The 10 most cute little cities on the west coast

If you are just looking for big cities, you miss.


Many people go to theWestern coast For mountain views, sandy beaches and unforgettable surf breaks, but if you simply go out west for big cities like Seattle and Los Angeles, then you miss a lot.

Of course, the cities of the west coast have their undeniable charm, but to really have an idea of ​​the region, visit some of itssmall cities, which have a lot of the same amenities as the big cities - Fraix, good restaurants and many fun things to do, but without traffic, hassle and stress, and with great kindness. Here are our choices for the cutest small towns in the west coast.

Read this then:The 6 most cute little towns on the east coast.

The cutest cities on the west coast

1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-By-The Sea
Robert Mullan / Shutterstock

Positioned along the central coast of California, Carmel-by-the-Sea is as picturesque and charming as its name claims. The small town, which has a population of just over three thousand residents, is known for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, that its praising name, as well as its unique laws. The size of residential houses is limited by zoning laws, and the city has also prohibited commercial development on the beach, chain restaurants and display panels, which allowed Carmel-by-the-Sea de Keep your charming character.

"Carmel-by-the-Sea, houses superb natural landscapes,Fascinating historic sites, and great retail opportunities, "explains the travel writerJenny Ly, the founder ofBurst. "The Point Lobos State nature reserve is an attraction nearby that deserves a visit, and [visitors should] save time to see the old Mission of Carmel."

The Carmel mission was built for the first time in the late 1700s and was the head of Alta California's missions when the region was under the control of Spain.

2. Ashland, Oregon

Ashland Oregon
Lynn Watson / Shutterstock

Located just above the Californian border, Ashland, in the south of Oregon, is one of the most charming destinations on the west coast and attracts visitors each year to marvel at the city's natural beauty . Ashland is located in the foothills of mountain channels Siskiyou and Cascade, which makes the city a perfect destination forAnyone who loves hiking. But the small town is not only known for its superb exteriors, it is also a hub for anyone interested in the theater.

"This is the place for you if you like a good show or worship literature or theater," says Ly. "The hometown of the Oregon Shakespeare festival is Ashland. Contrary to what the name could involve, a range of pieces, including new parts and classics likeGreat expectations, are presented in one of the charming theaters of the city. ""

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3. Sequim, Washington

Sequim Washington
CL Shebley / Shutterstock

The charming small towns are most often overwhelmed with flowers and natural beauty. Sequim, Washington, located in the State Olympic Peninsula, is not different and is known as the capital of the Lavender on the continent.

"[Sequim is] considered the capital of lavender in North America, because it is an excellent place to admire the endless purple fields," explains the travel writerAmar Hussain, the founder ofOnly Wanderlust. "If you are targeting the third weekend in July, you can also participate in the Sequim Lavender Festival weekend."

Although the lavender is charming and helps to make the city one of the cutest in the west coast, it is not the only attraction of Sequim. The city is located just on the bay of Sequim, which connects to the Salish Sea, and is also near the Olympic National Park, which makes it aOutdoor lovers paradise.

4. Petersburg, Alaska

Petersburg Alaska
Florence-Joseph McGinn / Shutterstock

Unlike other cities in southeast Alaska, which can be invaded by visitors, Petersburg remains a picturesque and cute city because it is not large enough to attract the large crowd of cruise ships. The city, with a population of just over 3,000, is possible to reach by plane or by ferry service.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

The small town also has deep Norwegian roots and pays tribute to these roots through its events like theLittle Norway Festival, and the numerous Norwegian flags, restaurants and stores to find in any Petersburg.

"It is very Norwegian who is part of what makes him really cute," explains Jennie Flaming, travel writer toOrdinary adventures. "It also has a massive number of fishing boats, a lot of incredible fishing, hiking trails, an observation of whales and trips to the Leconte glacier. It is a big city beaten for outdoor lovers, and c ' is also really cute with all Norwegian buildings and flags. "

5. Buellton, California

Vineyard in Buellton California
Jim Ekstrand / Shutterstock

You don't have tobe a wine lover To enjoy a trip to Buellton, California, the wine country of Santa Barbara, but that adds to the experience.

"Buellton is the perfect path outside the beating in the wine country of Santa Barbara who just has the right amount of original details for someone looking to explore a cute little town with a unique story," explainsKathy Vreeland, the executive director ofDiscover Buellton. "With only a population of 5,000 inhabitants, visitors can experience more intimate excursions in the event of a winemaker where the winegrowers themselves will pay your wine and discuss behind the scenes that goes in their vineyards."

The small town, with a population of just over 5,000 years, was one of the film's filming locations of 2004 winner of the "Sideways" academy, about two men traveling in the region, and a hotel where the film was shot even changed its name toSideways Inn To honor his link with Hollywood.

6. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach Oregon
Marv Vandehey / Shutterstock

There are few more cute and charming things in a municipality than a place that gathers around an object - in Cannon beach, Oregon, the object that the community is so in love with the rock. It is not any rock, rock rock, located on the beach which gives its name to the city, is 235 feet high and makes Cannon Beach a unique place of all cute and charming cities along from the Pacific coast.

"Cannon Beach is a place known for observing wildlife and observation of birds," said Hussain. "Sea seals and sea lions could be seen on the beach, and if you are lucky, you could even locate a gray whale during its biannual migration along the coast."

If you do not want to spend all your time at the beach while visiting the small town, you can always experience its charm by visiting some of the beloved chalets of Cannon Beach as part of its annualTour.

7. Bay tomales, California

Tomales Bay California
Carmela Soto / Shutterstock

Rather than a city itself, the tomal bay is an entrance to the Pacific Ocean, extending over 15 miles in the coastal county of Marin in California. The Tomal Bay area is made up of several small municipalities, but to have a real feeling of a small town, stop at the city of tomales, which is just east of the mouth of the bay.

"It is nestled right next to Point Reyes National Seashore, offering the most breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and offers an epic coastal hike", explainsKayla Glanville, the co-founder and CEO of Travelp AppUpway.

Spend a day travelingThe main street of the city, which has a number of restaurants, bakeries and shops, and many buildings present a commercial Victorian architecture, which gives it a picturesque feeling. The city retains its historical charm through several of its old buildings, such as the office building of the small town, which dates back to 1854.

8. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth Washington
Randy Andy / Shutterstock

For midwesterners and people living on the east coast, flying towards the west coast and flying to Europe would require heading in two separate directions, but if you take a trip to Leavenworth, Washington, a small village in the Cascade mountains , it will be difficult to say if you are in the west or somewhere in Germany.

"Leavenworth is charmingBavarian village is bordered by picturesque colorful shops, authentic German restaurants and accommodation welcoming spa hotels with mountain cabins ", explainsLauren Labar, the co-founder and CEO of Travelp AppUpway. "Each holiday season, the village is decorated with more than half a million lights, and every fallOKTOBERFEST is celebrated as much as possible. This pretty little town gives you the impression of being in the heart of Germany without international flight. ""

Read this then:The 10 best mountain cities in the United States

9. Florence, Oregon

Florence Oregon
Telephone / Shutterstock

Florence is a charming city along the central coast of Oregon which is at the mouth of the Siuslaw river, making the city an ideal destination for all those who like to be near the water. For such a cute city, it is strangely, and unfortunately, better known for a disgusting event in 1970, when local authorities used 20 cases of explosives to blow up a stranded whale.

While the name evokes horrible images, city residents voted to appoint a new cute parkRoommorative Park of Whales Explosion In honor of the deceased whale, making the most of a fairly unpleasant situation.

But all Florence sites do not recall bloody events, in fact, they make the small town, which has a population of more than 9,000 inhabitants, a coastal place that is quite charming to visit. The National Recreation Region of Oregon Dunes nearby has even inspired the science fiction editor Frank Herbert to write the emblematic novelDune.

"There are kilometers and kilometers of hiking trails in the dunes [nearby]," saidLeslie Gilmour, the CEO ofScott outdoors. "This small town and its surroundings are ideal for outdoor activities in general. There is a lot of fishing and batteries to catch crabs because it is just on the ocean."

10. Ferndale, California

Ferndale California
Bob Pool / Shutterstock

Nestled in the sequoias in northern California, Ferndale, is one of the most charming small towns on the west coast. The picturesque city has acquired a reputation for art lovers' paradise, with an abundance of galleries and studios throughout the city, which has only an area of ​​a square mile.

"There is no shortage of things to do in this city which is dedicated to the arts," explains the travel writerRebecca Posey, the co-founder ofPoseys goes from places. "Take a walk in the city center to admire architecture, listen to live music from various places, sitting a show atRepertoire theater Or browse an art gallery. ""

When you have finished looking inside, explore the city of FerndaleVictorian village, the many well -preserved Victorian style houses that populate the small town, which has just over 1,300 inhabitants.


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