11 Ideal Pacific Coast Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025
Up and down the United States’ Pacific Coast, travelers can turn a long weekend into a lifelong trail of memories. Across the coast, one can find a multitude of splendid beaches. But upon closer examination, visitors will also encounter lush temperate rainforests, rich indigenous culture, vibrant local artist communities, world-class surf breaks, and even some of North America’s rarest trees. From the forested coast of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula to the sunny shores of Southern California, here are 11 ideal Pacific Coast destinations for a three-day weekend in 2025.
Neah Bay, Washington
Perched near the northwesternmost point of the United States mainland is the Washington town of Neah Bay. Since this town is on Makah tribal land, it is the ideal place to immerse oneself in local indigenous culture. In particular, the Makah Cultural & Research Center features its own museum, where visitors can view a collection of artifacts ranging from 300 to 500 years old, recovered from the nearby Ozette Archaeological Site. Additionally, the Makah Language Program is working to preserve the community’s own language. Just down the road, visitors can find some great local coffee and food at Native Grounds Espresso.
From the town, it’s quite the scenic drive north to Cape Flattery, the U.S. mainland’s northwesternmost point, with an easy walking trail and four observation decks to take in all of the views of this special point where the Salish Sea flows into the larger Pacific Ocean. From there, it’s another scenic journey south to Shi Shi Beach, a truly spectacular stretch of coastline where the rainforest meets a beach adorned with offshore sea stacks. And for some more quality time at the beach, Hobuck Beach Resort offers an ideal oceanfront location and a solid selection of cabins and RV campsites.
Long Beach, Washington
About 110 miles south of Olympia lies Long Beach, a town aptly named for its 28 miles of uninterrupted Pacific coastline. For anyone wondering where and how to begin exploring the coast, the Discovery Trail is an eight-and-a-half-mile-long path that connects many of Long Beach’s finest beaches. At the southern tip of the Discovery Trail is Cape Disappointment State Park: Despite the name, this park is a perennial favorite with two functioning lighthouses, the massive waves at Waikiki Beach, and the serene shores of Benson Beach at the mouth of the Columbia River.
Beyond the beaches, Long Beach has a few more fascinating treasures inland. For one, there’s Marsh’s Free Museum, home to the nation’s largest collection of glass fishing floats and all sorts of funky souvenirs at the gift shop. In addition, the Cranberry Museum is a great place to learn about this famously tart fruit and its special role in local agriculture. Once visitors are ready to return to the shore and wrap up the day, the Inn at Discovery Coast is a fantastic choice for understated luxury right by the beach.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
It’s a fairly easy 80-mile drive from Portland to Cannon Beach. But once one reaches this Oregon beach town, it’s easy to see why it stands tall as an enchanting coastal enclave. Just south of downtown is the beach with the best view of Haystack Rock, the 235-foot-tall sea stack, along with incredible local wildlife like tufted puffins and starfish. If that’s not enough coastal scenery, it’s a short drive north to Ecola State Park with its prime surf spot at Indian Beach and panoramic views at Tillamook Head. And to the south, Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site is another solid pick for surfing, tidepooling, and coastal hiking.
Returning to town, Anna’s Table is a snazzy dinner restaurant that specializes in sustainable sourcing of local ingredients (including seafood) and crafting dishes that make one want to take the time to truly enjoy the meal. To make a stay here even better, visitors can book a room or suite at Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach and enjoy a prime location near Haystack Rock, along with wonderful amenities such as easy bike rentals, complimentary freshly baked cookies, and access to the on-site fitness center and spa.
Lincoln City, Oregon
While glass art can be found in a number of cities, no town seems to have quite as much fun with glass as Lincoln City, around 58 miles west of Salem. At 15th Street, travelers will not only find a fully accessible Oregon beach, but also a collection of glorious tide pools, along with the opportunity to find artist-made glass floats to take as free souvenirs! If this piques one’s interest in the local glass art scene, it’s a short stroll inland to Pacific Artists’ Gallery to discover all sorts of colorful works by local artists. And if anyone wants to try creating their own, the Lincoln City Glass Center offers interactive glass art workshops.
Lincoln City may be full of shiny glass, but it’s also home to the glassy and tranquil waters of Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area, a lake that’s perfect for paddling, boating, and fishing. Just a few blocks north of the park is The Coho Oceanfront Lodge, a spectacular beachfront hotel with panoramic ocean views and sustainably furnished rooms and suites.
Gold Beach, Oregon
Near the southern end of the Oregon Coast is Gold Beach, a town that really lives up to its name with precious and dazzling beaches. A short drive north of town is Otter Point State Recreation Site, a great place to hike and look out for naturally sculpted sandstone rock formations along the shore. Meanwhile, to the south is Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor with its dramatically panoramic views of the Sitka spruce forest, the Pacific Ocean, and the coast all the way from Crescent City (California) to Humbug Mountain. And a little farther south is Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint with its soft sand dunes leading to millennia-old sea stacks and an ideal beach for birdwatching.
A long day exploring the local beaches can make for a very heavy appetite, so it’s always a good idea to return to town for a uniquely Oregonian take on Southern-style barbecue at Gold Beach BBQ. From there, it’s a nice drive up to Taylor Creek Lodge, a cozy bed-and-breakfast that’s perfect for impromptu getaways and hosts special events.
Sea Ranch, California
Around 150 miles west of Sacramento is the curiously quaint village of Sea Ranch, a secluded corner of Northern California’s Sonoma Coast that must be seen to be believed. To the south of town lies Salt Point State Park, with its six miles of rugged and pristine coastline adorned with massive sandstone bluffs and stunning coves. It’s a wonderful park to spot local wildlife, including wild pigs, brown pelicans, and black-tailed deer. Closer to town is Gualala Point Regional Park, a scenic nature preserve that extends from a forested campground by the Gualala River inland to an expansive (yet usually quiet) oceanfront beach.
Right by the park, one can hit the links and play with incredible ocean views at the 18-hole, par-72 Sea Ranch Golf Links. Just across Coast Highway is Gualala Arts Center, where visitors can check out the seasonal exhibits on display at the gallery, sign up for interactive workshops, and pick up some special souvenirs made by local artists at the gift shop. For the ultimate Sea Ranch weekend, guests can splurge on an enchanting stay at The Sea Ranch Lodge, an eco-chic boutique resort with thoughtfully designed guest rooms, delectable cuisine at The Dining Room (restaurant), and an on-site General Store stocked with all the supplies one needs for a perfect NorCal beach day.
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay may only be about 30 miles south of San Francisco, yet this California town feels far removed from the troubles of the outside world with its marvelous beaches and easygoing surf town spirit. Locals and expert surfers flock to Mavericks (especially during winter) for its iconic massive waves. For more solid surf breaks, it’s a short drive south to Half Moon Bay State Beach, which actually consists of four beaches that are all great for shredding in the ocean or stretching out on the sand. And for a calmer and more secluded beach, it’s a pleasant drive north to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, which has a sheltered cove and a lovely stretch of golden sand where one can spot gray whales offshore during migration season.
Back in town, it’s worth a stop at Sam's Chowder House to try their tasty Cali-style twists on New England seafood staples like lobster rolls and clam chowder, as well as local specialties like cioppino and lobster spaghetti. A little farther south is where one will find The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, an award-winning luxury resort with bright and airy rooms and suites, along with fine restaurants, its on-site spa, and the adjacent Half Moon Bay Golf Links.
Cambria, California
Where can one tour a grand castle, spot elephant seals in the wild, and stroll through a village full of Victorian cottages and Monterey pines? Spoiler alert: It’s Cambria, a cozy coastal town about 30 miles west of Paso Robles. The area’s top attraction is a short drive north at Hearst Castle, the lavish Spanish-style estate owned by media magnate William Randolph Hearst and designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan from 1919 to 1947. If that’s not majestic enough, just down the hill from Hearst Castle is the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery Viewing Area, a nice place to park off Highway 1, stretch out, walk the coastal trails, and see the local elephant seals as they do their thing on the beach.
Heading back to town, Moonstone Beach is where humans can hit the sand, observe the area’s tide pools, and even go surfing in the water. Shifting inland, Cambria’s main village looks and feels like a stately European town set on California’s Central Coast, and Robin’s is the perfect restaurant to enjoy some eclectic global cuisine and that unique charm that can only be found here. And for something extra special, the Squibb House & Black Barn are just down the road, a set of historic 19th-century structures that have been beautifully restored and converted into a fine bed-and-breakfast.
Montecito, California
Directly east of Santa Barbara is the quaint yet elegant village of Montecito, a posh beach town that makes the good life look and feel like a billion bucks. While there’s no guarantee that visitors will spot any of Montecito’s famous local residents (such as Oprah Winfrey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Ariana Grande) on the streets, one can feel like a celebrity while grabbing a smoothie and sandwich at Juice Ranch or by enjoying a snazzy dinner at Lucky’s Steakhouse. Even a simple stroll on the sand at Butterfly Beach can feel like a special event.
If celebrity-spotting is not one’s thing, there’s another side of Montecito to explore, a wilder side that can be found while hiking in Hot Springs Canyon and enjoying the simpler life in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Meanwhile, if anyone can still use a bit more A-List treatment and Hollywood glamour, there’s always San Ysidro Ranch, the legendary boutique hotel featuring generously-sized luxury cottages, award-winning and all-inclusive gourmet dining, and a full-service Salon & Spa on site.
Dana Point, California
Situated about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego is the Orange County town of Dana Point. In this town, local surf culture and refined hospitality come together to provide something truly special. Locals have long hailed Salt Creek Beach as a prime location for surfing and tidepooling, while Doheny State Beach to the south is a family-friendly beach with calmer waves for surf lessons and swimming. And for those who really want to head out to sea, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching offers cruise tours and private charter excursions from Dana Point Harbor to spot whales (like blue whales, gray whales, and bottlenose dolphins) swimming in the open ocean.
Staying near the harbor, Glasspar is a solid restaurant offering contemporary California-style takes on classic seafood dishes, such as oyster platters, lobster rolls, and prawn pappardelle. And up near Salt Creek is the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, a dazzling five-star resort with its own private beach club, a calendar full of special culinary events, easy access to Monarch Beach Golf Links, and beachy chic rooms and suites.
Del Mar, California
Del Mar may only be about 21 miles north of Downtown San Diego, yet this Southern California beach town has an air about it that’s uniquely its own. One can feel it while wandering the trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, home to the United States’ rarest pine tree (the Pinus torreyana) and one of the region’s last natural salt marshes. Just below the reserve’s tall sandstone bluffs is Torrey Pines State Beach, a four-and-a-half-mile-long stretch of shore that’s perfect for swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and simple beachcombing.
A short drive or bike ride north of Torrey Pines is Del Mar Plaza, the town’s central hub of elegant boutiques, stately art galleries, and tasty restaurants. About two blocks west of the plaza is Powerhouse Park, where a grassy, family-friendly park opens up to the town’s central beach and is a picturesque spot for swimming, bodyboarding, and surfing. In between the beach and Del Mar Plaza is L'Auberge Del Mar, a “dream home by the sea” with estate-style guest rooms, fine dining at Adelaide restaurant, and the full-service Spa L’Auberge.
The Pacific Coast Is Ideal for Turning a Long Weekend Into Cherished Lifelong Memories
Whether travelers seek an authentic cultural experience and a great escape into coastal wilderness, or a sunny stretch of sand alongside luxurious beach resorts, the U.S. Pacific Coast has a wide variety of inviting destinations for a three-day weekend (or a longer trip). Neah Bay is the place to go for rich indigenous culture and verdant rainforests at the northwesternmost corner of the U.S. mainland. Cannon Beach is where to find the West Coast’s most famous sea stack and many more picturesque Pacific Northwest beaches. Sea Ranch might be the best place to go in Northern California to truly “get away from it all.” And for the ultimate Southern California surf experience, Dana Point has beaches for surfers at all levels. No matter how one envisions the ideal three-day weekend trip, these and the rest of the Pacific Coast towns highlighted here are wonderful places to go and make it happen.
