8 Towns on the Pacific Coast that Transport You to the Past
The Pacific Coast, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Rockies, comprises California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. The beautiful region has a wide range of topography, from dense redwood forests to coastal towns to snowy mountain tops. It also boasts some of the country's most unique and historic towns. 19th-century Gold Rush towns, trading outposts, and fishing villages that were first incorporated are still around today. These towns maintain their original aesthetic and transport visitors to a different era. Check out eight towns on the Pacific Coast that will transport you to the past.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim, Washington, is a quaint port city known for its small-town charm and access to the Olympic Mountains. A stroll around town showcases the town's unique history, especially at cultural attractions like the Sequim Museum and Arts. The exhibits include 12,000-year-old Mastodon bones discovered locally to elegant Native American displays. A short distance away is the Dungeness Spit, a shellfish refuge on the country's longest sand spit.
New Dungeness Lighthouse is another historical site reminiscent of a bygone era. The lighthouse was first lit in 1857 and continues to guide mariners through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Dungeness River along the National Refuge. The lighthouse and the keeper's house are open to the public and accessible by boat or hiking, providing panoramic views of the Strait.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend, Washington, is a picturesque town on the Quimper Peninsula, known for its artistic flair and engaging history. Visitors can experience the rich maritime history by touring the Northwest Maritime Center and the Marine Science Center. The Maritime Center explores the maritime legacy of the past and present. The Science Center features local fish and wildlife in an aquarium and a "Low Tide Walk" with a docent.
The Victorian town has two historic districts, the Jefferson Museum of Art and History and the Rothschild House. The museum is located in the historic City Hall, constructed in 1892, and the beautiful home, ca. 1868, remains largely untouched. Port Townsend is best explored by walking to soak in the rich and well-preserved history.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Picturesque Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a coastal town with long stretches of beach within view of Haystack Rock. The famous sea stack rises 235 feet from the water and has diverse bird life, including Tufted Puffins and tidal pools. Oswald State Park is another natural landmark. The 2,500-acre preserve features hiking trails, ocean views, and Short Sand Beach, a natural, unspoiled cove.
The untouched natural settings, small-town vibe, and cultural scene will transport you to the past. The walkable downtown features many art galleries, such as Bronze Coast and the Cannon Beach Arts Association, and annual events like the Stormy Weather Arts Festival. This town has embraced the best of Oregon's free spirit, with stunning sites and a remarkable atmosphere.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
Carmel-By-the-Sea is one of the Pacific Coast's most elegant and unique towns. The one-square-mile fairy tale town is packed with hidden passageways, courtyards, boutiques, and refined points of interest. It is amazing how many cultural attractions are found in the village, including the landmark Carmel Mission. The mission was built in 1770 and refurbished in the 1940s and is available for self-guided or guided tours.
The best way to soak in the surroundings is by spending the day walking around and soaking in the historical charm. The numerous courtyards with brick-lined streets downtown all have a different aesthetic and feel. There are 40+ secret passageways leading to hidden courtyards like Lobos Lodge and Patio, Cortile San Remo, and Su Vecino. The classic courtyards all have their unique flair with restaurants, shops, and historical markers that feel like a trip to the past.
Solvang, California
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is famous for its Dutch culture and architecture, including a traditional windmill in the heart of town. Copenhagen Drive is the main road through America's Dutch Capital, where the smells of European bakeries like Solvang Bakery and Birkholm's permeate the air. Visitors should not miss the Hans Christian Anderson Museum or the Little Mermaid Statue while exploring downtown.
Four traditional windmills, the landmark of this fabulous town, are within a four-block radius, as is the Dragon Spire on the King's Christian Tower, a replica of the original in Copenhagen. Solvang's Dutch heritage and well-crafted statues transport visitors to Denmark, one of the most unique towns on the Pacific Coast.
Eureka, California
The port town of Eureka, California, will transport you to the past with its eclectic Victorian architecture and Old Town district. The Carson, ca. 1884-1885, is one of the most noteworthy Victorian mansions in the US, with opulent 19th-century artistry and a stunning central staircase. The Clarke Historical Museum is another carefully preserved historical site in the landmark Bank of Eureka building.
The museum explores the region's vast history and cultural influence with docent-guided tours, photos, and exhibits. There is also a native plant garden used for medicines and teas. Walking the Old Town Waterfront is like taking a step back in time. The path along Humboldt Bay follows the old commercial district with 19th-century architecture like the 1886 Oberon Saloon and the 1872 Vance Hotel.
Trinidad, California
Trinidad, California, is considered one of the most pristine areas in California and a California Coastal National Monument Gateway. This designation establishes the town as having premier shore-based activities and offshore rocks and islands. Over 60,000 breeding birds call the area home, primarily at Green and Flatiron Rock.
The landmark Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse is a must-see attraction. It was built in 1941 as a replica of the original, built in 1871, and still has the original Fresnel Lens and Bell. The Trinidad Museum showcases the town's history and is located in an 1899 house, a significant part of this historic town. November is a special time to visit when the town hosts the annual Blessing of the Fleet, which provides a glimpse into Trinidad's historic and cultural past.
Mendocino, California
Mendocino, California, is a coastal town with cultural and historical significance. To this end, its preserved sites are a window to past centuries. This history can be explored at Headlands State Park, which features a museum and visitor center inside the elegant 19th-century Ford House.
The Victorian Village has several historic inns like the 1882 MacCallum House and the 1879 Joshua Grindle Inn. Both Victorian inns are surrounded by lush grounds and fine dining, within walking distance of the historic town. Mendocino has several state parks and preserves like Van Damme, 19th-century architecture, and a quaint downtown vibe, making it one of the most unique towns on the West Coast.
Wrapping Up
The Pacific Coast has many towns that will transport you to the past. Their natural beauty, vintage architecture, and other historic sites add to their charm. For example, Solvang is one of the most unique towns to visit because of its authentic European setting, while Trinidad charms with its rustic lighthouse. These eight towns celebrate their past with museums, preserves, and charming towns that are warm and inviting. Their aesthetic is as diverse as the Pacific Coast's topography, which makes this one of the best regions to visit in the U.S..
