13 Small Towns On The Pacific Coast With Incredible Food

Rugged beaches, foggy fields, and lush pine forests blanket the Pacific coast. Amidst this scenic swath of North America sits some of the best foodie destinations on the planet. And while everyone seems to be clued into the culinary appeal of major metropolises like Los Angeles and Seattle, those who live in the region know that, often, the small towns are actually where you'll find the best food.

Whether it's the hidden gems tucked in the San Juan Islands of Washington State or California villages that regularly play host to tourists, the small towns on the Pacific coast are home to some incredible food. Here, you'll find fish caught fresh out of the ocean and inlets. And with plenty of pastoral space, gardens, and orchards, farm-to-table dining reigns supreme. In the Pacific Northwest, ingredients like salmon, marionberries, sweet onions, Dungeness crab, huckleberries, and geoduck offer unique and regional flavors. Further south in California, sourdough, tortillas, and bread bowls serve as vessels for signature dishes like cioppino, tacos, clam chowder, avocado toast, and burritos. Together, the foodways of the West Coast are as diverse and vibrant as the communities in which they're based.

For a taste of these culinary customs and regional flavors, here are some great small towns on the Pacific Coast to visit on your next trip. Stretching from the harbors of Alaska down to the sunnier portions of the Golden State, each has delicious food traditions and great restaurants at which to enjoy them.

This small town on Fidalgo Island in the Salish Sea is a place where you're bound to come across unbelievably good food. It's home to the best sandwiches in the Pacific Northwest, the best fish and chips in Washington, and so much more. It's the best place in the state to get a taste for Cascadian food traditions like fresher-than-anything seafood and farm-to-table vegetarian fare.

I say this as the biggest sandwich fanatic who's eaten them in every continental state: Gere-A-Deli has the best sandwiches anywhere. I've eaten the whole menu outside of one or two items, and the Fresh Mozza is the best — creamy pesto mayonnaise, peppery sprouts, bright tomatoes, and tender mozzarella are piled generously atop perfectly chewy ciabatta bread. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Get it with a big, sour pickle spear, and it's a meal that hits every note.

Otherwise, for flawless pizza with a caramelized crust and the coziest vibes, go to Village Pizza. The tastiest Mexican cuisine in the state is at Frida's Gourmet Mexican Cuisine (the Sopa Doña and the Chiles Mathias Goeritz are exquisite). Meanwhile, Adrift has succulent fish burgers, and Rockfish Grill's fish and chips are the best in town. But, as a longtime local, I'll let you in on a secret: if you take ferry and ride across the channel to Guemes Island, the Guemes General Store serves up the best seafood chowder I've ever tasted. It's packed with herbs, bright ingredients, and local fish.

Situated right by Monterey, this little California town is magical — it looks like a fairytale village by the sea. And the cuisine here suits the beautiful atmosphere. From the seafood to the Italian dishes to the pancakes, Carmel has it all when it comes to spectacular food.

I've had some of my favorite breakfasts of all time right here in Carmel-by-the-Sea. And Village Corner California Bistro, around since 1948, serves the best. Come for the fluffier-than-anything blueberry pancakes, and crispy yet airy Belgian waffles (topped with whipped cream and berries, no less). Stay for the vegetarian split pea soup and seafood dishes that get served up later in the day.

Speaking of seafood, there's a great sea-to-table scene here that shouldn't be missed. You can follow your nose or head straight to Nora's, where creamy clam chowder, crab and artichoke dip, lobster ravioli, and fish and chips await.

Cannon Beach isn't just widely recognized as one of the most beautiful places in the world — it's a favorite small town on the Pacific coast for foodies. West of Portland and south of Astoria, it's isolated, but it has access to some of the best cuisine in the region.

If you come when the farmers market is being held, you're in for a treat. Here, you'll find fantastic seafood, local cheeses, and all sorts of goodies that are just perfect for a picnic. For seasonal cuisine within a fine dining setting, book a reservation at Stephanie Inn's dining room — you'll be served Pacific Northwest favorites like Chinook salmon, heirloom tomatoes, and blueberries, depending on the time of year.

And don't sleep on the pubs and breweries if you love fish and chips (Bill's and Public Coast Brewing Co. are the best). But for breakfast, it doesn't get better than the gooey and freshly baked pastries at Sea Level, or the savory seafood benedicts at Oro's Fireside Restaurant.

Whenever someone asks me for a good food destination on the West Coast, let alone in Washington where I live, Langley is a spot I immediately recommend. Known as "The Village by the Sea," it packs quite a punch when it comes to the food, despite the small size of the town itself. I've yet to have a bad meal here, and it's never disappointed out-of-staters who I've brought, either.

The pies at Village Pizzeria are an absolute must. The slices are massive (like, the size of my head), the cheese is always the perfect amount of salty, and every item on the menu is fantastic. I love the bright pesto pizza with its electric green zigzags of the herbaceous condiment. But the clam and garlic is a big win if you love marine flavors and umami. Between the stellar pizza and some of the best views of town, this waterside eatery is among the most underrated restaurants outside Seattle.

While there are loads of other great restaurants, and you can and should browse the snacks inside The Star Store, you need to fit in a visit to The Braeburn if you're here during brunch hours. Highlights include the huge pancakes (make sure to slather them in the house jam, which I always find in the tabletop jars), the seasonal vegetable hash, the salmon skillet, and the apple crisp.

If you love West Coast comfort foods, Homer is your place. This Alaskan town is famously dubbed the "Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska," so like most foodie destinations perched on the Pacific, the seafood here is magnificent — it's not just the halibut; the salmon, crab, lingcod, oysters, and rockfish are also must-tries.

The Alibi Bar and Cafe serves stellar po'boys and fish tacos. The fish tacos are also incredible at Boat Yard Cafe, where they're likewise topped with crunchy red cabbage, but the fried fish sandwiches are each better than the last (and this eatery has been around since 1980). And for King crab legs, go straight to Captain Pattie's Fish House.

Outside of seafood, Homer has a load of cozy cafés and bakeries. Grab hearty sandwiches and big slices of chocolate cake at Mike's Alaskan Eatery. Or head to Two Sisters Bakery for pastries like vegan berry muffins, cardamom knots, savory danishes, and lemon bars. But for crepes and great soup, it doesn't get better than Wild Honey Bistro.

Hidden away on the Esowista Peninsula in Clayoquot Sound, this western Vancouver Island town is a treasure trove of good eats. The seafood is fresh, so come for the salmon (a beloved food in Washington State as well), spot prawns, lingcod, and Dungeness crab. Stay for the sound-harvested gooseneck barnacles. The mushrooms are locally grown, and forest treats like salal and fiddleheads add an earthen touch to the plate.

For a brilliant example of sea-and-forest-to-table dining, head straight to Wolf in the Fog. Everything on your plate was mindfully harvested, caught, foraged, or otherwise gathered from the surrounding landscape. Visiting is a beautiful way to get a literal taste of Tofino. To start, get the potato-crusted oysters and one other dish that catches your eye. For your main, pick between the seafood dishes or the colorful pasta plates. You can't go wrong.

But if you want something more casual, Tofino has plenty to go around. Tacofino is a fun taco joint with vibrant options for everyone. The sandwiches and pizza at Adriana's are packed with flavor. And the breakfast plates at Moss and Milk Cafe are pretty, hearty, and wholesome.

This tiny locale along the Pacific coast sits in Skagit Valley. And while it's definitely very small, there's not a bad restaurant in town. In fact, those from out of town and beyond have come to recognize that Bow-Edison is not just a quaint town by the water — it's a destination that hungry travelers should always go out of the way for.

Breakfast at Tweets is a must, and the frittata is always fluffy and buttery. For bread, go straight to Breadfarm and get the sourdough, the multigrain, and the olive loaf. Anything you order will be the best bread you've ever tried, but those are my favorites for variety. And Terramar Brewstillery's margherita pizza is some of the best in the state — it's the main reason why I consider this eatery to be one of the best restaurants in Skagit Valley.

Other delicious spots in Bow-Edison include Mariposa Taquería, Slough Food, Farm To Market Bakery, Rhody Cafe, Samish Oyster Bar and Seafood Market from Taylor Shellfish, and Samish Bay Cheese.

Between the famously good wineries of the region and the local farm-to-table dining scene, Mendocino is a dream for anyone who loves Californian cuisine. The local ingredients come from forests, farmland, and, of course, the ocean, making it a super diverse foodway. It's high-end, yet rustic at once.

If you happen to come between May and October, don't miss the farmers market. Baked goodies, local eggs, and all sorts of produce are all sold at this lovely event on the sea — buy some picnic supplies and embrace some al fresco dining along the Pacific.

Luna Trattoria is a must-visit for the magical garden atmosphere (seriously, get an outdoor table) and the beautiful pasta plates. The Spaghetti al Pesto Genovese, Farfalla della Nonna, Bruschetta Classica, Funghi Ripieni, Melanzane Parmigiana, and buttery polenta topped with sautéed Champignon mushrooms are just a few highlights from the menu. But for something sweet, head to Cafe Beaujolais for the house huckleberry pancakes with maple syrup and honey butter. If you're there for a later meal though, the seasonal fruit crisp and coconut cream pie are both more than worthy of a stop.

Port Orford is the Oregon coast's oldest town (and the continental states' westernmost city), so the food here draws from a rich history. As a working fishing village, it shouldn't be a shock that the seafood is seriously good. And the local fishers are sustainably minded, looking for ways to keep their catch fresh, eco-friendly, and traceable. So if you're a climatarian (or an environmentally conscious diner) like myself, Port Orford is a stellar stop along the Pacific coast.

Come to Redfish for sustainable seafood and killer views of the sea. The clam chowder here is so bright, with creamy broth and potato getting a lift from aromatics, crunchy corn, herbs, and chili oil. The cioppino is just as noteworthy, featuring sautéed shrimp, clams, scallops, and whatever fish is in season. And the crispy sablefish, grilled fish tacos, pan-seared scallops, and steamed clams are all done to perfection.

For something more laid-back, Shoreline Inn Bistro has you covered. I love that the menu includes a tuna melt that consists of locally wild-caught albacore, Tillamook cheddar, and sourdough. It feels like the most classic West Coast lunch ever between the bread, the Oregonian cheese, and the hyperlocal fish. But the beer-battered wild-caught Pacific halibut, either in bite form or between buns as a sandwich, is another serious treat.

Eastsound on Orcas Island in Washington State is one of my favorite towns in the whole world, and it's not just because of the dreamy views. The food scene is unbelievably good for such a small village. In fact, this is another one of those places where I've yet to have a bad meal — to put that in perspective, I grew up coming here, and cannot even count how many meals I've had.

The farmers market is my favorite anywhere, and I always make a point of picking up seasonal produce and bread. As for restaurants, Eastsound has it all, from fine dining to breakfast joints. For the former, Matia Kitchen is an institution. The menu changes every day to reflect the food that's at its peak, so if you're a locavore, or just want to taste the bounty of the San Juan Islands, this is paradise. Reservations are required for the 10-course tasting experience, so you'll need to plan ahead for that.

Another star player in the Eastsound culinary game is the array of bakeries. I love Dragonfly Coffee House for the honey lavender lattes, huge slices of quiche, and outdoor seating. And while I was initially bitter that Brown Bear Baking took over the space that used to be my childhood favorite, Sunflower Cafe, I've since come around. The pastries are fabulous, the sandwiches are hearty, and I'm a huge fan of the sweet and tangy lemon tart.

Pismo Beach is all about surfer culture, laid-back vibes, and food that suits that mood. Think burgers, sandwiches, smoothies, and seafood. It's just an iconic pick for anyone wanting beach-friendly bites. But if you want something high-end, there are loads of options that have stunning views, plates, and — true to San Luis Obispo County — wine.

On the casual, surfer-friendly end of things, Splash Café serves some of the best clam chowder in the state. It's silky, salty, and best with green onions on top. It's the perfect dish if you've been out in the water on a wet day. For loaded waffle fries, the best nachos in town, and piled-high Baja fish tacos, Wooly's Beach Bar and Grill is the place to be. And El Pizmo Fish Co. slings top-notch shrimp tacos, local rock cod and chips, seaweed salad, ultra-fresh poke, and, for something bright, papaya salad.

For a fine-dining, date night-style experience, Oyster Loft serves sleek plates with high-quality ingredients. Order the charbroiled oysters and sample some dishes off the crudo menu before tucking into one of the main seafood dishes — like pan-seared scallops, or local sablefish.

Sidney on the Saanich Peninsula is a popular tourist destination for a reason — it's a place where you can slow down by the sea, spend time in nature, and relax. It's also where you'll find some of Canada's best dining.

While you're here, you'll want to chow down on fish and chips. The Pier Bistro has a really nice breading on the seafood, and I love that the fries have the potato skin still on them for some texture. Plus, the water views are great. But Fish on 5th is equally tasty, and has fish and chips options for vegans as well. Or, snack on charcuterie and luscious wines at The Farmer's Daughter. This is also the best place in town for grilled cheese, a food the West Coast does best — the triple cheese melt with its trio of fromage, herb butter, and honey is a sweet and salty masterpiece.

And keep your eye out for farmers markets and food vendors in the streets. They're often the source of the best food in town. For caught-fresh seafood, the Sidney Fish Market is always worth a visit.

A historic hub in the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor is as stunning as it is a foodie destination by the sea. This is another place in the Salish Sea where, if it's running, you won't want to miss the farmers market. Bring a basket so you can buy things for a picnic, like produce, bread, and prepared foods from vendors. I recommend lingering to enjoy the live music and chatting with locals to get some good tips for your time on the island, such as when and where they last spotted whales.

The restaurant scene here is great. Downriggers has one of the best fish tacos in Washington State — the blackened cod fish tacos are brightened up with radish and pickled red onions; black bean relish brings smokiness and depth. It's just a balanced and satisfying bite that I think everyone needs to try. But Coho Restaurant is another Friday Harbor restaurant stand-out for its seasonal plates and market fish.

I also want to mention that, much like other aforementioned spots in the Salish Sea, the bakeries and cafés here are fabulous. I love Salty Fox Coffee for the lox on a perfectly chewy bagel, Leaven for the crepes (specifically, the wild blueberry crepe, but they're all so yummy) and raspberry shortbread cookies, and Bakery San Juan for the fresh bread (especially the multigrain), oatmeal molasses cookies, strawberry rhubarb pie, and pizza slices.