7 Secluded Towns On The Pacific Coast
If you dream of crashing waves, seagulls, and a gentle salty breeze—without the noise of traffic, music, or crowds—finding the perfect getaway can feel like a challenge. In order to truly get away, it is necessary to escape the larger cities and head into the quieter, less populated beach towns. These seven towns may not be the most famous, but they boast pristine, secluded beaches, towering lighthouses, and lively holiday festivals that make them unforgettable.
San Simeon, California
San Simeon, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, is a small town with just over 300 residents, making for a peaceful stop for travelers along Highway 1. Hearst Castle is one of the town’s most popular attractions, a massive, twin-towered castle featuring gilded-age architecture, and 127 acres of gardens, pools, and fountains.
To appreciate coastal wildlife, travelers can visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, where elephant seals lounge across the shore, or take a hike along the Boucher Trail, a 1.7-mile path that highlights the area’s wildlife and coastal bluffs. For a meal with an ocean view, travelers can grab dinner at San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill, which has both indoor seating and an outdoor patio for warm, sunny days.
Port Orford, Oregon
The most westerly city within the contiguous United States, Port Orford is a spirited, artsy town with just a little over 1,100 residents. Those wanting to explore the art scene can stop by the Cook Gallery, which showcases quality, craft wood furniture, or Hawthorne Gallery, a 5,000-square-foot gallery with both small-scale and large-scale art pieces. The Hawthorne Family, who own the gallery, also owns a neighboring oceanfront seafood restaurant, Redfish, which is a great option for those craving some fine dining.
To explore Port Orford's gorgeous coastline, visitors can spend a day at Sisters Rock State Park, home to three massive monoliths near the shore, or Tseriadun State Recreation Site, which offers a secluded beach popular for picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Bandon, Oregon
Bandon is a great town to visit after Port Orford, just a half-hour drive north, with plenty of surrounding places to birdwatch, kayak, mountain bike, and hike. Whiskey Run Mountain Bike Trails is a popular trail network in town, with a mix of young and ancient trees along the path, as well as a diverse range of plant species. The Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, lying at the intersection between the Coquille River and the Pacific Ocean, is rich in migrating bird species, shorebirds, marine animals, and amphibians.
For a memorable experience in Bandon, visitors can attend the "Season by the Sea" festivities, starting on November 30th with the "Night of 10,000 Lights" event, featuring a nog walk, a visit from Santa Claus, and the annual Christmas tree lighting. On December 14th, the Annual Light Parade, showcasing light-decorated vehicles from around town, will continue the holiday celebrations.
Point Arena, California
Point Arena is a tiny yet elegant seaside village, home to fewer than 500 residents, with the Pacific coast never more than a mile away. The Point Arena Lighthouse, which has been illuminating the area for 154 years, features an indoor and outdoor museum that allows visitors to get up close and learn about the history of this 115-foot-tall marvel. While out on the lighthouse’s peninsula, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of rock arches and sea stacks and might even spot a gray whale on the horizon!
Wharf Master's Inn promises a relaxing stay, positioned on the hillside overlooking the pier and Pacific Ocean. For a delicious cookie or pastry, Franny's Cup & Saucer is a beloved local bakery, popular with both residents and visitors.
Neah Bay, Washington
Situated on the contiguous US’s northwesternmost tip near the border with Canada, Neah Bay is a quiet community with strong Indigenous influence. The Makah tribe has inhabited the lands for nearly 4,000 years. The Makah Museum in town tells the story of the Makah people prior to European contact and showcases artifacts from a nearby archeological site. After visiting the museum, a dinner at the Warmhouse Restaurant makes for a memorable meal, featuring waterfront views and freshly caught seafood.
For a truly remote beach experience, visitors can hike through the rainforest to reach Shi Shi Beach, a secluded spot accessible only by foot. For a more accessible alternative, Hobuck Beach is beautiful as well, popular with surfers and swimmers.
Westport, Washington
Westport sits at the tip of a peninsula, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Grays Harbor to the northeast, and South Bay to the southeast. Westhaven State Park is a great place to go surfing, fishing, or swimming, home to Surfers Beach. A bit further south, Twin Harbors State Park, featuring vast beaches, shore pine forests, dunes, and sand grass, is another good option.
Because of its coastal location, Westport has some of the state’s richest maritime history, which visitors can learn about at the Westport Maritime Museum. To visit the state’s tallest lighthouse, visitors can stop by Grays Harbor Lighthouse, where they will climb 135 steps up to the lantern room, featuring panoramic views of the harbor and ocean below.
Cayucos, California
With its easygoing atmosphere, population of around 2,400, white-sand beaches, and waterfront avenue, Cayucos proudly refers to itself as the "Last of the California beach towns.” A 19th-century fishing pier serves as one of the town’s notable landmarks, attracting fishers and surrounded by picnic tables and a playground.
Just a block away from the sea, visitors can enjoy crab, shrimp, salmon, or snapper at Sea Shanty, an eclectic cafe just a block away from the sea. Book a room at the Cayucos Sunset Inn, where many accommodations feature seaside views, along with jacuzzis and fireplaces, offering the perfect, cozy getaway.
Final Thoughts
While cities like Los Angeles and Seattle have plenty of beaches to explore, they may not provide the relaxing vibe that some travelers seek. If you long for a peaceful vacation without the city noise and lights, do not be afraid to explore beyond the city limits to uncover hidden gems. Whether you will be lounging on secluded beaches, savoring fresh seafood at oceanfront eateries, or immersing yourself in Native American culture, these seven towns provide the perfect off-the-beaten-path getaway.
