Pacific Coast's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape
It is nice to leave everything behind (except a good camera) and enjoy the mesmerizing delights along the coast of the world’s largest ocean. Those looking for a weekend that is slow and unhurried may want to skip big names such as San Diego and Los Angeles — and instead opt for small, charming towns known to provide a more intimate experience. Although some of these pleasure spots are right on the water, others are short drives away. From Cambria, California, to Poulsbo, Washington, discover the Pacific Coast’s best small towns for a weekend escape.
Cambria, California
Cambria is a cute, little town of about 6,000 residents hidden among the Monterey Pines of Central California. The seaside community — a perfect spot for a quiet weekend —is between San Francisco and Los Angeles. A weekend here can be spent lounging on Moonstone Beach, watching whales, or meandering through town via a beach cruiser.
If one comes at the tail end of January, April, or October, there will be the chance to mingle with elephant seals at Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery, just north of town. At Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, one can burn their legs on the scenic trails that traverse the area’s steep ocean bluffs. Sip merlot at Moonstone Cellars on Cornwall Street and spend the night at Cambria Pines Lodge, whose cabins are delightfully cozy, quiet, and fairly secluded.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
There is a reason Brad Pitt forked out $40 million for a historic home in Carmel Highlands, the northern gateway of the Big Sur coastline just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It seems celebrities have an eye for beauty because this part of California is unbelievably swoon-worthy. The still brand-new Carmel Beach Hotel is steps from the sand and is ideal for those who want to spend the night.
For a town with a lot of delicious options, Chez Noir, which has made a name in coastal California cuisine, acquits itself well, especially when it comes to oysters and cocktails. Art lovers will have a blast exploring spots such as The Carmel Art Association, Bennett Sculpture Carmel, and Galerie Plein Aire. Everyone else will need to soak the splendid scenery at Carmel Beach or turn south to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, arguably the crown jewel of California's 280 state parks.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria was founded in 1811 and is Oregon’s oldest city. But it is not just that. Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Vacation-wise, this town packs a punch, although small — and hosts just about 10,000 residents. One will enjoy walking, biking, and inhaling the beautiful scenery along the Astoria Riverwalk, which follows sections of the Astoria and Columbia River Railroad. Norblad Hotel is in the heart of downtown Astoria and is conveniently close to shops and restaurants. Still, one may opt for Astoria Riverwalk Inn, whose clean rooms come with a nice view of the marina. Portway Tavern first opened its doors in 1925 and is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of its founder.
Astoria is on a stretch historically called the Graveyard of the Pacific, where treacherous waters have claimed over 2,000 ships and hundreds of lives. This means you could be unknowingly walking over a piece of a shipwreck. Check out this evocative story at the acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum. Captain George Flavel, who used to guide ships along this stretch, later became a millionaire and built one of Astoria’s most famous buildings, today the Flavel House Museum, named for him.
Friday Harbor, Washington
Tucked away on the island of San Juan, one of the islands in an archipelago known by the same name, Friday Harbor sits in the farthest northwest corner of Washington, just minutes from the Canadian border. Work your way to the marina at Roche Harbor, from where you can cruise around the San Juan islands. Friday Harbor is known for sea kayaking and whale watching. For sea kayaking, it is advisable to book a tour in advance with the highly rated Discovery Sea Kayak, a premier tour operator based in the heart of downtown Friday Harbor. The Bioluminescent Kayak Tours — a true celebration of light — are especially not to be missed. Orcas, one of the world's most powerful predators, are often seen between April and October.
One can also hit up oceanfront hikes and see gray whales and porpoises at Lime Kiln Point State Park. Otherwise, spend a memorable night at Snug Harbor Resort, where large windows provide gasp-inducing views of the water.
Solvang, California
Solvang is a cute, dainty town of about 6,000 residents located in the Santa Ynez Valley. It was settled by Danish immigrants, still keeps the traditions of Denmark alive, and is fondly called "The Danish Capital of America." With street names such as Atterdag, Copenhagen, and Kronborg, Solvang is evidently proud of its heritage.
Grab a filling meal at Copenhagen Sausage Garden, known for its soft and delicious pretzel. Pop into Good Seed Coffee Boutique, especially if entertaining thoughts of good espresso coffee. Highline Adventures is the fastest zipline in California; no one gives it less than 5 stars.
Explore a vast collection of vintage motorcycles at the one-of-a-kind Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum before catching your breath at Hans Christian Andersen Park, a peaceful space with nice oak trees and a picnic area. You can feed ostriches at Ostrichland as well — before spending a quiet night at the budget-friendly Svendsgaard's Danish Lodge.
Carpintería, California
A nice little beach town that is an easy drive from Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is among California’s most underrated towns. The town is particularly a beach bum's dream destination. For instance, Carpinteria City Beach is among the best swimming beaches in the Golden State and is often billed as the world’s safest because of its gentle waves and lifeguard monitors.
If coming to forage through the town, Thario's Kitchen, known for its signature lasagna, must be on your list of things to do. For Thai food fanatics, however, LAOTHAI restaurant fits the bill and probably has no equal. Spend the night at Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn. It is readily accessible from the main road and is close to the beach and the quaint downtown area. Just remember to request a room with a courtyard view.
Port Townsend, Washington
Victorian architecture. That is what anyone who has been to Port Townsend, a small, storybook town of about 10,000 residents, remembers it for. There is a tasty coastal landscape as well. Water lovers will be thrilled to know Port Townsend is on the Olympic Peninsula, a famous destination for fun water-based activities, including boating and fishing. Pass the time at the historic Fort Worden State Park, featured in the 1982 American romantic drama film An Officer and a Gentleman.
Spend the night at the iconic Palace Hotel, just one block from Rose Theatre, where a mood-lifting show can crown a fun-filled afternoon. A feature of the town since 1907, the Rose Theatre features vintage sofas, chairs, and coffee tables. Looking for a spot to take it all in, wind your way to the Historic Fire Bell Tower. in addition, the Ann Starrett Victorian Mansion is arguably the most exquisite building with Victorian-style architecture.
Ojai, California
Known to be one of the most breathtaking towns in Southern California, Ojai is tucked away about 80 miles from Los Angeles. If you will not come here to hit up the trails at the Rose Valley Falls Trail, sip an afternoon away at the award-winning Naturalist Organic Winery — or learn the rich history and culture of the area at the Ojai Valley Museum — you can still come for one of the most heart-ravishing sunsets on Earth. "The pink moment" sees the Topatopa Mountains illumined with various shades of pink — a heart-stirring spectacle difficult to get out of the mind. Without chain stores, the feel here is cozy, authentic, and intimate.
One can camp at Lake Casitas, explore Matilija Canyon's Ecotopia (a natural hot spring with an optional clothing policy), or spend a peaceful hour at Libbey Park, one of the cleanest parks in this section of the United States. When the town starts to get quiet, spend the night in Casa Ojai Inn, close to all the shops and restaurants in the downtown area.
Morro Bay, California
While many travel to Morro Bay to catch a glimpse of Morro Rock, a 576-foot-tall volcanic spectacle that guided mariners along this stretch of the Pacific Coast for more than three centuries, this town packs a lot more. To kickstart an adventure, find a sidewalk table at Shine Cafe, and enjoy delicious spring rolls, washed down with smoothies made from almond milk. If craving Mexican food, Taco Temple is hard to beat. Elfin Forest is a short drive from town and features a beautiful boardwalk that circles the perimeter with several stations to learn interesting facts, including about the area’s native plants.
Then there is the chance to lock eyes with otters and seals at Morro Bay State Park, home to the eye-catching Morro Rock, the town’s defining attraction. Do not miss the Museum of Natural History, which displays realistic replicas of local wildlife. For those spending the night, the Inn at Rose's Landing is right on the water across from Morro Rock.
Poulsbo, Washington
"Little Norway," as Poulsbo is called, is a charming town that reclines on the Kitsap Peninsula in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. To explore what this town offers, set Fairfield Inn & Suites as your adventure base. The inn’s location is perfect for walking to the stores in College Marketplace.
First-time visitors often enjoy strolling through Poulsbo’s walkable downtown historic district and popping into restaurants, locally owned shops, and awesome museums, including The Maritime Museum and Visitor Center, Poulsbo Heritage Museum, and SEA Discovery Center, ideal for those who want to explore the local sea life. One can also paddle an afternoon away in Liberty Bay, hike the nearby Poulsbo Wilderness Trail, and amble through the elevated walkways at Poulsbo's Fish Park.
Do not get stuck the whole year inside concrete jungles with nothing but cookie-cutter architecture, apartment blocks, and neon lights. Once in a while, it is good to escape and breathe the air of new places. While you can head east or south, it may be time to check off the Pacific Coast from your bucket list. Charming, small towns dot this stretch, many just waiting to be explored. These include Cambria, California; Astoria, Oregon, and Port Townsend, Washington.
