8 of the Friendliest Towns To Retire on the Pacific Coast
Choosing to retire along America’s stunning Pacific Coast is a decision that comes with plenty of rewards, from temperate weather to astounding geographic diversity. From the shores of Oregon and the peninsulas of Washington to the resort towns and island settings of California, spending time here (whether on vacation or in retirement) can create a treasured set of memories. Explore some of the Pacific Coast’s most delightful towns, and you may find yourself planning a retirement there once you see firsthand what makes this part of the country so beloved!
Astoria, Oregon
The seat of Clatsop County, the town of Astoria is Oregon’s oldest modern settlement, founded in 1811, some 48 years before the State’s admission to the Union. Home to a modest population of just over 10,000, this charming and scenic community is a great place to spend a retirement. Along both the Pacific Coast and the mighty Columbia River, there is never a shortage of breathtaking scenery to enjoy in Astoria, where summers are warm and winters are cool. Enjoy an active retirement here with popular activities including fishing, swimming, and sailing, while a welcoming historic ambiance makes the town a well-rounded place to visit and live.
Take in the sights at the Historic District, where such impressive landmarks of yesterday include the Captain George Flavel House (1885) and the John Jacob Astor Hotel (1923). Then there is the Astoria Column and its spiral staircases, which, at a height of 125 feet, offer truly awesome 360-degree views. Do not forget about the steel Astoria Megler Bridge and the Riverfront Trolley. Cross the Columbia River at the bridge, while a three-mile journey on the Trolley brings guests through some of Astoria’s most historic and photo-friendly neighborhoods. And with great community events like the popular “Shanghaied in Astoria” musical in the summertime, the Crab and Wine Fest (April 24-26, 2026), and the Scandinavian Midsommer Festival (June 19-21, 2026), a fun-filled retirement experience is always on hand here.
Bandon, Oregon
Bandon is a wonderful place for retirement, combining small-town charm with plenty of beautiful natural scenery. Home to just over 3,300 inhabitants, this welcoming community lies along the banks of the Coquille River (which leads to the Pacific Ocean), and it offers cool but comfortable temperatures for much of the year. Established in the 1890s by Irish settlers, the exquisite vistas of the area could certainly remind one of Ireland, which includes stunning rocky cliffs, soothing riverside banks, and iconic sandy beaches. Experience the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where, in addition to the sea and its cliffs, loads of special species, including seabirds and sea lions, can be encountered. From there, the active retiree can also enjoy hitting the fairways at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, which has 140 holes to play and a most spectacular ocean backdrop!
Finally, plenty of small town charm makes retirement living a further delight in Bandon, and great local establishments like the Broken Anchor Bar and Grill and Boardwalk at Bandon-by-the-Sea shopping center enhance the pleasures of daily life. And of course, one cannot forget about the annual Fall Cranberry Festival (September 12-13, 2026), where parades, live music, vendors, games, and naturally plenty of tasty cranberry harvest to sample and buy make Bandon the best place to be!
Port Angeles, Washington
Founded by Spanish colonists in 1791, the historic Port Angeles is beautifully situated in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. With a modern population of just over 20,000 residents, this seat of Clallam County offers not only awesome Pacific Ocean vistas but a majestic framing of the Olympic Mountains that ensures a retirement here is never short on breathtaking imagery. A great place to enjoy an outdoors-focused post-work life, Port Angeles’ climate is characterized by warm summer and mild winter temperatures, and there are plenty of ways to soak it all in.
From swimming and sailing at inviting beach areas like Hollywood and Twin Beach to exploring the awesome Strait of Juan de Fuca (which also creates the international boundary with the Canadian province of British Columbia), a photogenic experience awaits. And one cannot forget about the Olympic National Park and the Hurricane Ridge, which really define what it means to have one’s breath stolen. In town proper, add in cute local shops like the Port Angeles Wharf and the Downriggers on the Water American Restaurant, and a most charming retirement life becomes full. Finally, be sure to enjoy such annual events as the Fall Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival and the Maritime Festival in June for more fun on the water!
Port Townsend, Washington
Just an hour’s drive east from Port Angeles, the community of Port Townsend is another wonderfully scenic place to enjoy some of the best of Washington’s natural beauty in retirement. The seat of Jefferson County on the Quimper Peninsula, Port Townsend was informally founded in the 1790s by Captain George Vancouver, and today, a modest 10,000 residents call it home. Enjoy cool winters and summers here, while a charming historic ambiance creates a lovely snapshot of life in a 19th-century port town. Spend time in the Historic District where an assortment of Victorian-style edifices remain, including the Bartlett House (1883), Fort Worden, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1865), and the County Courthouse (1892), amongst others.
Adding to the unique charm are the wonderful Cascade Mountains in the background, some cute local beaches like North Beach County Park, and a relaxing port waterfront, ensuring a calming retirement experience. Cultural fun is never in short supply here, with great annual events including the Wooden Boat Festival (September 11-13, 2026), the Rhododendron Festival in May, and the summer Olympic Music Festival.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim (pronounced SKWIM) is rightfully known as the sunniest place in Washington, where, amazingly, the total annual rainfall averages only 400 mm. This makes it a truly lovely place to enjoy a retirement, with warm temperatures for most of the year. Just 16 miles from Port Angeles, Sequim also offers lovely views of the Olympic Mountains and lies scenically along the Dungeness River. An awesome destination to enjoy nature, this community of just over 8,000 residents charms with its stunning river views, pretty beaches (including Gardiner and the Sequim Bay State Park), and inviting harbor setting. There is also the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, where encounters with mammals and seabirds make for a special outing.
Enjoy time spent in downtown Sequim, where a fine collection of local businesses can be found, including the Dockside Grill and the Sequim Village Center Shopping Mall. In addition, major cultural events like the Lavender Weekend (July 17-19, 2026) and the Sequim Sunshine Festival celebrate the area’s natural beauty through a warm, welcoming showcase of community spirit.
Capitola, California
The oldest seaside resort in California, Capitola, can trace its modern roots to the 1850s, although it was only formally incorporated in 1949. Now the home of just under 9,500 residents, this beautiful community in Santa Cruz County scenically lies along Monterey Bay and, unlike many other California destinations, is known for its cool year-round temperatures. Popular with tourists, a retirement in Capitola is certainly one filled with plenty of natural beauty and small-town charm, where forgetting your troubles is easy. Enjoy an assortment of lovely stores and restaurants like Paradise Beach Grille and the Capitola Village Mercantile, while easy access to the beach makes a retirement stay a veritable delight.
Spend time at the Soquel Creek and admire the crystal blue waters of the Pacific, and partake in such activities as sailing, swimming, and fishing. Then enjoy afternoons at the Riverview Historic District, known for its many Spanish colonial-style buildings, as the bright colors of the Venetian Court neighborhood truly do brighten any day. And a retirement here would never be complete without experiencing some of the town’s most exciting events, including the Art & Wine Festival and the Beach Festival, amongst others.
Carmel by the Sea, California
Founded by the Spanish in the 1770s (though formally incorporated in 1916), Carmel by the Sea is situated on the Monterey Peninsula and right along California’s Pacific Coast Highway. A most splendid destination for everyone, including those in retirement, this charming and scenic town truly dazzles with its unique natural beauty and intriguing local history. Enjoy a post-work life filled with dramatic scenes of rocky cliffs and breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, while special Spanish-style edifices dot the landscape and transport one to another time. Marvel at such noted landmarks as the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo (1797) and La Playa Hotel (1905), and then stroll through the welcoming town center and its assortment of boutique shops, galleries, and art studios.
In the 20th century, Carmel by the Sea became known as a popular artists’ colony, and human creativity continues to be on display today in this town of 3,200 residents. Savour some delicious dishes at eateries like the Treehouse Café and then find the perfect gift at the Carmel Plaza shopping center. There are always plenty of reasons to smile here. Add in great beach access and comfortable year-round temperatures, as well as fun events including the Art Walk and the International Film Festival (October 1-4, 2026), and choosing to retire in Carmel by the Sea will certainly be a positive experience.
Avalon, California
Avalon is located on the stunning Santa Catalina Island (one of California’s eight Channel Islands), which makes it one of the most unique places not only in the “Golden State”, but also for a potential retirement. Home to a modest population of just under 3,500 residents, up to one million visitors visit this island paradise annually from the mainland, most often from mighty cruise ships. With its close 21-mile proximity to Los Angeles, the ease of accessing Avalon and the Island (and vice versa) has long made it a popular destination.
Fill retirement days with mild year-round temperatures, while stunning ocean, bay, and harbor views, never go out of style. Enjoy some great opportunities for swimming, fishing, sailing, and even snorkelling and scuba diving in pristine and shimmering waters, or hop aboard a ferry and tour the Island and its raw natural beauty. Additionally, enjoy historic and cultural intrigue at the Catalina Museum for Art & History, while great fun awaits at annual events such as the Arts & Crafts Festival (May 8-10, 2026), the Catalina Festival of Art, and the October JazzTrax Festival.
Spending a retirement in the totally stunning Pacific Coast of the United States is definitely never short on breathtaking surroundings and unique cultural charm. From the Pacific Northwest settings in Oregon and Washington, to the coastal delights of California, no matter which destination one decides on, a rewarding retirement experience is sure to follow. Here, a variety of natural wonders await, from rugged cliffs to island ambiance, while special cultural and historic intrigue create a wonderfully diverse tapestry. Enjoy Spanish colonial flavors in Carmel by the Sea, while 19th-century port town life shines in Washington State, and there is always a variety of exciting things to see and experience along America’s Pacific Coast. Planning a retirement and a new place to live can be daunting, but with a canvas as special as the Pacific Coast, there are many options to choose from that will ensure a post-work life full of beauty, relaxation, and fun!
