8 Best Towns On The Pacific Coast For Retirees
Stretching along the edge of the continent, the Pacific Coast winds through Washington, Oregon, and California, where natural beauty meets everyday comfort. This region is known for its evergreen forests, rugged cliffs, quiet beaches, and strong community ties. For retirees, it presents a mix of small-town peace and reliable services, places where it is easy to stay active, find local produce, walk scenic trails, and access dependable care. With milder climates, affordable housing in select towns, and welcoming neighborhoods, these coastal gems offer a rewarding lifestyle without the rush. Whether it is morning walks along the shore in Ocean Shores, time spent in Prehistoric Gardens in Gold Beach, or simply adopting a new hobby at The Shipley Center in Sequim, the following towns provide ideal settings for those seeking a more relaxed pace along the Pacific.
Newport, Oregon
Newport brings together oceanfront charm, cultural depth, and a strong support system for older adults, all with a coastal view. Perched along the Central Oregon Coast, the town has long been a destination for relaxation and recreation. Nye Beach, a favorite gathering place for generations, remains a peaceful spot for morning strolls, beachcombing, or watching the waves with friends. The Historic Bayfront hums with energy thanks to its working docks, seafood eateries, art galleries, and the chatter of sea lions lounging near fishing boats. For those drawn to science and nature, the Hatfield Marine Science Center offers engaging exhibits that highlight ongoing marine research in accessible, interactive ways. And when family visits, Ripley’s Believe It or Not adds a fun, quirky outing that appeals to all ages.
Nearly 30% of Newport’s population is 65 and older, a testament to how well this town suits retirement living. Seniors can connect through the Newport 60+ Activity Center, where activities like Meditation Class, Chair Yoga, and Arthritis Exercise keep you fit and healthy. Personal care is readily available thanks to Aging Wisely with Heartfelt Hands, Inc., which has flexible in-home services based on individual needs. For longer-term housing, Oceanview Senior Living brings together independence and care with comfort and ocean breezes. With a median home price around $465,000 as of June 2025, below Oregon’s state average of around $510,000, retirees can enjoy coastal living in a town that respects their pace, health, and happiness.
Ocean Shores, Washington
Ocean Shores is a peaceful coastal retreat where waves and wide beaches shape everyday life. With nearly half the town's population aged 65 and older, it is no surprise that Ocean Shores feels intentionally paced for retirement. Ocean Shores Beach stretches for miles, inviting morning strolls, seashell hunting, and the quiet calm of coastal sunsets. Golfers enjoy the nearby Ocean Shores Golf Course, where ocean breezes add to the challenge and the clubhouse welcomes post-round conversation. For a lighthearted outing, Pacific Paradise draws families and grandkids in with its bumper boats, arcade games, and mini golf, just the right blend of play and memories.
The town also keeps wellness and support close to home. Sea Mar Ocean Shores Medical Clinic provides basic care, while the Harbor Regional Health Emergency Department in Aberdeen is just 20 miles away for more urgent needs. Seniors can find a warm community through Green Lake Senior Living Ocean Shores, a facility designed to support residents with daily living while encouraging independence. Compared to Washington's steep housing market of around $611,000, Ocean Shores stands out with a median home price of approximately $360,000, offering a scenic and budget-conscious alternative.
Coos Bay, Oregon
Coos Bay delivers a refreshing mix of scenery, strong medical access, and community-focused living that makes retirement feel both fulfilling and secure. With 23.4% of the population aged 65 and older, the town naturally leans into supporting older adults. It also houses a large concentration of healthcare facilities on the Oregon Coast. Bay Area Hospital stands out as the region’s largest medical center. Seniors can also turn to facilities such as Ocean Ridge and Bayside Terrace by Cogir or the Life Care Center of Coos Bay for long-term support and daily care.
Engagement here goes far beyond basic services. The Bay Area Senior Activity Center and North Bend Senior Center both keep calendars filled with fitness classes, games, and social events. For those drawn to community service, the Coos County RSVP Program connects retirees to meaningful volunteer roles, while AARP Oregon’s presence supports advocacy and education. New Horizons In-Home Care ensures that seniors who prefer to age at home still feel supported with daily routines.
Recreation in Coos Bay brings the coastal environment to the forefront. Shore Acres State Park remains a year-round favorite with its curated botanical gardens and oceanfront viewpoints, especially ideal during whale-watching season. The McCullough Memorial Bridge serves as a visual landmark and makes for a scenic drive, especially at night when it is lit against the backdrop of the bay. Retirees also enjoy easy afternoons at the Three Rivers Casino or a fresh catch at Qualman Oyster Farms. In addition, with homes averaging about $330,000, Coos Bay presents a comfortable place to enjoy the rewards of retirement along the Pacific coast.
Crescent City, California
Crescent City combines natural grandeur with small-town ease, making it a smart retirement pick. Home to the headquarters of Redwood National Park, this coastal town places retirees at the doorstep of towering trees, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing year-round. The historic Battery Point Lighthouse, accessible at low tide, adds a touch of maritime charm, while Ocean World remains a family favorite for when the grandkids come to visit. Annual events in town create an active calendar for older residents to enjoy. The Fourth of July fireworks show draws the community to the shoreline in celebration, while the Sea Cruise Car Show in October fills the streets with classic cars and music. Both events invite participation and spark joy without needing to travel far.
Day-to-day life is well-supported. Seniors stay active with discounted access to the Fred Endert Municipal Pool, designed for all ability levels. The Club Fitness Center gives locals more variety, with yoga, weight training, sauna use, and cardio classes available under one roof. Social connection is fostered through the Del Norte Senior Center, where chair yoga, group lunches, and games help retirees stay physically and mentally engaged. For those preferring less upkeep, Addie Meedom House and Crescent City Skilled Nursing provide assisted living and long-term care in welcoming settings. At the same time, homeownership here is more economical than in much of California, with the median house price around $366,000 as of June 2025, quite less than the state average of over $780,000.
Port Angeles, Washington
Situated along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Port Angeles combines natural beauty with easy access to daily conveniences, making it a strong choice for retirement along the Pacific Coast. Whether it is the scenic ferry ride aboard the Black Ball Ferry Line to Victoria, British Columbia, or a weekend stroll through Harbinger Winery to sample handcrafted regional wines, the town keeps life interesting and accessible. Active seniors will appreciate the Marymere Falls trail in Olympic National Park, a 1.8-mile path shaded by towering evergreens that leads to a graceful waterfall, perfect for a light hike or photo opportunity. The Feiro Marine Life Center, located on the city pier, brings the coastal ecosystem to life with touch tanks, live exhibits, and educational programming, a favorite among visiting families.
Health and wellness are well accounted for in town. Olympic Medical Center has reliable healthcare, while the Olympic Peninsula YMCA runs exercise classes and wellness initiatives. At the heart of the community sits the Port Angeles Senior & Community Center, a hub where older adults gather for crafts, billiards, group meals, computer use, and social activities that foster both connection and creativity. Port Angeles also makes financial sense. With a median home price around $458,000, considerably lower than Washington State’s average of $611,000, it remains relatively budget-friendly for the region. With 21.5% of residents over 65, Port Angeles is a strong community for retirees.
Gold Beach, Oregon
With median home prices around $450,000, well below Oregon’s statewide average of $505,000, Gold Beach makes it possible for retirees to own a peaceful coastal retreat without overspending. Life here unfolds at a calmer rhythm, supported by access to healthcare at Curry General Hospital and South Coast Health Center. Physical wellness is encouraged at Studio1 Fitness, while the Curry Public Library provides opportunities for social connection and mental enrichment through programs like the Walking Group, outdoor movie nights, and even a hula hoop class. For everyday essentials and local flavor, Fishermen Direct Seafoods is a go-to for fresh catch straight from the Pacific, ideal for those who enjoy seafood as part of their routine.
For outings with visiting family and grandkids, the Prehistoric Gardens, just a short drive north, features towering dinosaur sculptures in a rainforest setting that delights all ages. Otter Point State Recreation Site offers sweeping coastal views, winding trails, and dramatic sandstone formations. Visitors and locals often stop at the Gold Beach Visitor's Center to learn more about the area's rugged beauty, then head to Spinner's Seafood Steak & Chop House. With generous portions, a solid wine list, and a variety of seafood and steak favorites, it is a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal with visiting family.
Ferndale, California
Ferndale invites retirees to enjoy a slower pace in one of California’s most visually distinctive small towns. Often called “Cream City,” this Humboldt County gem is renowned for its preserved Victorian architecture, especially along Main Street, where elaborately detailed storefronts and historic homes, affectionately nicknamed “Butterfat Palaces,” reflect the town’s dairy-fueled prosperity in the late 1800s. The Ferndale Main Street Historic District spans 46 acres and includes 39 historic buildings and the iconic Town Clock, making it a picturesque and walkable area for daily movement and casual exercise for retirees.
Ferndale also makes room for quieter joys. The Ferndale Museum features a variety of immersive exhibits, including restored Victorian interiors, a working Bosch-Omori seismograph, and a blacksmithing annex where smiths often demonstrate traditional trades. For low-key recreation, Firemen’s Park includes ball fields, a picnic area, a playground, and three bocce courts, ideal for enjoying a sunny afternoon. Median home prices are around $485,000 as of June 2025, far below California’s statewide average. Civic traditions keep the calendar full and spirits high. The Humboldt County Fair, held every August at the edge of town since 1896, draws visitors from across the region for horse racing, exhibits, and live entertainment. Meanwhile, the Ferndale Community Health Center is located along Main Street for medical concerns.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim brings a rare mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and relaxed living that makes retirement here feel intentional and fulfilling. Known as the “Lavender Capital of North America,” Sequim’s signature fields bloom in vivid shades each summer, drawing visitors and locals. The Purple Haze Lavender Farm is a seasonal delight, with pick-your-own blossoms, shaded picnic spots, and a gift shop that includes small-batch lavender ice cream. The Sequim Lavender Trail adds more depth, guiding guests through a series of family-run farms across the Olympic Peninsula, all within easy reach for a weekend drive or bicycle outing. Outdoorsy retirees can appreciate the serenity of Carrie Blake Park, a thoughtfully landscaped green space with ponds, rose gardens, and towering trees. For family visits, attractions like the lavender farms or a relaxed evening at The Oasis Bar & Grill, known for its wide beer selection and classic American menu, make it easy to share good times with kids and grandkids.
For older adults ready to embrace community living, Sequim delivers with its impressive range of services. The Shipley Center keeps social calendars full with events, classes, and day trips, creating plenty of chances to meet people and try new hobbies. Senior residences like Fifth Avenue Senior Independent Living, The Lodge at Sherwood Village, and Suncrest Village Retirement Community provide peace of mind with maintenance-free lifestyles and scenic surroundings. With 42% of the population aged 65 and older and median home prices at $580,000, lower than many other Washington coastal towns, Sequim gives retirees every reason to make this vibrant, lavender-lined haven their own.
Wrapping Up
From Oregon’s rugged dunes to Washington’s maritime charm and California’s towering redwoods, these eight coastal towns balance scenic living with budget-friendly homes. With essential services like hospitals and senior care, plus clubs and fitness programs, they are well-equipped for retirees seeking both adventure and peace. Each town adds its unique flavor, from lighthouses and the ocean to table seafood to lavender farms and Victorian architecture, making this stretch of the Pacific Coast a hidden gem for retirement.
