7 Lesser-Known West Coast Cities

Traveling to the West Coast this winter? Skip Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Instead, go for a lesser-known, hidden gem of a city. Try one of these seven. © Nick Peters | Dreamstime.com

Bandon, Oregon, is a beach town that’s relatively quiet. Enjoy the local cafés and restaurants, long walks along the shore and views of chilly waters interspersed with towering rock formations. © Paulacobleigh | Dreamstime.com

Head to Ilwaco, Washington, to visit the not-so-disappointing Cape Disappointment State Park. The cape possibly gets its name from the number of shipwrecks that occurred in the area. Points of interest include a lighthouse and fort. © Oleg Mayorov | Dreamstime.com

In central California, Avila Beach offers an array of activities for visitors, including shopping, fishing, cycling and winery tours. © Nick Peters | Dreamstime.com

Find artsy and hip experiences in Sequim, Washington. The town is unexpectedly sunny for a Washington city, as it’s famous for sitting in a sun patch created by the Olympic Mountains’ rain shadow, and additionally famous for its lavender fields. © Cory Hibbert | Dreamstime.com

In central Oregon, Sisters caters to travelers with its laid-back style, plethora of local businesses and fly fishing. If you can, try to make the annual quilt festival for an unexpectedly delightful diversion. © Dana Kenneth Johnson | Dreamstime.com

The beach at Capitola, California, is lined with colorful houses, a shout out to the town’s beginnings as a seaside resort. Rent a boat, see a show, lounge in the sun or make your way between the many local eateries. © Yuval Helfman | Dreamstime.com

The town of Seabrook, Washington, is on the newer side. It was founded in 2004. The town made a reputation for itself with its adorable housing, communal fire pits and bocce courts. You may love it so much you decide to move. © Gregory Johnston | Dreamstime.com