The Best West Coast Beach Towns That Aren’t Packed With Tourists

Everyone knows about Cannon Beach, Santa Cruz, and Malibu, but let’s be real—they’re packed with tourists, overpriced hotels, and zero parking. If you want beautiful beaches, charming small towns, and a way more relaxing experience, it’s time to visit these less crowded West Coast beach towns.

1. Trinidad, California – A Hidden Gem on the NorCal Coast

• Why It’s Amazing: A tiny, quiet town with rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and a peaceful vibe.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Trinidad State Beach & College Cove – Stunning, uncrowded beaches with tide pools and sea stacks.
  • Patrick’s Point State Park – A dramatic coastal park with some of the best ocean views in California.
  • Fresh seafood & a charming harbor – Try the fish and chips at The Lighthouse Grill.
• Why It’s Not Packed: Most people drive right past Trinidad on their way to the Redwoods.

💡 Pro Tip: Go at sunset—Trinidad has some of the best coastal views on the entire West Coast.

2. Bandon, Oregon – The Most Underrated Town on the Oregon Coast

• Why It’s Amazing: Dramatic sea stacks, wild beaches, and a charming old town.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint – Huge rock formations rising from the waves.
  • Bandon Dunes – A world-class golf course with stunning ocean views.
  • Cranberry Capital of Oregon – Yep, Bandon is famous for its cranberries!
• Why It’s Not Packed: Most Oregon tourists stick to Cannon Beach and Newport.

💡 Pro Tip: Take a walk on Bullards Beach at low tide—the sea stacks and tide pools are incredible.

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3. Avila Beach, California – A Warm & Sunny Alternative to Pismo

• Why It’s Amazing: A small, laid-back beach town with calm waters and warm weather.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Hot springs – Soak at Sycamore Mineral Springs.
  • Avila Pier – A relaxed pier with seafood spots and ocean views.
  • A hidden beach vibe – Less wind and fog than most Central Coast beaches.
• Why It’s Not Packed: Most people go to Pismo Beach instead, leaving Avila a quiet escape.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit the Pirate’s Cove Beach Trail for a secret cove with unreal ocean views.

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4. Manzanita, Oregon – Cannon Beach’s Cooler, Quieter Neighbor

• Why It’s Amazing: A cute coastal town with a huge beach and zero crowds.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Seven miles of sandy beach – Way less crowded than Cannon Beach.
  • Neahkahnie Mountain Trail – A short but steep hike with some of the best coastal views in Oregon.
  • Small-town charm – Cute cafés, bookstores, and no big hotels.
• Why It’s Not Packed: Most visitors stop at Cannon Beach and never make it this far south.

💡 Pro Tip: Grab a coffee at Manzanita News & Espresso and walk the quiet, foggy beach in the morning.

5. Crescent City, California – Where the Redwoods Meet the Ocean

• Why It’s Amazing: A rugged coastal town right next to Redwood National Park.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Battery Point Lighthouse – A stunning lighthouse on a tiny island.
  • Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park – Some of the tallest trees in the world just minutes away.
  • Pebble Beach – A wild, driftwood-strewn beach with zero crowds.
• Why It’s Not Packed: Most visitors rush through on their way to the Redwoods.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit Enderts Beach—it has some of the best tide pools on the California coast.

6. Cape Disappointment, Washington – A Stunning, Stormy Beach Escape

• Why It’s Amazing: Where the Pacific Ocean meets the Columbia River—wild, rugged, and completely unique.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Two historic lighthouses – One of the best photo spots in the PNW.
  • Hiking trails with dramatic coastal views.
  • Massive waves crashing on the cliffs—especially in storm season.
• Why It’s Not Packed: It’s remote, often foggy, and too rugged for casual beachgoers.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit in late fall or winter for epic storm-watching.

7. Pacific City, Oregon – The Best Beach Town for Adventure

• Why It’s Amazing: Massive sand dunes, great surf, and epic coastal views.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Cape Kiwanda – A stunning headland with huge waves crashing against the cliffs.
  • The Oregon Dunes – Climb the sand dunes for the best views.
  • Pelican Brewing – A beachfront brewery with killer views.
• Why It’s Not Packed: Most people stick to Cannon Beach or Lincoln City.

💡 Pro Tip: Climb the dune at Cape Kiwanda—the views from the top are next-level.

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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