8 Towns on the Pacific Coast With Thriving Local Businesses
The Pacific Coast is a beautiful stretch of beaches and forest that runs through the states of Washington, Oregon, and California. Here, you can also find dozens of activities, as well as adorable small towns. These small towns are all chock-full of fantastic eateries, unique shops, quaint cafes, and adventures to be had. The best thing about small towns is that their streets are often full of locally owned, family-run, thriving small businesses full of charm, community, and value.
Anacortes, Washington
When it comes to local cafes, try out Sugar Mama Cafe, with its purple-painted siding and adorable patio. Enjoy delicious pastries inside as well as the yellow fireplace. Good Bagels Cafe serves freshly baked bagels made with local ingredients and was started by two brothers living in town. Creative Hub and Coffeehouse offers not only a spot to grab a latte, but also for creating art, attending workshops, and markets for local artists to sell their creations.
Local shopping can be done throughout town at locales like Alley Cat Antiques. Here you can find unusual treasures, neon signs, porcelain decor, old paintings, and much more. Pelican Bay Books and Coffeehouse sells gently used books, notebooks, coffee beans, and postcards, and also has an on-site coffee shop. Thrifty Kitty goes to an amazing cause, supporting shelter cats with the money made off of selling gently used home goods and furnishings.
Fill your stomach with delicious restaurants like Secret Cove, with seafood dishes like prawns, oysters, and crab. Sit on the waterfront patio and enjoy the bay. El Jinete is an authentic Mexican kitchen serving all your favorites including margaritas, tacos, chips, and salsa. Brown Lantern has been around for 90 years and hosts weekly events and live music on the weekends. They have also been awarded the best burger in Skagit Valley!
Keep the night going with local bars and lounges like Salt and Vine, with charcuterie boards, local wines, and gourmet groceries. Nearby Rockfish Grill crafts their dishes with local ingredients and is attached to Anacortes Brewing, which sells over 30 different craft beers annually and has a heated outdoor beer garden.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is full of thriving local businesses. At Mean Bean Coffee, pull up in the drive-thru of this tiny little cafe for a delicious latte. Hudson Point Cafe is right on the Point Hudson Marina and serves up a fantastic breakfast. The Courtyard Cafe features a patio with tons of greenery and great lunch options.
Shop at Whistle Stop Toys, an educational toy shop with lots of interactive playsets, books, and beach toys. 海角社区's End is a pirate-themed clothing and knickknacks store where you are sure to find something unique. Fancy Feathers is a clothing shop with two stories full of your favorite new outfits.
Get your grocery shopping done at the farmers market, home to dozens of local vendors selling all the best goods. You can also pick up some fresh, organic produce at Collinwood Farm, a stand just outside the main part of town.
Sirens Pub not only serves up brews and pub food but has a beautiful waterfront patio as well. Alchemy Bistro and Bar has a shaded patio, and offers delicious meals from steak to fish, to oysters. PT Soda Fountain and Diner is a retro diner with classic checkered tile and teal decor, as well as a waterfront deck.
Drinks can be had at Anchor, a neon brick-themed bar with a fancy lit-up bar back and chill atmosphere. Pourhouse features live music, outside picnic tables for a hot day, and beer flights so you can try one of everything.
Westport, Washington
There are endless local businesses to support in Westport. At The Sands Cafe, not only can you enjoy an iced latte, but they also have beer, merch, and comfy lounging areas. Whitecap Espresso is a little drive-thru stop with dozens of flavors of syrup to choose from. Capt'n Jack's is a drive-thru cafe next to the beach with pastries, drinks, and breakfast sandwiches.
Granny Hazel's Candy and Gifts serves up fudge, toys, souvenirs, and self-serve candy bags. Eclectic Treasures and Thrifts has everything from gently used clothing to decor and furniture. Steepwater Surf Shop provides not only surfboards for sale but lessons and rentals as well.
Aloha Alabama BBQ is a combination of both Hawaiian and Southern cuisine. Bennett's Fish Shack is a two-story restaurant with fantastic fish and chips, burgers, and prawns. And Westport Pizza Company has both dine-in and to-go menus and features a comforting and laid-back interior.
At Blackbeard's Brewing Taphouse, enjoy the pirate-themed interior. Knotty Pine Tavern has live music, as well as popular bar games like ping pong and shuffleboard.
Astoria, Oregon
Discover the thriving local business scene in Astoria. Grab a cup of joe at Journey's End Espresso, a walk-up cafe right on the marina. Blue Scorcher Cafe offers freshly baked bread and lots of seating. Green Door Cafe has an adorable little patio as well as freshly made juices.
Shop at The Magic Shop and More, which sells tons of toys, decor, and magical gizmos perfect for entertaining. Short Wave is a women-owned handmade and ethically sourced boutique. Variegata Exotic Plants sells beautiful exotic potted and hanging plants.
Get your shopping done at Peter Pan Market and Deli, one of the only locally owned grocery marts in town, featuring community-grown food goods and spices as well as homemade sandwiches.
At Bridgewater Bistro, enjoy the outdoor patio and live music. Silver Salmon Grille makes delicious cocktails as well as grilled salmon and fish. Geno's Pizza has cozy booths and decor, as well as a lengthy take-out menu.
Grab drinks at Portway Tavern and enjoy the outdoor seating, as well as maritime-themed inside. Vineside Wine Bar has local wines and beers, as well as handcrafted charcuterie boards.
Seaside, Oregon
Wander the downtown streets in Seaside to find all the local gems. At Seaside Coffee Roasters, enjoy tons of seating space including couches and armchairs, as well as their breakfast and lunch menus. Controversial Coffee sells mugs, beans, and gifts, and is as weird as it is welcoming. Brew 22 Coffee is a tiny drive-in cafe selling not only coffee-based drinks but smoothies and milkshakes as well.
At Shine Fair Trade, shop clothing, bags, and jewelry, all ethically sourced. Seaside Candyman has big candy tubes dispensing your favorites, as well as retro candies, truffles, and saltwater taffy. Oregon Marketplace sells all the best gifts and souvenirs, including wines and jams.
At Seaside Market, grab the essentials as well as ice, firewood, and liquor ranging from wine to beer and everything in between. Dinners are easy with restaurants like Norma's Seafood and Steak, which is inside a lighthouse, and serves up great soups and seafood. Nonni's Italian Bistro offers authentic Italian food and a huge wine selection. Twisted Fish Steakhouse has pool tables, and big dishes full of perfectly cooked steaks, seafood, and salads.
End the night at Beach N Brew and indulge in comforting pub fare, as well as play the many bar games. The Whet Spot sells tons of local beers, which you can also take to-go.
Newport, Oregon
Newport is booming with local businesses. NYE Beach Cafe is right near the iconic and historic NYE Beach and offers breakfast, lunch, and dessert. Coasties Roasties is a nautical-themed cafe with freshly baked items like pastries and bakery goods. White Rabbit Espresso is sunny, open concept, and has pretty and creative drinks sure to please.
At Newport Bay Candle Co, not only can you buy yummy-smelling candles, but neat gifts as well. Bridie's Irish Faire sells Irish clothing and jewelry. Archway Market sells local wines, as well as handmade goods.
La Juquilita Mexican Grocery sells only the best Mexican food items, as well as homemade Mexican dishes like tamales. Mai's Asian Market sells authentic Asian grocery items at great prices.
Fill your stomach at Pacific Kitchen, with their delicious burgers, chicken, and fish and chops. And while you're there, sample one of their cocktail flights. At Chowder Bowl, enjoy seafood as well as hearty bread bowls on their wide-open patio. La Roca Mexican Restaurant has not only authentic and beautiful decor, but cuisine to match.
Grab a drink at Rogue Bayfront Public House, providing beer flights, pool tables, and scrumptious pub food. Nana's Irish Pub is a great place to let loose, enjoy Irish food, and drink a pint of Guinness.
Fort Bragg, California
When it comes to local cafes in Fort Bragg, try out Headlands Coffeehouse, which features a charming oak interior, pastries, and take-home coffee beans. Cafe Jaavy serves up authentic Mexican breakfast and lunch alongside cafe drinks. A Frame Espresso is in a genuine A Frame Structure, and functions as a drive-thru.
Shop at Spunky Skunk Toys, which also contains Racines Art Supplies. Buy anything from paint to toy cars. Lunar Tide sells beautiful gemstones, spiritual gifts, and jewelry. Splendiferous is a women's clothing and jewelry boutique.
Grab groceries at Oak Market and Deli, which sells all your basic needs as well as kitchenware. Down Home Foods sells everything including fresh produce and organic body care.
Dinner can be found at Jenny's Giant Burger, featuring retro vibes, picnic tables, and a nearby beach. Sea Pal Cove has lots of outdoor seating along the river and serves up delicious fish and chips. Egghead's is a breakfast joint with a delightful Wizard of Oz theme throughout.
Finish up the night with drinks at Overtime Brewing and order a beer flight, made with beers brewed in-house. Golden West Saloon is a western-themed bar with pool tables, shuffleboard, and a jukebox.
Half Moon Bay, California
Moonside Bakery and Cafe is one of a kind local business, offering up European-esque vibes with pastries, goodies, and terrace-like outdoor seating. At Mavericks Creperie, not only can you enjoy delicious crepes, but also pancakes, waffles, omelets, and lunch. Granola's Coffeehouse has cute tucked-away outdoor seating, a cozy interior, and yummy bagel sandwiches.
Crow's Nest is an open-concept women's clothing boutique with adorable options. Juno's Little Mercantile sells handmade decor and dishware. Paper Crane is a stationary shop with amazing postcards, greeting cards, and notebooks as well as pens and pencils.
Cunha's Country Store has an impressive liquor selection with both local and imported options. They also stock imported candy and chocolates. Tom and Pete's is an outdoor produce stand with dozens of fruit and veggie options at great prices.
Ketch Harbor Pub is right near the Pillar Point Harbor, as well as the pier and waterfront park. They cook up some great seafood and fresh salads. Breakwater BBQ has a sleek wood interior, is right by the beach, and serves up fantastic hand-cut meats. Taqueria Tres Amigos has authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
At Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, enjoy the huge outdoor patio and firepits, and fill your stomach with great seafood. Sacrilege Brewery and Kitchen has live music, beer flights, and giant burgers sure to leave you satisfied.
So whether you are looking for a women-run boutique for a stellar outfit, a neighborhood pub where you can make some lifelong friends, or a supermarket full of local and organic produce, small towns along the Pacific Coast have just what you are looking for. And while checking off your shopping list or filling your empty stomach, you can also feel good about supporting thriving local businesses and contributing to the town's wonderful economy.
