All hail Hollywood, praise for Portland and salute to Seattle: these West Coast cities are all more than worthy of the attention they receive from the millions of visitors who enjoy them each year. But the states of California, Oregon and Washington have a lot more to offer than just what you’ll find in their most famous cities. From funky surf towns to off-the-beaten-track vineyards, here are six of our favorite underrated attractions to be found on the wild West Coast.
Santa Cruz County, California
Orange County’s Huntington Beach may be “Surf City, USA,” but this Silicon Valley-adjacent university town has everything you could want in a surf town — and a lot in addition to tasty waves. First, there’s the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Operating since 1907, there’s no charge for admission and rides are reasonable, including the 70-foot-tall 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. Beginner surfers should head to the friendly breaks and many surf schools at Cowell’s Beach, while more experienced riders will want to catch the waves at Steamer Lane. Don’t miss the quaint and coloful village of Capitola, the first beach resort in the state, and be sure to sample some tastings along the Corralitos Wine Trail.
Shasta Lake, California
This 30,000-acre reservoir — the largest in the state — was created in 1945 when the Shasta Dam was constructed on the upper section of northern California’s Sacramento River. Now a haven for swimming, waterskiing, fishing, and jet skiing, Shasta Lake features 365 miles of shoreline and is the ideal spot for a relaxing houseboat vacation. The Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area has Gold Rush mining towns, waterfall hikes, horseback riding, and hunting ... all under the majestic overlook of Mt. Shasta.
Silverton, Oregon
Portland and the state’s dramatic Pacific Coast are often synonymous with Oregon, but Silverton (not far from the capital of Salem) is a delightful and often-overlooked alternative. Nicknamed “the Garden City,” this historic hamlet gets its name from Silver Creek, which flows through the quaint downtown. (Grab a great meal at one of the restaurants along the aptly named Water Street and enjoy the views.) Check out the stunning 80-acre Oregon Garden, and take a tour of the Gordon House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright property in the state. Nature lovers will want to visit Silver Falls State Park, where a seven-mile loop lets hikers visit 10 gorgeous waterfalls, half of which are more than 100 feet high.
Yachats, Oregon
Rugged beauty and laid-back, friendly vibes are the big draw in Yachats (pronounced “yah-hots”) on Oregon’s central coast. In the Siuslaw National Forest, the Cape Perpetua headland provides the highest car-accessible viewpoint on the coast, but you’ll want to get out and wander along the 26-miles of hauntingly scenic trails. After your explorations, settle in for nightly live music and impeccable fish-and-chips at the Drift Inn, or sample more than 350 vintages (many from small local producers) at Beach Daisy Wine.
The Palouse, Washington
Undulating hills seem to sway before your eyes in this geographically fascinating region of southeastern Washington. (Try to visit between June and August, when seemingly endless swaths of brilliant yellow mustard set the fields aflame.) Steptoe Butte towers above the hills, and is well worth the 15-minute drive to the top. The tiny town of Colfax offers a cute Victorian downtown, and you’ll definitely want to grab a chocolate milkshake at Zip’s Drive-In. The attractions of Spokane (including the largest urban waterfall in the country) are also only an hour away.
San Juan Islands, Washington
Who needs the mainland when you can island-hop via ferry? That’s the appeal of this 172-island archipelago, located conveniently off the coast of the Evergreen State. Ferries run year-round to four main islands: Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Shaw. Drive, walk, or bring your bike to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, which is located about two hours from Seattle. Once onboard, enjoy a roughly one-hour cruise before disembarking for adventure. Each island offers its own charms, from shopping and spas to sea kayaking and stargazing. While you can explore the islands as a (quick) day trip, it’s definitely worth it to plan at least a long weekend.
