7 Most Eccentric Towns on the Pacific Coast
There’s eccentric; then there’s the US West Coast eccentric. When you’re looking for all things weird, quirky, unique, and underrated, you’ll find all of that and more up and down the United States’ Pacific Coast. From a beach town that doubles as a fashion-forward home design haven to a town steeped in Native American history by the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, there’s a whole lot to see and do up and down this coast. Even if you’re more in the mood for a traditional coastal resort town, you’ll find a wealth of hidden treasures and even a historic castle.
Whether you seek warm vibes and big waves or moody forests by the sea, don’t miss out on these unique small towns. Here are seven of the most eccentric towns on the Pacific Coast.
Solana Beach, California
Located just 23 miles north of San Diego, Solana Beach is one of those California beach towns where you have to scratch beneath the surface to discover more of what it’s all about. Yes, of course Solana Beach has lovely beaches like Fletcher Cove for idyllic swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, and even surf fishing. But if you want to really reach the heart of Solana Beach, head two blocks inland to the Cedros Design District and discover a wild and wonderful world of indie boutiques and powerhouse trendsetters like Bixby & Ball, Cokas Diko Home, and Séjour Home.
In addition to home decor stores, Cedros Avenue has the Solana Beach Farmers’ Market that’s open every Sunday (except for a few select holidays) and overflowing year-round with organic and locally certified fresh produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, soaps, and more. Also, here is where you’ll find Belly Up, one of San Diego County’s most famous live music venues, one that’s hosted everyone from Tom Jones and the Rolling Stones to Etta James and Gwen Stefani on stage. Once you’re ready to settle down, you can settle into a cozy studio or suite near the beach at the Sand Pebbles, or you can venture a little ways inland and enjoy a more luxe resort experience at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.
Neah Bay, Washington
Located on Makah tribal lands where the Salish Sea meets the Pacific Ocean—about 96 miles (or 153 kilometers) west of Victoria (British Columbia, Canada)—Neah Bay is a beach town like no other. Despite the usually brisk weather, it’s still quite possible to enjoy a great day at the beach, whether you prefer surfing at Hobuck Beach or taking an epic journey to Cape Flattery to reach the northwesternmost point in the contiguous United States.
Back in town, you can also book a guided fishing trip with Big Salmon Fishing Resort, shop for fresh plants and fish at Windy Acre Farm, and visit the Makah Museum to learn more about the history of the Makah indigenous people, as well as see how to keep local traditions, culture, and language alive. And once you’re done exploring, book a cabin or an RV site at the Cape Resort in town, or stay at the Inn at Neah Bay for a prime location by Bullman Beach.
Seabrook, Washington
What do you call a small beach town developed on the principles of New Urbanism? Well, we have to call it Seabrook, a curious little town on Washington’s Pacific Coast that’s about 138 miles southwest of Seattle. When you’re in Seabrook, you’re never more than a short stroll away from the town’s own beach that abounds in soft sand, long crashing waves, and astounding cleanliness. In addition, you’re only a short drive away from the more naturally pristine shores of Mocrocks and Roosevelt Beaches, where you can try your hands at clamming or simply enjoy some great whale watching.
Back in town, take advantage of Seabrook’s many amenities, from its extensive network of mountain biking and mixed-use trails to its swimming pools, pickleball and tennis courts, and complimentary sports equipment available to borrow at The Dugout. And no matter how big or small of a group you’re traveling with, Seabrook probably has the right vacation rental home for you.
Newport, Oregon
If you drive the entire 3,365-mile length of US Route 20 west from Boston (Massachusetts), you will ultimately land at Newport. Here at “The Dungeness Crab Capital of the World,” you can go to Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site and South Beach State Park and try catching your own. Even if you come up empty-handed, that’s never completely true, as you can still have a great time exploring Oregon’s last remaining lighthouse with in-house living quarters at Yaquina Bay, and you can catch some great waves while surfing at South Beach. And to learn more about Newport’s nautical heritage, head to the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center for some fascinating local history.
If you prefer to let someone else do all the catching and cooking, you can enjoy some phenomenal seafood at local restaurants like Mo’s Seafood and Chowder, Georgie’s Beachside Grill, and Myril Eatery + Wine Bar (which also has plenty of great Oregon wines in stock). After a long day exploring the shore, dock yourself at the stunning Newport Belle riverboat bed and breakfast or stay by the beach at the charming Hallmark Newport Resort.
Bolinas, California
The seaside village of Bolinas might only be about 30 miles northwest of San Francisco, yet it feels a world apart with its unique bohemian vibes and coastal charm. Start at Bolinas Beach—also known as Brighton Beach—for ideal surfing waves (especially for beginners). Next, head to Bolinas Lagoon Preserve to discover one of the West Coast’s few remaining unspoiled estuaries, one where wildlife like herons, egrets, and harbor seals continue to feel free at home. For even more beachside action, look for Duxbury Reef at Agate Beach County Park for prime tide pooling.
As you roam around town, take time to notice the bright colors and striking designs of the buildings that only seem to make sense right here, and stop at local boutiques like Bolinas Hardware for everything from home goods to their in-house surf shop, as well as Bolinas People’s Store for a boutique market offering chai lattes, tamales, and fresh local produce. For a uniquely historic stay, check into Smiley’s Saloon to experience one of the West’s oldest continually operating bars and for a boutique hotel that’s mere steps from the beach.
Lincoln City, Oregon
Have you ever heard of float fairies? If not, you probably haven’t (yet) visited Lincoln City. Every day of the year, tiny fun-size floats of locally made glass art are placed throughout Lincoln City’s seven miles of oceanfront beaches, and visitors are encouraged to go on a treasure hunt to find some. If float hunting whets your appetite for more glass art, check out galleries like Alder House, Thornmeadow Glassworks, and Lincoln City Glass Center to discover plenty more works by local artists (including some who create the floats).
For more natural beauty, wander over to Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area for 685 acres of calm waters ideal for boating, paddling, and fishing, and head to Roads End State Recreation Site for some of Oregon’s prettiest tide pools. After you complete all your adventures for the day, spend the night at a lovely beachfront hotel like the Pelican Shores Inn or The Coho Oceanfront Lodge.
Cambria, California
Arriving in Cambria often feels like stepping into a fairy tale, and that usually happens before you reach the castle up the road! Nestled on California's Central Coast, Cambria looks like a dream come true as soon as you make your way to Moonstone Beach, the town’s main beach that’s complete with a boardwalk, tide pools, a sandy beach area for easy strolling, and even some good waves for surfing. For even more adventures, head to Fiscalini Ranch Preserve for dramatically scenic coastal bluffs rising as high as 200 feet above the beach, as well as one of the world’s last remaining native Monterey pine forests and a refuge for some 430 bird species and over 150 native plants.
When you really want to get away from it all, go to Hearst San Simeon State Park for a massive expanse of riparian habitats, undisturbed coastal forest, and an elephant seal rookery. And while driving up Pacific Coast Highway, make sure to visit Hearst Castle, the one and only grand estate designed by the legendary architect Julia Morgan for the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst that was developed from 1919 to 1947. Though you can’t stay at the castle overnight, you only have to drive back to town to enjoy your sweet escape to White Water Cambria, that’s right by Moonstone Beach, or you can stay at El Colibri Hotel & Spa for a Tuscan-style retreat near the beach and the central village.
These Towns May Be Eccentric, But They’re Also Excellent Destinations
These beach towns may be seven of the most eccentric towns on the Pacific Coast, but they’re also wonderful destinations worth exploring and enjoying. From the rich and inspiring Indigenous culture and heritage of Neah Bay to the uniquely artistic flair of Lincoln City, you’ll quickly see that there’s much more in store beyond the shore. And down in Solana Beach, you can even spot new and upcoming trends in fashion and home design. However you prefer doing things, the Pacific Coast abounds in eccentric energy that’s also very warm and welcoming.
