9 Serene Pacific Coast Towns For A Weekend Retreat
The mainland United States’ Pacific Coast extends some 1,293 miles, and it features everything from misty temperate rainforests to sunny Mediterranean-style shores. In addition, the Pacific Coast has world-class surfing beaches, rich indigenous culture, colorful artists’ villages, and perhaps the world’s most famous sea stack. And yes, if you know where to go, you can find that one beautiful beach town with all those A-List celebrity compounds.
Whether you want to live it up like royalty like a five-star resort, get down to earth while exploring the rugged coastal wilderness, re-center yourself by escaping the maddening crowds, the Pacific Coast abounds in lovely options for serene getaways. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at these nine serene Pacific Coast towns for a weekend retreat.
Neah Bay, Washington
At the very top of the West Coast, where the Salish Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, Neah Bay combines stunning natural beauty and incredible homegrown culture. To get to know Neah Bay’s backstory, head to the Makah Cultural & Research Center to spot some 300-500 year-old historic artifacts (including clothing, painted masks, and baskets) and learn about the ongoing efforts to preserve the Makah language. And to get an intimate view of local indigenous maritime culture, set sail on a fishing trip with Big Salmon Fishing Resort.
If you’d rather observe the ocean from above, head out to Cape Flattery and feast your eyes on the spectacular scenery of the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States. Or, for a place where you can reach the beach, go down to Hobuck Beach for a gorgeous (if chilly) surfing beach, and try Shi Shi Beach for a verdant temperate rainforest that meets the shore. And for plenty more quality time at the shore, stay at the Makah indigenous-owned Hobuck Beach Resort that has cabins and campsites available.
Forks, Washington
No matter whether you’re “Team Edward,” “Team Jacob,” or “Team I Never Watched Any Twilight Movies,” you might very well find yourself in your own fairy tale-like enchanting experience in the Washington town of Forks. For a full bite into the world of Twilight, you can stop and take some photos outside the Swan House, encounter a treasure trove of movie memorabilia (including costumes and props) at the Rainforest Arts Center, and even attend that Forever Twilight in Forks Festival in September that often features actors from the Twilight movies.
Once you’re ready to head out and make your own magical moments in Forks’ great outdoors, drive out to Olympic National Park and hit the trails at Hoh Rain Forest, where over 140 inches of annual rainfall make for otherworldly lush natural scenery that looks better than the movies. Or, for a different kind of beach day, go to Second Beach for a magical sea stack-adorned beach that’s ideal for whale watching, and continue south to Third Beach for even more stunning views. To complete your Forks weekend, book a stay at the charming Misty Valley Inn bed-and-breakfast.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
About 80 miles northwest of Portland, Cannon Beach has one of Oregon’s most instantly recognizable natural landmarks, as well as some of the prettiest beaches you will find anywhere. Of course, no Cannon Beach trip feels complete without seeing Haystack Rock, the massive 235-foot-tall basalt sea stack that anchors the shore. From town, you can access the beach that’s closest to the rock, explore the colorful tide pools, and spot Tufted Puffins at the rock during the summer. For another perspective on the rock, go south to Tolovana and take in the dramatic coastal views while enjoying its wide sandy beach.
Even beyond Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach has more spectacular stretches of Pacific Coast. To the north of town lies Ecola State Park, a verdant patch of coastal wilderness with some nine miles of coastline that animals of Roosevelt Elk and bald eagles call home. Hit the hiking trails to potentially spot some of these animals, walk through the pristine forest, and see the historic (1881) Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. You can also head to Indian Beach for one of the region’s best surfing beaches. Back in town, check into the Hallmark Resort & Spa for an inviting resort getaway that’s mere steps away from Haystack Rock.
Yachats, Oregon
At the junction of the Oregon Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean, Yachats is a lush, beautiful coastal sanctuary like no other. Directly south of town sits Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, which includes massive bluffs rising as high as 800 feet above sea level, the Devil’s Churn inlet with its famously mighty ocean currents, and the Thor’s Well sinkhole that’s lovingly called the “Drainpipe of the Pacific.” Or, if you prefer a calmer beach to relax at, try Yachats State Recreation Area for lovely whale watching and easygoing tidepooling outings.
Beyond the beach, Yachats has plenty more to explore. Hike the trails at Cummins Creek Wilderness to experience a rare old-growth Sitka Spruce forest, and take Amanda’s Trail for a fully immersive experience that pays homage to the region’s Coos indigenous heritage while offering amazing panoramic forest and coastal views. After a long day wandering the forest and the coast, enjoy some much needed down time at the cute and cozy Yachats Inn.
Port Orford, Oregon
Port Orford may be the oldest platted town on the Oregon Coast, yet it’s also a town that opens itself to new adventures at land and sea. Start at Cape Blanco Lighthouse, a local landmark that’s been lighting up the coast since 1870 and made some trailblazing her-story by signing on Mabel E. Bretherton as Oregon’s first female keeper in 1903. Just steps away from the lighthouse, you can dive into some more local history at Hughes House & Ranch, a lovingly restored 1898 Victorian-style farmhouse that once anchored a successful dairy ranch. And since both landmarks are part of Cape Blanco State Park, you also have access to great fishing conditions at the Sixes River and the spectacularly scenic Sixes Beach.
Heading inland, there’s plenty more to see and more at Grassy Knob Wilderness, a 17,000-plus acre expanse of Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest that rises as much as 2,300 feet in elevation, protects pristine coastal rainforest, and provides the ideal habitat for spawning salmon. Back in town, go to Port Orford Heads State Park to see how the town kept watch over the coast during World War II, take advantage of the park’s lovely hiking trails, and do some ocean fishing. Once you’re ready to call it a day, check into the WildSpring Guest Habitat for a serene, relaxing environment by the sea.
Mendocino, California
About 185 miles northwest of Sacramento lies a different side of California, one that trades in big city hustle culture for quiet yet artsy small town life. Mendocino’s main village looks and feels so quaint that it evokes the cozy vibes of a New England town, and this feeling really gets strong and landmarks like the Kelley House Museum that preserves an 1861 Victorian manor, and the Ford House Museum that preserves an 1854 house and presents a scale model that lets you see Mendocino as it existed in 1890.
For a better sense of what’s happening in town today, go to Mendocino Art Center for a great variety of works by local artists and workshops that let you create your own. You can also catch a Broadway-style show at Mendocino Theatre Company, or watch something truly unique at the Mendocino Center for Circus Arts. Just a few blocks away, Mendocino Headlands State Park offers a network of scenic hiking trails and the tranquil shores at Portuguese Beach. And a little ways north, Sea Rock Inn is picture-perfect for a long weekend retreat with its ocean view cottages and suites.
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay may only be around 33 miles south of San Francisco, but it feels a world away with its wildly beautiful beaches and phenomenally gnarly waves. A short drive north of town lies Mavericks, a seemingly sleepy beach that roars every winter with waves that regularly crest over 25 feet and attract big-wave surfers from around the world. Just to the east, at Pillar Point Harbor, Mavericks Surf Company is a homegrown surf shop founded by hometown hero Jeff Clark that continues to produce the coolest surf gear.
If you prefer a more easygoing beach, head down to Half Moon Bay State Beach for a broad, sandy beach that’s great for beachcombing and ocean fishing. Or, continue south and book a tee time at Half Moon Bay Golf Links to enjoy 36 holes of golf and try not to get too distracted by its amazing ocean views. And right by the golf course, you can also treat yourself to a gorgeously luxurious stay at The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, a refined yet laid-back beachfront resort offering special amenities like California wine tastings and private surf lessons.
Montecito, California
Directly east of Santa Barbara and made famous by celebrity residents like Oprah Winfrey, Larry David, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Katy Perry, Montecito may ooze A-List exclusivity, but that also lends to a refreshingly relaxed environment. At the south end of town sits Butterfly Beach, Montecito’s own publicly accessible beach with waves ideal for surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, along with a nice stretch of sand for sunbathing. A little farther east, Summerland Beach is another fantastic spot to enjoy an easy-breezy beach day, and it’s where you can access a solid surf break at Loon Point.
Shifting north, there’s more serenity to reach at Lotusland, a unique botanic gardens preserve that spans 37 acres and showcases rare and exotic plants from around the world. Also, try the hike into Hot Springs Canyon to experience Santa Barbara County in its natural state and discover a wondrous hot springs oasis that provides refuge to local wildlife. And for the ultimate Montecito experience, check into the San Ysidro Ranch for a truly romantic garden retreat that’s hosted a long list of movie stars, business tycoons, and even world leaders like Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy.
Laguna Beach, California
Long cherished as an artists’ village, Laguna Beach offers maximum serenity and unparalleled beauty less about 60 miles south of Los Angeles. During the summer season, the Sawdust Art Festival showcases local artists and their hand-crafted paintings, pottery, jewelry, and clothing, while the Festival of Arts features works from hand-picked artists and the Pageant of the Masters theatrical show that brings works of visual art to life. Year-round, Laguna Art Museum has an extensive permanent collection of striking works by California artists and a fascinating mix of seasonal exhibitions.
If you can use some special inspiration from Mother Nature, head on down to Heisler Park to stroll the bluff-top path and reach secluded feeling beaches like Divers Cove and Rockpile below. Farther south, Goff Cove is a phenomenally beautiful beach for swimming, snorkeling, and simple sunbathing, and the adjacent Treasure Island Beach is a longer beach with ample golden sand. Right by both beaches sits perhaps Orange County’s premier luxury resort, Montage Laguna Beach, an elegant retreat with sumptuous rooms and suites, delectable dining, and a full-service spa on site.
The West Coast May Be Your Best Coast
From the lush old-growth coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest to the sun-kissed shores of Southern California, the Pacific Coast has many solid options for a serene weekend retreat. Try a trip to Neah Bay to immerse yourself in indigenous culture. Go to Cannon Beach for spectacular coastal scenery that can’t be seen anywhere else. Head to Half Moon Bay to hit some of North America’s best surfing beaches. And for a curiously artsy retreat, Laguna Beach is quite hard to beat. However you define ideal serenity, you will likely find the perfect place to enjoy some on the Pacific Coast.
