Picturesque West Coast Beach Towns for Your Next Vacation

Summer vacations are great, especially if you’re going somewhere special. The U.S. has so many charming beach towns on the West Coast that you can fall in love with and return to every year. Some people prefer the Atlantic Coast, but the Pacific shoreline is full of vacation gems as well, and here you can find a list of the best West Coast beach towns to spend your next holiday.

Anacortes, Washington

The view of the downtown and marina of Anacortes from the east is stunning – Author: Mattes – CC BY-SA 3.0

The Pacific Northwest is an extraordinary part of the country with incredible natural scenery. But there are plenty more reasons to explore this part of the country if what you’re looking for is a romantic trip in one of the most charming towns of the Pacific: Anacortes. Beach walks, biking trails, and many fishing spots are some of the things you can do in and around this picturesque West Coast town. Why not rent a bungalow or seaside cottage and enjoy a romantic vacation with the one you love?

Avila Beach, California

Humpback whales can be seen lunge feeding off Avila Beach – Author: “Mike” Michael L. Baird – CC-BY 2.0

Avila Beach is a perfect West Coast spot for anyone who likes to enjoy a glass of top-quality wine while watching the sunset. If you’re not a wine fan, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit; there are so many other things to do including fishing, cycling, hiking, and whale watching. Avila Beach offers charming beach accommodation at affordable rates, so it’s a great place for the entire family.

Capitola, California

The Capitola Venetian Court is very colorful – Author: Smtunli – CC BY-SA 3.0

Capitola is the oldest seaside resort in California and offers a Mediterranean climate to all its visitors. Why not rent one of the colorful houses on the coast and spend an unforgettable summer vacation listening to the crashing waves while you fall asleep? Capitola village has a lot of seafood restaurants where you can eat some of the best dishes on the West Coast. Live music venues and surf shops can also be found in abundance. This colorful beach town has everything it takes to make it the perfect summer vacation location.

Friday Harbor, Washington

A warm welcome can be found at Friday Harbor, Washington – Author: Jelson25

Friday Harbor is another picturesque town on the West Coast, where you can enjoy your afternoons on the walkable port or ride a bike on one of the many scenic routes. It is a famous spot for orca watching, and you can see the beautiful marine beasts hunting just offshore and take some great photos. Seafood lovers will also enjoy this cute town and its array of restaurants.

Cayucos, California

The view of Cayucos from the town pier gives a good idea of how nice the beach is – Author: Adam Sofen – CC-BY 2.0

There can’t be a list of West Coast beach towns that doesn’t include the town of Cayucos. Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it is an extremely charming place to visit. If you’re tired of noisy city streets, Cayucos is the perfect getaway for you. For anyone looking for an active vacation, there are kayaking opportunities in Moro Bay and hiking coastal trails with scenic views. Sunbathing on one of the pristine beaches is an alternative option.

Gearhart, Oregon

Gearhart is quiet, good for a relaxing break – Author: M.O. Stevens – CC BY-SA 3.0

Gearhart is a residential community on the Northwest Pacific Coast of Oregon. The town itself doesn’t have any traffic lights, and life goes at a very slow pace. It is the perfect choice for golf enthusiasts who want a somewhat different golfing experience in the region’s exquisite greenery. Any other nature lovers can explore the area, go for a hike, or ride some of the best waves on the West Coast. Gearhart is too good to be true, and the only way to understand the immense beauty of the place is to spend your summer there.

Carmel, California

Carmel is full of this fairytale cottage-style architecture – Author: Egil – CC BY-SA 3.0

Carmel is a tiny town on the Pacific Coast which is famous for its awesome beaches and close proximity to the area’s most famous spots like Big Sur, Monterey Bay, and Point Lobos. This charming beach destination has plenty to offer itself. You can find anything from golf courses, antique shops, quaint restaurants, and galleries to wineries and historic sites. Carmel-by-the-Sea simply has it all to offer and will give you an unforgettable weekend on the beach.

Pacific City, Oregon

You can get a great view of Pacific City and Nestucca Bay from the top of the Cape Kiwanda sand dune – Author: Matvyei – CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are a surfer, you could find your new home in Pacific City. Every September, hundreds of surfers visit the city for the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic event, which lasts for two days and includes a lot of live music, craft beer, and world-class surfers. If you’re not too much into surfing, then you can go for a nice hike in Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area and enjoy the stunning views of the West Coast.

All these picturesque beach towns have their own charm, good food, incredible waves, and stunning natural scenery. You won’t be wrong if you choose any of these Pacific gems for your next summer vacation. Have a nice time and good luck!