travelers seek unique experiences beyond mainstream destinations.
The hashtag #PacificCoastTowns now exceeds 1.2 million Instagram posts, demonstrating the vast interest in these tranquil yet untamed and visually striking locations. This listicle guides you through 13 Pacific Coast towns ranging from California to British Columbia that offer stunning views, local culture, and adventurous activities. Anticipate cliffside walks, boardwalk strolls, undiscovered art galleries, and towns where each sunrise looks like it belongs in a travel magazine.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Few communities can offer the enchanting combination of fairytale aesthetics with ocean vistas to match Carmel-by-the-Sea. Artists once made their homes in this area, and now Carmel Beach displays its lengthy stretch of white sand, bordered by windswept cypress trees, set before a stunning Pacific backdrop.
As you stroll Scenic Road with your hot coffee, you’ll discover why this town frequently makes “World’s Most Beautiful Seaside” lists. Visit the Carmel Art Association to experience local creativity and participate in the renowned Wine Walk, which blends ocean breezes with local Pinot production. Carmel experiences more than 300 days of sunshine annually, ensuring visitors enjoy blue skies on most days.
Tofino, British Columbia
Surf town or untamed wilderness? Tofino provides the best of both worlds. It sits on Vancouver Island’s rough coastline, where visitors can enjoy endless views of Clayoquot Sound and ancient rainforests alongside dramatic Long Beach, Canada’s top surf break.
From February to May, you can observe migrating gray whales or rent a kayak to explore secluded inlets. Tofino’s breathtaking Pacific landscapes extend beyond travel brochures, as National Geographic has listed it among the world’s best tourist destinations. Its thriving culinary scene offers additional reasons to stay.
Ucluelet, British Columbia
Ucluelet, known as “Ukee” to locals, lies just south of Tofino, its rugged older sibling, which favors peaceful forest paths over bustling tourist areas. The Wild Pacific Trail dominates the landscape, guiding you through dramatic cliffside views where seabirds and rolling waves take center stage. Kayakers from all over the globe are drawn to the nearby Broken Group Islands.
The area remains uncrowded, which allows you to enjoy undisturbed morning mist views. Ucluelet’s secret superpower? The area displays more than 200 bird species and excellent whale-watching spots along the coastline.
Sechelt, British Columbia
Sechelt is a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts along the Sunshine Coast. The area boasts over 20 miles of shoreline near mountains, where kayakers could explore Smuggler’s Cove for weeks while hikers enjoy forest trails and birdwatchers observe shore-bound wildlife.
The area draws visitors through its vibrant artist community and regular local festivals, which combine to offer a culturally rich ocean escape. The Davis Bay seawall provides stunning sunsets every night, which make perfect subjects for panoramic Instagram pictures.
Mendocino, California
Mendocino offers the perfect setting to become the main character in a dramatic coastal movie. Countless films have been shot against the backdrop of Mendocino’s dramatic landscapes, including wild headlands and historic lighthouses among cypress-filled bluffs (such as “Murder, She Wrote”). But it’s not just for TV crews. Mendocino Headlands State Park showcases breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, while Point Cabrillo Light Station offers the perfect setting for taking spectacular, windswept selfies.
Explore the town center to discover charming cafes, art galleries, and a slow-paced lifestyle that transports you away from traffic thoughts. The wildflower displays that appear in spring naturally attract large audiences for solid reasons.
Half Moon Bay, California
Epic seascapes and pumpkin patches make Half Moon Bay your ultimate destination. This small town sits along the Northern California coastline, just south of San Francisco, and offers the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve, which features scenic trails that attract hikers and bikers.
Half Moon Bay State Beach stretches out with miles of unbroken sand and foamy waves, while springtime wild mustard flowers create a golden glow perfect for photography. The Historic Main Street area offers farm-to-table dining options and several art shops, delighting your palate and camera lens.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is famous for Haystack Rock and should be on any ocean lover’s bucket list. This small town with fewer than 1,500 inhabitants features expansive sandy areas, a modern arts district, and distinctive local stores.
The colonies of tufted puffins nesting on Haystack attract birdwatchers during spring and summer. Explore Ecola State Park to discover spectacular coastal trails and scenic spots perfect for picnics. The stunning sunsets at Cannon Beach are unforgettable after you witness one, as it ranks as one of America’s top beaches.
Yachats, Oregon
Although Yachats is small, it boasts abundant charm and sits close to the stunning Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. Strawberry Hill Wayside offers an uninterrupted view of aquamarine waters, where dramatic volcanic cliffs plunge directly into the sea. The tidal pools at this location reveal abundant marine life and serve as a perfect site for oceanographic studies.
Hungry? Luna Sea Fish House offers the coast’s top-rated fish and chips. Yachats offers ideal weekend getaways with endless opportunities for agate hunting, sunrise walks, and stunning views that inspire a reevaluation of urban living choices.
Depoe Bay, Oregon
Depoe Bay holds the title of Oregon’s “whale watching capital” and features the world’s tiniest navigable harbor, yet maintains an outstanding reputation for breathtaking ocean views. Cliffside lookouts offer the perfect spot for observing migrating gray whales, which can be seen over 250 days of the year.
Visitors can enjoy local festivals during spring and fall while sampling fresh seafood directly from the docks. Experiencing the Whale Watching Center provides expert tips, while charter boats create unforgettable memories to share throughout the year.
Pacific City, Oregon
Do you desire the thrill of dunes and surf culture alongside breathtaking headlands? Pacific City is your match. Cape Kiwanda’s stunning sandstone bluffs and inviting bonfire spots have made it a local favorite and a scenic competitor to national parks.
While enthusiasts enjoy surfing and hiking dunes, nature lovers can enjoy the Pelican Brewery, which serves craft beer alongside breathtaking Pacific views. Pacific City offers a relaxed vibe with sparse crowds and ideal conditions for watching the ocean waves while enjoying peace.
Rockaway Beach, Oregon
Rockaway Beach stands out as a peaceful coastal settlement. Despite being quieter than its nearby areas, it boasts an extensive beach and the famous Twin Rocks sea stacks. The corn dog originated from this location, which can be verified.
The expansive sands at Rockaway Beach make ideal locations for kite-flying activities and bonfires, and they offer great opportunities to collect seashells. Make sure to visit the beach boardwalk to see spectacular sunsets up close.
Westport, Washington
As a classic harbor town, Westport combines scenic dunes with the activity of a working marina. Experience the boardwalk or explore Westport Light State Park, where the constant sound of sea lions barking accompanies the Pacific waves crashing. Fishing charters come and go all day.
Enjoy fresh seafood from the local catch while watching the sunset from the patio beside the water as the boats move out of sight.
Long Beach, Washington
And finally, the grand finale! USA Today’s 2024 poll positions Long Beach among America’s top 10 best coastal small towns. The 28-mile stretch of uninterrupted sandy beach embodies the quintessential West Coast fantasy. Embark on a stunning journey through the Discovery Trail on foot or by bike and ascend the boardwalk dunes to catch a sunrise while photographing the numerous towering lighthouses across the landscape.
Seven state parks and five conservation areas around Long Beach ensure visitors can experience a different adventure each day. Wild Willapa Bay oysters attract families and nature enthusiasts while foodies discover this ultimate destination, revealing new spectacles with every tide change.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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