10 Best Towns On The Pacific Coast For A Winter Getaway
When winter swings around, you can decide to dress like an astronaut and hibernate — or you can choose to make lemonade out of the lemon of dreary weather. While some will seek snowy wonderlands, others often prefer a more sunny experience, tropical beach, and all. Fortunately, the Pacific Coast has options catering to both spectrums of an ideal winter getaway. Therefore, shrug off your winter blues, swing your backpack over your shoulders, and turn winter into a season of fun and adventure. For specific recommendations, the following ten towns on the Pacific Coast are among the best for a winter getaway.
Astoria, Oregon
Named for a New York City businessman whose company established a fur trading post known as Fort Astoria, this Oregon gem occupies the south bank of the Columbia River near its mouth on the world's largest ocean. Founded in 1811, Astoria is not only the oldest town in Oregon but also the oldest permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered before returning to St. Louis, will interest all history lovers. The Astoria Riverfront Trail is also a beautiful stretch for a stroll — and often comes with tasty waterfront views. A stroll is particularly the best option since the Astoria Trolley "Old 300" does not operate in winter. About 9 miles away, the stillness of Fort Stevens State Park will be worth experiencing. This 4,300-acre park is known to provide a welcome escape from the bustle of downtown Astoria.
Westport, Washington
Home to less than 2,500 residents, Westport, while often overlooked, is among the best spots on the Pacific Coast for tide-watching during winter. Moreover, Grays Harbor Lighthouse, a feature of the town for more than 120 years, is reputed to be the tallest lighthouse in Washington. As if that is not enough, the town's marina is the largest on the outer coast of the Pacific Northwest. Because of this, Westport is an excellent fishing destination. For first-timers, an early-morning stroll along the 1.3-mile path to West Haven Jetty, which separates the world's largest ocean from Half Moon Bay, is often quite a visual delight and well worth experiencing. And minutes from town, Twin Harbors State Park is a fun place to storm-watch, enjoy some serenity, or take a stroll amid beautiful shore pines and rolling sand dunes.
Aptos, California
Home to a population of about 6,300, Aptos is framed by forested mountains, heart-melting ocean cliffs, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. However, what earns Aptos a spot among the most sought-after winter getaways is the fact it provides access to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. While some trails that meander through this 10,000-acre park will be closed for the winter season, many are always open for use. You will enjoy the quiet beauty and the mystical atmosphere that pervades this vast expanse as you fill your lungs with some cool, crisp air. That said, no one comes to Aptos without experiencing the other-worldly beauty of Seacliff State Beach. While this beach is often crowded in summer — when winter rolls on, you can have the fine-textured sand and awesome waterfront views all to yourself. For some kick-ass brunch, however, or dinner, Cafe Sparrow is often hard to beat.
Depoe Bay, Oregon
Among Depoe Bay's claims to fame is that it is the only coastal town in Oregon whose downtown boasts a spouting horn. Fissures just below the sea level funnel the waves into narrower spaces before dramatically releasing them in an upward spout. Fortunately, winter is among the best seasons to catch a glimpse of this spectacle. Besides, Depoe Bay is also home to numerous whale-watching sites where one can lock eyes, particularly with gray whales, a species that boasts the longest known migration route of any mammal. To catch the show, you will need to get to Depoe Bay's Whale Watching Center between mid-December and January. Finally, besides Depoe Bay Bridge, a feature of the town since 1927 and a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Depoe Bay Harbor is the smallest navigable harbor on Earth. For this alone, it is worth checking out.
Healdsburg, California
Encircled by world-class vineyards, Healdsburg is the perfect spot to sip and savor a glass of sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, or chardonnay, arguably the world's most popular white wine. And while summer is more associated with wine tasting than winter, the off-season comes with fewer crowds and better experiences. You will enjoy walking from one winery to the next at Bacchus Landing and enjoying a bottle out in the piazza. In town, you will want to pass by the only fan museum in the United States and explore the sartorial embellishments of days gone by. And if you want to hit the trails and are looking for a spot not far from town, Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve is nothing less than spectacular.
Coupeville, Washington
Boasting a population of just under 2,000 residents, Coupeville is mostly loved because of its beautiful historic architecture and picturesque waterfront views. The former should not come as a surprise. This charming small town is Washington's second-oldest community. Plus, since this town sits smack in the middle of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve — and on a pristine island — it boasts a world of outdoor fun and adventure. Ridge Trail, for instance, provides delicious views from a ridgeline overlooking the glimmering Salish Sea. In the winter, storm watching at the reserve can be quite an experience, provided one is warm and safe. To learn about the history of the area, the Island County Historical Museum is often less crowded in winter and displays awesome art of the indigenous peoples.
Mendocino, California
Besides being a darling of taste trekkers, because of its endless array of award-winning restaurants and eateries, Mendocino is also an underrated winter wonderland. After kickstarting your tip by gouging on delicious local mushrooms or some fresh and tasty seafood at Trillium Cafe & Inn, you can enjoy an incredible ride through the redwoods on the world-famous Skunk Train. A feature of the town since 1885, this train zigzags along the Noyo River and provides awesome views — amid wildlife sightings (occasionally even an otter) and live music. Still, one cannot come to Mendocino without enjoying the experience of whale-watching. The Pacific Gray Whales, known for one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, often migrate along the coast of this town from November through to February. You can catch the show at either Mendocino Headlands State Park or Point Arena Lighthouse.
Yatchats, Oregon
Yatchats (Pronounced YAH-hots) is a small town of about 1,000 curled up at the base of the Oregon Coast Range — about 155 miles from Portland, Oregon's largest city. The incredibly scenic Cape Perpetua, an iconic overlook known to cast a lasting spell on visitors, is just a 4-minute drive south of Yatchats. You will not want to miss the craggy cliffs and the dramatic blasts of water that often draw visitors from across the country. To fill your lungs with some light, playful air and inhale surreal views while at it, Perpetua Scenic Area boasts 26 miles of connected trails and is sure to set goosebumps flowing. Fifteen miles south of town, at America's largest sea cave, you can catch sea lions jockeying for the best seat on the rocks. And here is the sweetest part: The best time to see the sea lions is winter.
Port Angeles, Washington
Port Angeles should be a top consideration if you are looking for a Pacific Coast winter getaway that blends the best of seaside vistas and mountain scenery. Set in the spellbinding backdrop of the Olympic Mountains, whose bewitching beauty casts a rustic ambiance on the town, Port Angeles brims with numerous winter adventure opportunities. For instance, Port Angeles provides access to the famous Olympic National Park. Not only is this park among the most diverse in the United States, but it is also the only World Heritage Site in the Northwest. This park boasts a world of outdoor options. Hikers can get a blast at Hurricane Ridge, for instance, a popular stretch just south of Port Angeles offering delicious views of mountains and wildflowers. At the City Pier area, Hollywood Beach is a beautiful spot to kayak or paddleboard amid refreshing splashes and incredible views. However, Crescent Bay will come in handy for catching a glimpse of humpback whales.
Lincoln City, Oregon
Rounding off this list is Lincoln City, a Highway 101 town reputed to be "the Kite Capital of the World." This town takes its name from the parent Lincoln County, which was named for the 16th president of the United States. If you are a snowbird and seeking a beach experience, Lincoln City is right on the Pacific Coast — and boasts more than seven miles of powder-soft sand — a stretch unmatched by any other coastal town in Oregon. Besides the beach, especially at the Roads End State Recreation Site, one can learn about the artistry of glass blowing at the Lincoln City Glass Center, book a whale-watching trip, or sit for a plate of steamed clams at Fathom's Restaurant — while enjoying refreshing breezes and the best view of the ocean.
The Takeaway
While each coast in the United States has its pros and cons, the Pacific Coast is home to some of the best outdoor adventure spots in the United States. From surfing to mountain climbing, opportunities for escaping winter blues are as numerous as they are fun-filled. And while in winter, the East Coast is often a thick sea of white flurries, on the Pacific Coast, both snow lovers and snowbirds can get a blast. The best towns on the Pacific for a winter getaway include Astoria, Oregon; Leavenworth, Washington; Aptos, California; and Hood River, Oregon.
