I've visited over 50 cities on the West Coast. Skip the tourist hot spots and try these 5 smaller coastal towns instead.

Langley, Washington, lies about 35 miles outside Seattle.

Amber Campbell

• I've visited over 50 cities on the West Coast and love spending time in small, waterfront towns.
• Avila Beach, California, has fun summertime activities like a Friday night farmers market.
• La Conner, Washington, is home to the Museum of Northwest Art.

I learned to love road trips at an early age, riding shotgun next to my dad for hours-long drives on weekends and holidays. We even traveled cross-country together when I was 13.