Port Townsend
Population: 9,551
Leavenworth
Population: 2,375
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains, in central Washington State. Alpine-style buildings with restaurants serving German beer and food line Front Street. The Nutcracker Museum displays thousands of nutcrackers, some dating back centuries. On the Wenatchee River, Waterfront Park is a habitat for ospreys and eagles. The village is a gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries. |
Oregon
Seaside
Population: 6,737
Astoria
Population: 9,836
Astoria is a city in Oregon. It's on the Columbia River, near the Pacific Ocean. The Astoria Column, a towering hilltop monument with murals depicting area history, offers panoramic views. The Columbia River Maritime Museum showcases fishing, shipping and military history in a waterfront building. Set in a Queen Anne–style Victorian mansion, Flavel House Museum features period furniture as well as manicured gardens. |
California
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Population: 3,830
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small beach city on California's Monterey Peninsula. It's known for the museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission, and the fairytale cottages and galleries of its village-like center. The Scenic Bluff Path runs from surf spot Carmel Beach to bird-rich Carmel River State Beach, with a scuba entry point. South lie the sea animals and whaling museum of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. |
Ojai
Population: 7,534
Ojai is a small city in Ventura County, California, northwest of Los Angeles. Set in a valley in the Topatopa Mountains, the city has a village-like center dotted with art galleries and New Age shops. Bordering the north, Los Padres National Forest is crisscrossed with meandering trails. Nearby Lake Casitas is another popular recreation area. Every year, the Ojai Music Festival features famed classical artists. |