7 Picturesque Towns on the Pacific Coast for a Weekend Retreat in 2024
Stretching along the western shores of California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, the United States Pacific Coast has been one of the country’s top getaway destinations for over a century. Famous for its fresh seafood, breathtaking beaches, and some of the prettiest state parks in the country, it is easy to see why so many choose to spend their weekends here throughout the year.
While at its busiest during the summer, when sunshine warms the sand and sea, autumn and winter bring their own magic to the region. Swimming is replaced with seaside picnics, surfing is exchanged for cliffside hikes, and sunburns are replaced with warm memories.
As we continue to tackle the final months of 2024, a weekend away is the perfect way to disconnect for a few days. Whether renting an oceanfront hotel for a weekend of relaxing with a view or booking a more affordable inn to spend your days hiking tree-lined shores, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Pacific Coast outside of summer. These 7 picturesque towns, while not at their busiest this time of year, promise rejuvenation and memories to last a lifetime.
Laguna Beach, California
Welcoming 6 million people every year, Laguna Beach is probably a California town you know well. But what some might not know, is that fall and winter are among the best times to visit this bustling beach town. With just a few months left in 2024, visitors can enjoy everything Laguna Beach has to offer without the summer heat and crowds.
With average temperatures of 70°F or higher, swimming may not be guaranteed this time of year, but the sublime shores are still worth a visit. Voted #1 in Best California Beaches for 2024 by US News Travel, whether visiting Thousand Steps Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, or the town’s famous Main Beach, your weekend in the sand will be nothing short of blissful.
This time of year is also great for appreciating Laguna’s non-beach activities, like a visit to the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Perched in the San Joaquin Hills, this 7,000-acre wilderness area boasts over 40 miles of hiking trails on wooded, coastal canyons. Plus, if you wait to visit Laguna in the winter, you are bound to reap the benefit of off-season savings. For some, this means splurging on 5-star stays like the Montage Laguna Beach Hotel, while others may prefer more affordable choices like the Crescent Bay Inn.
Point Arena, California
For those concerned that Laguna Beach may still be overcrowded or beyond their budget, consider Point Arena as an alternative. This underrated coastal town features a variety of affordable lodging options, such as the Wildflower Boutique Motel and Wharf Master's Inn. With less than 500 residents, Point Arena promises a relaxed atmosphere and a slower pace.
Even the town’s busiest attraction, the historic Point Arena Lighthouse, attracts a very manageable 40,000 visitors, peaking in the summertime. So, with summer long gone, visitors can savor smaller crowds and find even greater savings for the remainder of 2024. Ultimately, for introverted travelers on a budget, Point Arena is a little slice of heaven.
Along with climbing the lighthouse for stunning ocean views, there are tons of blufftop trails at the surrounding 23-acre Outdoor Museum. As for those craving sand between their toes, Point Arena is also a gateway to one of the most unique beaches on the Pacific Coast. At the northern end of Schooner Gulch State Beach, visitors can find Bowling Ball Beach, which is named after the large spherical rocks that appear at low tide. Alternatively, nearby Manchester State Park boasts a nearly 18,000-foot stretch of pristine Pacific shoreline.
Westport, Washington
Over in Washington, Westport is another hospitable coastal town with a famous lighthouse. Constructed in the late 1800s, the historic Grays Harbor Lighthouse stands 107 feet tall, making it the tallest beacon in Washington State. Offering panoramic views of the ocean and Westport Light State Park, climbing each of the 135 steps is well worth the effort.
But the beauty of Westport Light State Park does not end with its namesake landmark. The 560-acre park features 1,215 feet of immaculate shoreline, perfect for a classic beach stroll. And for those who prefer keeping the sand out of their shoes, the park’s Westport Light Trail is a great feature. The paved ADA-accessible trail follows the ocean but keeps your feet free of sand, guiding beachgoers past dunes and beach flora.
About a 10-minute walk from the state park, Westport’s Maritime Museum is a fun way to learn more about the town’s seaside history. Just a little bit further down, the Westport Aquarium is the perfect follow-up. This side of town is also where you will find a large cluster of beautiful waterfront accommodations, including the Westport Marina Cottages Motel and the Dock Street Inn.
Friday Harbor, Washington
While we often associate island getaways with palm trees and coconuts, Friday Harbor is a Washington town that gives island fun a fresh perspective. Known for its spirited marinas, historic Cattle Point Lighthouse, and upscale seafood eateries like Downriggers, this San Juan Island destination is as enchanting as it comes.
With an average daily temperature of 58°F in October and 50°F in November, Friday Harbor may not come with tropical weather, but it offers a serene and secluded escape. And with the holidays approaching, some find that an island getaway is just what they need to take a break and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Whether booking a room at The Orca Inn or a more private vacation rental, relaxation and rejuvenation are Friday Harbor’s specialty.
However, with Lime Kiln Point State Park being one of the best whale-watching spots in the world, you may not want to stay cooped up for long. Although the area’s peak whale-watching season is from mid-June through early September, these majestic creatures can be spotted at the park well into October. Easy paths like the Whale Watch Site Trail are perfect for keeping an eye out for orcas and humpbacks, while longer clifftop paths like the Lime Kiln Point State Park Loop Trail are great for taking in the natural splendor of the island.
Bandon, Oregon
As the home of Bullards Beach State Park, Bandon is another excellent place for nature lovers to spend one of their final weekends in 2024. Located where the Coquille River meets the Pacific, this Oregon park boasts over 4 miles of beachfront and 11 miles of hiking paths, like the Coquille River Lighthouse Trail. Without the town’s summer crowds, these paths offer a tranquil way to experience coastal beauty in its natural state.
A 10-minute drive from Bullards Beach will bring you to Bandon’s 2nd state park, the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. Located on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, this iconic overlook grants views of a spotlight sea stack that comes with a fascinating local legend. Said to be the face of an Indigenous Chief’s daughter turned to stone; if you listen carefully, you may just hear her voice carried through the wind. While keeping an ear out, you can also watch for whales and take some spectacular snapshots.
For wildlife lovers, another 10-minute drive from the viewpoint will bring you to the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Fall is a great time to visit for migrating birds, with paths like the Boardwalk Overlook granting access to breathtaking views and wildlife spotting. Elsewhere in town, Bandon’s coastal atmosphere is also mirrored in its culture, with attractions like the Washed Ashore Gallery, seafood joints like Tony's Crab Shack, and accommodations like Windermere on the Beach.
Astoria, Oregon
Although located near the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is best known for its stunning shores along the Columbia River. This whimsical port town highlights its virbant past with a 12.8-mile Historic Riverwalk Trail, offering visitors picturesque views of the waterfront and historic loading docks. This is also where you will find some of the town’s best eateries and attractions, like the Riverwalk Restaurant and Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Along this historic route, you will also find Astoria’s oldest and largest waterfront building. The Pier39-Astoria Fishermen Suites provides a one-of-a-kind overnight experience, complete with stunning waterfront views that make your stay truly unforgettable. But like the other towns on this list, Astoria has tons of other things to see and do, so you might not spend much time indoors.
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Park is a top attraction, promising stunning vistas and 14.5 miles of trails once traveled by the famous explorers. Astoria is also home to one of the area’s most enchanting outdoor areas, known as the Cathedral Tree Trail. 1-mile in, hikers will find the iconic Cathedral Tree, a Sitka spruce over 300 years old and 200-feet-tall.
Seaside, Oregon
A 30-minute drive southwest of Astoria will bring you to Seaside, “The Oregon Coast’s Favorite Vacation Destination.” This spirited beach town has been a vacation destination since as far back as the 1870s, making it the oldest coastal resort town in the state. And while certainly at its most populated in the summer, there is still plenty of fun to be had in the remainder of 2024.
Seaside Beach, while too chilly for swimming this time of year, is perfect for waterfront strolls and bundled-up picnics. Along its shores, you will find a terrific range of waterfront accommodations, from ritzier hotels like the Sand & Sea Condominiums to more affordable stays like the Hi-Tide Oceanfront Inn.
Also along the beach, visitors can visit the Seaside Aquarium, one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast, founded in 1937. A few blocks over, Seaside’s Broadway Street features the town’s busiest stretch of restaurants, pubs, and attractions. From the Funland Entertainment Center to the Times Theatre & Public House, this beach town may take on a slower pace during this season, but there is still plenty to keep boredom at bay.
Final Thoughts
With summer long behind us, a coastal getaway may not be on everyone’s agenda. But for the introverted traveler and vacationer on a budget, this is the prime time to pack your car, book that hotel, and enjoy the bliss of a Pacific Coast retreat. From Point Arena’s one-of-a-kind beaches to Friday Harbor’s whale-watcher vistas, there is truly no better place to spend one of your final weekends in 2024.
