The Best West Coast Small Towns for a Weekend Getaway

Sometimes, the best trips aren’t to big cities or national parks—they’re to small towns with great food, scenic views, and plenty to explore.

If you’re looking for a laid-back weekend escape, these hidden-gem towns on the West Coast offer amazing scenery, fewer crowds, and just the right amount of adventure.

1. Mendocino, California – A Foggy Coastal Dream

• Why It’s Amazing: A tiny cliffside town with Victorian charm, ocean views, and redwood forests nearby.
• What to Do:
  • Stroll through Mendocino Headlands State Park for jaw-dropping ocean views.
  • Visit Glass Beach in nearby Fort Bragg to see colorful sea glass covering the shore.
  • Explore Russian Gulch State Park, home to a stunning waterfall hidden in the redwoods.
• Best For: A romantic getaway, artsy vibes, and dramatic coastal scenery.

💡 Pro Tip: Stay at a cozy oceanfront B&B for the full experience.

2. Hood River, Oregon – The Ultimate River Town Escape

• Why It’s Amazing: A gorgeous town on the Columbia River, known for windsurfing, waterfalls, and breweries.
• What to Do:
  • Drive the Fruit Loop—a scenic road full of orchards, wineries, and farm stands.
  • Hike to Punchbowl Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.
  • Try wind or kite surfing—Hood River is one of the best spots in the world for it.
• Best For: Outdoor lovers, beer enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.

💡 Pro Tip: Double up your trip with a visit to Mount Hood for epic alpine views.

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3. Port Townsend, Washington – Victorian Vibes & Seaside Charm

• Why It’s Amazing: This historic waterfront town feels straight out of the 1800s, with colorful buildings and a fun arts scene.
• What to Do:
  • Wander the Victorian-era downtown full of cool shops and cafés.
  • Explore Fort Worden State Park, where you can walk through eerie abandoned bunkers.
  • Take a ferry to the San Juan Islands for whale watching.
• Best For: History buffs, ghost hunters, and anyone who loves old-timey charm.

💡 Pro Tip: Book a room at Manresa Castle—it’s rumored to be haunted.

4. Ashland, Oregon – Theater, Wine, and Scenic Beauty

• Why It’s Amazing: A small town with big culture, home to the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
• What to Do:
  • See a play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (even if you don’t love Shakespeare, the performances are amazing).
  • Visit Lithia Park, a peaceful Japanese-style garden and forested trail system.
  • Go wine tasting in the Rogue Valley—Ashland is a hidden wine country gem.
• Best For: Theater lovers, wine enthusiasts, and charming small-town vibes.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you skip the festival, Ashland has a thriving arts scene year-round.

5. Cambria, California – A Hidden Gem on the Central Coast

• Why It’s Amazing: A quiet beach town between Big Sur and San Luis Obispo with epic views and no crowds.
• What to Do:
  • Walk the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk for ocean views and tide pools.
  • Tour Hearst Castle, the insane mansion of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst.
  • Visit Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery—it’s one of the best places in California to see elephant seals up close.
• Best For: Scenic drives, peaceful coastal walks, and low-key charm.

💡 Pro Tip: Stop at Linn’s Bakery for their famous Ollalieberry Pie.

6. Winthrop, Washington – A Wild West Town in the North Cascades

• Why It’s Amazing: A tiny, cowboy-style town surrounded by mountains and forests.
• What to Do:
  • Walk through the Old West-style downtown, complete with wooden sidewalks.
  • Hike in the Methow Valley, one of Washington’s best outdoor adventure spots.
  • Visit in winter for cross-country skiing on the largest groomed trail system in the U.S.
• Best For: Outdoor lovers, road trippers, and anyone who likes a little Wild West nostalgia.

💡 Pro Tip: Drive the North Cascades Highway for some of the most spectacular mountain views in the state.

7. Trinidad, California – A Tiny Town With Massive Views

• Why It’s Amazing: One of California’s smallest and most stunning coastal towns, surrounded by rugged cliffs and secluded beaches.
• What to Do:
  • Walk down to College Cove Beach, a quiet and breathtaking spot.
  • Visit Patrick’s Point State Park for hiking and whale watching.
  • Grab seafood at Seascape Restaurant, located right on the bay.
• Best For: Coastal scenery, peaceful vibes, and nature lovers.

💡 Pro Tip: Most people drive right past Trinidad on their way to the Redwoods—don’t make that mistake.

MORE ON THE WEST COAST:

READ MORE: The Best of Oregon

READ MORE: The Best of Washington

READ MORE: The Best of California

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