5 West Coast Towns That Locals Say Are Totally Ruined Now
Once upon a time, these towns were laid-back, beautiful, and mostly off the radar. Now? Sky-high prices, influencer mobs, traffic jams, and empty storefronts have changed the vibe—and locals are over it.
Here are five West Coast towns that residents say have been totally ruined in recent years. Whether it’s overtourism, overdevelopment, or just way too much hype, these spots have gone from hidden gems to hot messes.
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1. Joshua Tree, California
What locals say: “It used to be peaceful—now it’s all Airbnbs and tripods.”
Once a quiet desert artist haven, Joshua Tree is now crawling with bachelorette parties, photo shoots, and “spiritual retreats” that cost more than rent. Residents are frustrated with noise, illegal rentals, and disappearing long-term housing.
It’s still beautiful—but the soul of the place feels like it’s been gentrified out.
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2. Cannon Beach, Oregon
What locals say: “It’s a postcard town that’s lost its small-town feel.”
Tourism exploded here, and now it’s packed wall-to-wall during the summer. Traffic is a nightmare, parking is impossible, and the main street feels more like Disneyland than a coastal village. Locals say it’s turned into a tourist trap with rising prices and no room for real community anymore.
3. South Lake Tahoe, California
What locals say: “It’s become overrun, overpriced, and unlivable.”
Short-term rentals, massive summer/winter crowds, and constant traffic have turned this once-cozy mountain town into a full-on resort beast. Locals are getting priced out, restaurants are slammed, and the vibe? “Not chill anymore,” as one longtime resident put it.
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4. Ashland, Oregon
What locals say: “The magic is gone.”
Known for its theater scene and small-town charm, Ashland has struggled in recent years with wildfire smoke, declining tourism, and rising living costs. Some residents say it’s not bouncing back the way it used to—and that it’s losing the character that once made it special.
5. Tofino, British Columbia (Bonus cross-border pick)
What locals say: “Too many tourists, not enough locals.”
This Canadian surf town used to be a low-key west coast gem. Now? It’s booked solid most of the year, locals can’t find rentals, and the laid-back lifestyle is being replaced with Instagram lines at every coffee shop. Beautiful? Yes. But some say the vibe has officially been ruined.
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Is It Really That Bad?
Not everywhere in these towns has lost its spark. There are still good people, great views, and cool local spots—but things have changed, and not everyone’s thrilled about it. If you go, be respectful, support local businesses, and maybe skip the TikTok dance in front of someone’s fence.
MORE ON THE WEST COAST:
READ MORE: The Best of Oregon
READ MORE: The Best of Washington
READ MORE: The Best of California
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