There is eccentricity; Then there is the eccentric of the US West Coast. If you're looking for strange, quirky, unique and underrated things, you'll find all that and more along the Pacific coast of the United States. From a beach town that doubles as a haven for trendy home design to a city steeped in Native American history at the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States, there's plenty to see and do along this coast. Even if you're more in the mood for a traditional seaside resort, you'll find a wealth of hidden treasures and even a historic castle.
Whether you're looking for warm vibes and big waves or atmospheric forests by the sea, don't miss these unique small towns. Here are seven of the most eccentric cities on the Pacific Coast.
Solana Beach, California
Located just 23 miles north of San Diego, Solana Beach is one of those California beach towns where you have to scratch beneath the surface to find out more about what it's all about. Yes, of course Solana Beach has beautiful beaches like Fletcher Cove for idyllic swimming, surfing, bodyboarding and even surf fishing. But if you really want to reach the heart of Solana Beach, head two blocks inland to the Cedros Design District and discover a wild and wonderful world filled with indie boutiques and powerhouse trendsetters like Bixby & Ball, Cokas Diko Home, and Séjour Home.
In addition to home furnishing stores, Cedros Avenue is also home to the Solana Beach Farmers' Market, open every Sunday (except some select holidays) and stocked year-round with fresh organic and locally certified produce, meat, baked goods, flowers, soaps, etc . is filled. and more. You'll also find Belly Up, one of San Diego County's most famous live music venues, hosting everyone from Tom Jones and the Rolling Stones to Etta James and Gwen Stefani. Once you're ready to settle down, settle into a cozy studio or suite near the beach at Sand Pebbles, or venture a little inland and enjoy a more luxurious resort experience at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.
Neah Bay, Washington
Located on Makah tribal lands where the Salish Sea meets the Pacific Ocean – approximately 96 miles (or 153 kilometers) west of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada – Neah Bay is a beach town like no other. Despite the typically brisk weather, it's entirely possible to enjoy a great day at the beach, whether you prefer surfing at Hobuck Beach or taking an epic journey to Cape Flattery to reach the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States.
Back in town, you can also book a guided fishing trip with the Big Salmon Fishing Resort, buy fresh plants and fish at Windy Acre Farm, and visit the Makah Museum to learn about the history of the Makah native people and see how to keeps local traditions, culture and language alive. And when you're done exploring, book a cabin or RV park at the Cape Resort in town, or stay at the Inn at Neah Bay in a prime location on Bullman Beach.
Seabrook, Washington
What do you call a small beach town developed according to the principles of New Urbanism? Well, we have to call it Seabrook, a strange little town on Washington's Pacific coast, about 138 miles southwest of Seattle. When you're in Seabrook, you're just a short walk from the town's own beach, rich in soft sand, long, crashing waves and amazing cleanliness. Additionally, you are just a short drive from the more natural, pristine beaches of Mocrocks and Roosevelt Beaches, where you can try your hand at clamming or simply enjoy some great whale watching.
Back in town, take advantage of Seabrook's many amenities, from the extensive network of mountain bike and mixed-use trails to the swimming pools, pickleball and tennis courts, to the free sports equipment available to rent at The Dugout. And no matter how large or small your group is, Seabrook is likely to have the right vacation home for you.
Newport, Ore
If you drive the entire 3,365-mile length of U.S. Route 20 west of Boston, Massachusetts, you'll ultimately end up in Newport. Here in the “Dungeness Crab Capital of the World,” you can head to Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site and South Beach State Park and try catching your own crabs. Even if you end up empty-handed, that's never quite right, because you can still have a great time exploring Oregon's last remaining lighthouse with on-site living quarters in Yaquina Bay, and you can catch some great waves surfing in South Beach catch. And to learn more about Newport's nautical heritage, visit the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center and learn about the fascinating local history.
If you'd rather leave the catching and cooking to someone else, you can enjoy phenomenal seafood at local restaurants like Mo's Seafood and Chowder, Georgie's Beachside Grill, and Myril Eatery + Wine Bar (which also stocks lots of great Oregon wines). ). After a long day of coastal exploration, dock at the stunning Newport Belle Riverboat Bed & Breakfast or stay on the beach at the charming Hallmark Newport Resort.
Bolinas, California
Although the seaside village of Bolinas is only about 30 miles northwest of San Francisco, it feels like a world apart with its unique bohemian vibe and coastal charm. Start at Bolinas Beach – also known as Brighton Beach – with ideal surfing waves (especially for beginners). Next, head to Bolinas Lagoon Preserve to discover one of the West Coast's few remaining pristine estuaries, where wildlife such as egrets, egrets and seals continue to make their home. For more beach action, look out for Duxbury Reef at Agate Beach County Park, where you can enjoy pools at high tide.
As you wander the city, take time to notice the bright colors and eye-catching designs of the buildings that only seem to make sense here, and stop at local boutiques like Bolinas Hardware, where you can buy everything from home goods to the on-site surf shop and Bolinas People's Store with a boutique market offering chai lattes, tamales and fresh local produce. For a unique historic stay, check into Smiley's Saloon and experience one of the West's oldest continuously operating bars and boutique hotel just steps from the beach.
Lincoln City, Oregon
Have you ever heard of floating fairies? If not, you probably haven't visited Lincoln City (yet). Every day of the year, tiny, fun floats displaying locally made glass art are set up along Lincoln City's seven miles of coastal beaches, and visitors are encouraged to go on treasure hunts to find some. If you're looking for more glass art while float hunting, check out galleries like Alder House, Thornmeadow Glassworks, and Lincoln City Glass Center to discover many more works by local artists (including some who make the floats).
For even more natural beauty, hike to Devil's Lake State Recreation Area with 685 acres of calm waters ideal for boating, paddling and fishing, and visit Roads End State Recreation Site with some of Oregon's most beautiful tide pools. After you've completed all of the day's adventures, stay at a beautiful beachfront hotel like the Pelican Shores Inn or the Coho Oceanfront Lodge.
Cambria, California
Arriving in Cambria often feels like stepping into a fairy tale, and this usually happens before you reach the castle further up! Located on California's central coast, Cambria looks like a dream come true once you make your way to Moonstone Beach, the town's main beach, which features a boardwalk, tide pools, a sandy beach area for strolling, and even some good waves for surfing . For even more adventure, head to Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. There you will find dramatically picturesque coastal cliffs rising up to 200 feet above the beach, as well as one of the last remaining native Monterey pine forests and a refuge for around 430 species of birds and over 150 native plants.
If you really want to get away from it all, visit Hearst San Simeon State Park with its vast riparian habitats, undisturbed coastal forests and a colony of elephant seals. And as you drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, be sure to visit Hearst Castle, the only magnificent estate designed by legendary architect Julia Morgan for publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst and built from 1919 to 1947. However, you can't stay overnight at the castle. All you have to do is head back into town to enjoy your sweet trip to White Water Cambria, located right on Moonstone Beach, or you can stay at El Colibri Hotel & Spa and enjoy a Tuscan style retreat close to the beach and central village.
These cities may be eccentric, but they are also excellent travel destinations
These beach towns may be the seven most eccentric cities on the Pacific Coast, but they are also wonderful destinations worth exploring and enjoying. From the rich and inspiring indigenous culture and heritage of Neah Bay to the unique artistic flair of Lincoln City, you'll quickly realize there's much more to explore beyond the shore. And down in Solana Beach, you can even discover new and upcoming trends in fashion and home design. Whatever your preferred activities, the Pacific Coast is rich with eccentric energy that is also very warm and welcoming.