8 Small Towns on the Pacific Coast to Visit for a Weekend Getaway

When the tired and weary seek solace for their worn-out souls, they do not head to big cities for a crazy night out on the town. Instead, they book a weekend getaway in a small town with a name that most people cannot even recognize at first glance. The Pacific coastline is the perfect location for a weekend sojourn. The villages here touch the seam of the surf, and there is a calmness that does not exist elsewhere. So, for those who want to leave the 9-5 office stress behind and wake up to the sound of crashing waves and warm sun rays for a couple of days, the following Pacific Coast towns offer something so captivating that they may never leave.

Anacortes, Washington

Anacortes, Washington, is a boater’s dream and a popular starting point for those who want to travel to the San Juan Islands. Overlooking the magnificent Puget Sound, the little town beckons visitors with a promise of maritime splendor and natural wonders. Here, Fidalgo Island embraces the waters of the sound, creating a memorable picture with colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor.

Visitors can escape to the blue shores of Guemes Island on a ferry, where they can hike the forests and learn more about the local community. Or they could opt to see even more of Puget Sound by hiking the challenging trails of Deception Pass State Park. For a heart-pounding adventure, Mount Erie awaits close to the water on Fidalgo Island, with its peaks offering unmatched views.

Travelers who want to know more about the history of Anacortes should make some time to visit the W.T. Preston & Maritime Center, where several exhibits depict the town’s incredible shipbuilding legacy.

For an unforgettable weekend stay in Anacortes, the Ship Harbor Inn offers cozy rooms with expansive views over the sound while the Fidalgo Bay Resort immerses its guests in comfort along the shores of the Salish Sea.

Friday Harbor, Washington

Awaiting weekend (and long-term) vacationers on San Juan Island, Friday Harbor promises sparkling waters, a flurry of outdoor activities, and the peace of mind that only its namesake day of the week can bring. Visitors can kick off their Friday Harbor weekend by walking along the waterfront as the ferries and sailboats compete for attention on the Salish Sea. For those who do not yet have their sea legs, this is as incredible a place as any to do it by going on a whale-watching tour and witnessing orcas and humpbacks dancing in the ocean. For more marine-based fun, the Lime Kiln Point State Park boasts a rugged coastline with extraordinary, sea-creature-filled tidepools and a glimpse into the historic lime kilns that once boosted the island’s economy.

San Juan Island is also home to the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, where diverse local and international works are on display. Day trippers (weekend trippers?) who prefer nature’s art can take to the harbor in a kayak while taking in views of the surrounding evergreen forests.

No one stays in Friday Harbor for just a day, so Friday Harbor House offers luxury accommodations with an in-house spa for instant rejuvenation. Island Inn at 23 West provides food for the soul and the body, with a welcoming atmosphere and on-site restaurant.

Port Townsend, Washington

Port Townsend does not offer a museum visit, per se. It is a museum visit. Many people refer to the town as a living Victorian architecture museum with its more than 300 immaculately restored buildings. Visitors can stroll along beautiful streets while admiring the ornate facades and old-timey gables. Then, they can pop into an exhibit at the Jefferson County Historical Society Museum, where they will find the history of Port Townsend laid out in colorful photographs and exciting artifacts.

Pacific Coast travelers who want to get up close to the water will enjoy a hike through Fort Worden Historic State Park, where the ruins of a former military installation still stand, slowly crumbling against the backdrop of Puget Sound. There is also the iconic Point Wilson Lighthouse to explore. The lighthouse perches at the edge of a short cliff battered by millennia of incoming waves.

Port Townsend also offers accommodation for every kind of weekend visitor. Those who want to experience the grand Victorian era firsthand can book an elegant room at the historic Palace Hotel.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

On the Oregon coastline, Cannon Beach may not have Victorian Architecture to admire. Still, this gorgeous town is home to the Inn at Haystack Rock, where visitors can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast buffet while taking in the views of the nearby ocean and imposing Haystack Rock. This 235-foot monolith rises from the shallow sea in legendary fashion, surrounded by mystical tide pools filled with fascinating marine life. However, it is best to give the rock a wide enough berth and only walk on the sand surrounding it to help preserve this natural wonder. Stepping on the tidepool rocks will disturb the creatures living under them and inside the water.

Further afield, Ecola State Park, which wraps around Tillamook Head, offers lush forest hiking and dramatic landscape views from secluded beaches and hidden waterfalls. At the Hug Point State Recreation Site, visitors will find even more tide pools, coastal cliffs, and a sandy beach perfect for relaxing. Back in town, the Cannon Beach Gallery Walking Tour awaits. The tour showcases over 30 art galleries' magnificent local works, including paintings, ceramics, and jewelry.

Rounding out an unforgettable Pacific Ocean beach weekend is a stay at the Surfsand Resort, with its spacious balconies, stunning views, and spa.

Bandon, Oregon

Holidaymakers passionate about golf should stop in Bandon for a weekend when driving to California. This part of Oregon has world-class golf courses and seven miles of beaches filled with unique seashells. The Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, renowned as a premier global golf destination, is an architectural sight. Bandon Beach is great for lazy strolling, building sandcastles (that model the dramatic rock formations), and kite flying.

Bandon is also the location of Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, where Face Rock looks up to the sky permanently. According to Coquille legend, the ‘face’ on this massive rock is said to be a young woman whose voice is often heard in the wind. Nearby, the Coquille River Lighthouse watches the ocean and the harbor.

The historic Old Town district boasts the infamous Cranberry Sweets shop and The Big Wheel General Store. And the Bandon Beachcomber Motel is a family-friendly weekend accommodation option for those who want to be close to all amenities and the beach.

Cambria, California

The California Central Coast is a popular weekend destination for those looking to immerse themselves in history and nature simultaneously. The Hearst San Simeon State Park, the site of Hearst Castle, is often the first port of call for weekend holidayers who want to discover the history of the small town of Cambria. Hearst Castle sits on top of the Santa Lucia Mountains and is a spectacular place to take in the sunset over the sea. With 165 rooms and 125 acres of gardens and pools, visiting the castle will easily take up half a weekend.

Moonstone Beach, another Pacific destination with living tidal pools, offers excellent surfing waves, boating, and strolls along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. In season, whales and dolphins will delight weekend visitors. Moreover, there are plentiful opportunities to hike and bike through the Cambria Pines State Reserve, where Monterey pines and ancient redwoods form a towering canopy, casting serene shadows on the forest floor.

To make the most of a short visit to Cambria, visitors can seek accommodation at the Sand Pebbles Inn, with direct access to the beach, or the quirky Sea Otter Inn, a historic lodge just a few steps from the water.

Mendocino, California

With its redwood forests, glass-bottom beaches, and secret coves, Mendocino took inspiration from Port Townsend and the movie Shrek. Here, gingerbread cottages intermingle with Victorian-era buildings while the scent of salt and wildflowers permeate the streets. Mendocino offers a heady, exhilarating weekend getaway with whales poking their heads out of the ocean as visitors hike the cliffs of Mendocino Headlands State Park, and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (the only oceanfront botanical gardens in America) envelop them in color and fragrance.

At the Ford House Museum, weekend tourists can admire the furnishings of the period as they discover the history of the Ford family. The Mendocino Bay Viewpoint has a trail leading to the bluffs south of the Big River Mouth, while the Big River Road is filled with blackberries, birds, and views of sea otters and harbor seals in the water.

Beyond its incomparable natural beauty, Mendocino offers oceanfront dining, steam showers, fireplaces at the Little River Inn, and spacious rooms overlooking the Mendocino coastline at the Headlands Inn.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

In an about-turn from the several Victorian-era-like towns in California, Carmel-by-the-Sea reveals its European-inspired charm. The town’s claim to fame is the Carmel Mission, dating to 1771. This Spanish-style building still embraces its history while exuding a peaceful atmosphere over the mission grounds. The nearby Carmel Art Association prides itself on showcasing the work of famous California artists. At the same time, the Carmel-by-the-Sea Village offers pedestrian-only paths, giving visitors an up-close look at the local shops and restaurants.

Carmel-by-the-Sea also has a magnificent white sand beach, various green belts, and designated sports courts for those wanting to stay active during their visit.

As for accommodation, L’Auberge Carmel is the last word in exquisite suites and dining, while the Cypress Inn, the center of the village, offers cozy cottages and a warm ambiance.

Unforgettable Pacific Coast Getaways

These eight Pacific Coast towns offer unique charm and natural splendor. From Port Townsend's historic Victorian buildings to the indigenous legend of Face Rock in Bandon and Mendocino's enchanting redwood forests and glass-bottom beaches, these destinations promise a refreshing and unforgettable weekend getaway. Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment, these towns escape the everyday world, inviting visitors to discover the Pacific Coast's hidden gems.