5 Best Small Towns on the West Coast for Wine Tasting and Beautiful Views

These West Coast towns may be quaint, but they have a lot to offer!

Now that summer is on its way, it might be time to take that vacation you’ve been craving and spend some quality time relaxing with a glass of wine and your feet in the waves. But where should you take your next trip?

After all, the US is chock full of glorious beaches, coastal delight, charming wine regions, and striking national parks.

Well, the West Coast is home to plenty of beautiful small towns that are worth visiting if you’re the type of traveler who prefers getting lost in quiet spots rather than noisy and overcrowded cities.

From villages that look like fairytales to towns meant to look like European destinations and places where you can easily escape to nature, here are 5 of our favorite small towns on the West Coast!

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Sausalito, California

This West Coast location almost has a Cinque Terre feel about it, with brightly colored homes on hills lining the sea and, perhaps most alluring, many floating homes and houseboats, including one that was previously owned by writer Shel Silverstein!

The small, artistic enclave lies right across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, offering an escape from the bustling city and manageable access. Wondering what to do in this West Coast town when you’re not relaxing?

Check out the nearby Muir Woods National Monument and take a stroll under the old-growth redwood trees. Or you can check out the functioning 3D hydraulic model of the Bay Area at the US Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model Visitor Center.

Leavenworth, Washington

If you want to feel as though you’ve left the country and crossed the Atlantic without having to book a flight anywhere, this West Coast spot is THE place to be!

Located in Washington, this charming small town was constructed to resemble a traditional Bavarian village, inspired by true German towns like Leipzig, Bemalte Fassaden, and Munich.

Half-timbered homes, boutiques selling traditional European treats, structures that will remind you of Germany’s Medieval times, and quaint little coffee shops are staples of this adorable town on the West Coast.

And even though we’re dreaming of summer, and Oktoberfest is also celebrated here, we want to let you in on a little secret: this town also happens to be one of the most magical Christmas destinations in the US.

During the winter, the entire village gets covered in snow, and they host a month-long Christmas festival where you’ll find traditional Christmas markets, activities to spread some holiday cheer, and thousands of bright lights all over the streets!

Sisters, Oregon

Found in Oregon’s enchanting Deschutes region, this lovely West Coast location is a stunning mountain town where artsy vibes, alpine distinction, and historical architecture rule the scene.

You’ll love being surrounded by the small town’s vibes, which provide a magnificent break from everyday city life.

Strolling its streets, you can pop by to get a cup of Joe at the many coffee shops you’ll find, or you can spend a couple of hours unwinding at the many spas you’ll see all around, including the first beer spa in our country!

Another reason you should visit Sisters is that it’s a fantastic destination to enjoy some of the best of what Mother Nature in Oregon has to offer.

The Deschutes National Forest, McKenzie Pass, Sahalie, and the bewitching Koosah Falls are just a hop, skip, and a short drive away. They all provide a terrific opportunity to get lost in the great outdoors for a day or two.

Sonoma, California

Sonoma has become just as synonymous with wine as Napa Valley. But it’s managed to get the reputation as a more laid-back vibe without losing what the area is actually well-known for: a never-ending valley of vineyards!

You can grab a room at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa for relaxing spa and golf access.

Or, if you want something a bit more luxurious and short-term in this West Coast area, book a rental through AvantStay, where you’ll get top-notch amenities like a vast outdoor space, a Jacuzzi, pool, and a BBQ area.

But when you’re done relaxing, and you want to explore a bit, grab your camera and spend your day visiting Sonoma’s famous art galleries and enjoying colonial-era architecture. Plus, don’t forget why you’re here and dive into the wonders of wine country.

You can book a couple of tastings at local vineyards or make or drive through the area, linking the wine towns of Glen Ellen, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Cotati, and Petaluma.

Solvang, California

Hidden away in the Santa Ynez Valley, this West Coast location is a place that will immediately take you to Denmark without having to grab your passport and fly to Europe!

Established by three Danish immigrants, the architecture you’ll be greeted with all over this adorable small town in the Golden State is all about windmills, charming chalets, and quaint structures.

It doesn’t stop there, though. Solvang is also a place where you get to visit Europe through delicious culinary delights! This point alone has made it a very sought-after destination for food aficionados keen on getting a taste of classic Danish food.

As you stroll through its colorful cobblestone streets, you’ll come across many traditional bakeries, all of which have freshly-baked pastries that are made using only authentic recipes.

Also, thanks to its convenient place in one of the top wine regions of the state, Solvang is also a terrific place to go on a wine adventure, with an abundance of tasting rooms spread around its downtown.

There are also many vineyards around the area you can take a day trip to!

Be sure to let us know if you know of any other hidden gems on our beautiful country’s West Coast. But in the meantime, if you like visiting small towns, we highly recommend you also read: 48 Charming Small Towns You Haven’t Heard of (But Should Visit ASAP)