12 Weekend Getaways on the West Coast That Are Almost Too Good to Share

From beautiful beaches to chill stretches of iconic highways, there’s nothing like the West Coast of the US. These weekend getaways on the West Coast are full of adventure.

If you want to experience towering trees, striking coastlines, and romantic beach towns, then head to the West Coast. This region has been immortalized in movies, songs, and famous books.

Come see where American legends were made and where dreams come true. Below are 12 weekend getaways on the West Coast.

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Big Sur, California

Big Sur is where American poets, rock stars, outlaw writers, and thinkers came to find inspiration and solitude. Although much of its mystique has been lost in time, it’s still one of the best weekend getaways on the West Coast.

You’ll travel up or down the famous Highway 1. On the way, you can check out the natural wonders of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Towering redwood forests rise over dramatic cliffs. You can hike through the wilderness and come across waterfalls and beautiful viewpoints.

Big Sur also has cultural attractions with plenty of history. Don’t miss the historic lime kilns at Lime Kiln State Park or the famous Little Sur River Bridge. Be sure to book a campsite early or stay in nearby Monterey.

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is where history meets modern fun. You’ll see pristine Spanish architecture at places such as El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. Don’t miss the historic Santa Barbara Mission, one of the oldest Spanish missions in the country.

Then, hit the trails in the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains to experience some of the best hiking in California. To learn more about the town’s natural history, visit the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden and the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park.

For world-class cuisine and wine tasting, head downtown to the Funk Zone. From vineyards and wineries such as Skyenna and Sunstone to craft breweries and fine dining experiences, you’ll find all the reasons you need to visit this coastal city.

Lincoln City, Oregon

Lincoln City is a weekend getaway for anyone wanted bottomless seafood and endless nature. You’ll find huge stretches of beaches where sea lions and other wildlife hang out.

On land, don’t miss the town’s historical places such as the North Lincoln County Historical Museum. After exploring old-town Taft and Lincoln City, take a drive along the famous Highway 101 to see some of the best coastal views in the country.

For food, head back to downtown to try one of Lincoln City’s popular seafood restaurants. Then, travel south to try incredible craft beers at Beachcrest Brewing Company.

San Diego, California

San Diego is more than just Navy pilots and mustached news anchors. It has pretty darn good Mexican food, too. And gorgeous beaches, yeah, it has those as well.

The city actually has a lot to offer any traveler during a weekend getaway. From world-famous destinations such as the San Diego Zoo to events like Comic Con San Diego, there are endless reasons to visit this coastal city.

You can spend your entire weekend exploring downtown’s shops, restaurants, and bars. If you have time, head out to experience beaches such as La Jolla Cove and Mission Beach for an unforgettable natural getaway.

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria is a place cemented in history by the famous cult classic The Goonies. You can spend the weekend exploring cinema history by visiting the legendary filming locations.

Besides the famous 80s film, Astoria is full of incredible restaurants, breweries, and natural areas that sometimes feel like they’re from a picture book. In town, check out sights like the Astoria Column and the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Outside the city, drive along Highway 101 and visit Fort Stevens State Park. Here, you can hike through miles of open beaches and forests or see the Wreck of the Peter Iredale, a famous shipwreck buried in the sand.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is where your greatest glamping dreams can come true. In this pristine coastal wilderness, you’ll be surrounded by temperate rainforest, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful hot springs.

Along the coast, towns like Clallam Bay and Neah Bay offer cultural highlights and delicious restaurants. As you drive along the coast, you can tuck into hidden coves full of beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

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In the National Park, you can stay in luxurious cabins or rough it in nature at one of the many campsites. During the day, channel your inner explorer and hit the biking and hiking trails to find striking waterfalls and hidden groves, as well as spot mesmerizing wildlife such as bears and elk.

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Redwood National and State Parks, California

Redwood National and State Parks is a weekend getaway for any nature lover. And let’s face it, Star Wars fans will love it too. Where else can you pretend to be outrunning speeder bikes through the forest?

The highlight of these protected forests is the redwoods. These are the tallest trees on earth, and if you’ve never seen them up close, it’s hard to fathom how impressive they are.

The best way to experience their grandeur is by hiking. You can explore hundreds of miles of beautiful trails that run through the epic forests. Afterward, drive along Highway 101 to visit historic towns such as Trinidad or the college town of Arcata.

Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook is one of several beautiful towns along Washington’s beautiful Highway 109. The town is full of boutique stores and mom-and-pop restaurants.

Take a drive along the coast and find hidden gems, including beaches, fishing villages, and the occasional oyster shack. There are plenty of romantic hotels, inns, and camping destinations along the coast to rest for the night.

End your weekend by taking a drive through the countryside. You can stop by farms and quaint shops and see wild elk roaming through the pastures. If you want complete West Coast solitude for the weekend, this is the place for you.

Fort Bragg, California

Fort Bragg is a coastal city with plenty of natural beauty to brag about. All puns aside, it’s where redwood forests and beautiful ocean viewpoints meet.

For a West Coast weekend getaway to remember for a lifetime, drive along Highway 1. Stop at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to learn about the natural history of the region.

Continue south to visit small coastal towns with incredible scenery. After experiencing the coastal drive of a lifetime, head back to Fort Bragg to enjoy its restaurants and breweries, such as Overtime Brewing.

Newport, Oregon

Newport is one of the biggest cities on the Oregon Coast, yet it has an infectious small-town vibe. If you love gourmet seafood menus, natural beauty, and history, this small city makes the perfect weekend getaway.

Start your stay downtown and visit the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center. You’ll learn about the region’s maritime heritage and experience ocean-inspired art and historical artifacts. Then check out the Historic Bayfront for fun shops and seafood restaurants.

If you have time, take a drive to Nye Beach. Here, you’ll find the historic Sylvia Beach Hotel. Each room is decorated with literary memorabilia and fun knick-knacks. Nearby, you can enjoy a bowl of clam chowder or oysters at Nye Beach’s popular restaurants.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco makes the perfect weekend getaway for West Coast vibes, history, and natural beauty. Start your journey downtown and visit historical sights such as Fisherman’s Warf and the San Francisco Cable Car Museum.

Then, spend the day walking Golden Gate Park and make your way to Ocean Beach to see powerful waves and ocean views. If you can, take a ferry to the historic Alcatraz Island, the site of one of the most famous prisons in history.

Don’t miss San Francisco’s epic food scene. You’ll have unlimited international cuisine to choose from. For an experience to remember, visit Chinatown and eat until you pass out at one of the neighborhood’s famous dim sum restaurants. Then, walk it off by hiking up the iconic Lombard Street.

Pismo Beach, California

Pismo Beach is home to quaint seafood restaurants and a laid-back Californian vibe that makes the perfect weekend getaway. Enjoy charming shops and restaurants downtown. Check out the town’s famous surf breaks from the Pismo Beach Pier.

After getting your fill of downtown’s fun, small-town atmosphere, hit the road to nearby Santa Maria to sample incredible wines at wineries such as Laetitia Vineyard & Winery. The town also has some of the best-hidden gem restaurants in California.

After trying the region’s famous tri-tip sandwiches and wine, end your day by taking a romantic beachside sunset stroll. In the morning, catch the sun from the Oceano Dunes, one of California’s best places to sit back and relax.