Summary
- Long Beach, Washington: Quaint seaside town with sandy shores and rugged wilderness, perfect for enjoying fall foliage and sea views.
- Oak Harbor, Washington: Sleepy small town on Whidbey Island with lush state parks, harbor views, and historic sights.
- Seabrook, Washington: Cozy gem near Olympic National Park, offering autumnal outdoor adventures and stunning hiking trails.
From the charming coastal towns of Southern California, all the way up to the rugged mountains of Washington State, the West Coast has some of the most spectacular landscapes around.
Undoubtedly the best coast, the expansive coastline is especially idyllic come autumn as the leaves change colors and the air becomes crisp and cool. With stunning ocean views and natural wonders galore, here are some of the prettiest places to visit on the West Coast this fall.
10 Long Beach, Washington
Famed for its boardwalk along the Long Beach Peninsula, the quaint seaside town of Long Beach is equal parts sandy shores and rugged wilderness, offering visitors fantastic sea views and the opportunity to marvel at the region's fall foliage in its surrounding parks.
- Hotel recommendations: The Seaview Cottages, Inn at the Sea, and Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort
- Notable sights: Long Beach Beach, William Clark Memorial Pillar, Marsh's Free Museum, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Cranberry Museum, and North Head Lighthouse
Fun fact: Long Beach, Washington is home to the longest continuous beach in the U.S., which stretches for about 28 miles.
9 Oak Harbor, Washington
What better way to experience the beautiful sights that fall brings than with a stay in a sleepy small town? Nestled on Washington State's Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor is just the place. The coastal city has it all: lush state parks, harbor views, historic sights, and, of course, small-town charm.
- Hotel recommendations: Auld Holland Inn, Candlewood Suites Oak Harbor, and Best Western Plus Oak Harbor Hotel & Conference Center
- Notable sights: Windjammer Park, Dugualla State Park, Joseph Whidbey State Park, Libbey Beach Park, and Price Sculpture Forest
8 Seabrook, Washington
Another cozy Washington gem nestled along the rocky coast, the town of Seabrook is located just south of Olympic National Park, which offers visitors a plethora of autumnal outdoor adventures, including some of the best hiking trails and thrilling lake excursions.
- Hotel recommendations: Moonstone Beach Motel and Ocean Crest Resort
- Notable sights: Seabrook Beach, Elk Creek, Gnome Forest & Trails, Olympic National Forest, and Olympic National Park
7 Astoria, Oregon
One of the oldest towns on the West Coast, Astoria is brimming with history, charm, and plenty of autumn splendor. Explore the nearby Lewis and Clark National Historical Park or embark on a hike on any one of the city's numerous trails — the options are endless.
- Hotel recommendations: Selina Commodore Astoria, Astoria Riverwalk Inn, and Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa
- Notable sights: The Astoria Column, Astoria-Megler Bridge, Astoria Riverfront Trolley, Columbia River Maritime Museum, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Riverwalk Trail, Youngs River, and Columbia River
Fun fact: The pleasant town of Astoria served as the setting for the 1985 film The Goonies, and a majority of the filming took place in the city and the nearby Cannon Beach.
6 Cannon Beach, Oregon
Oregon is about as cozy as it gets, and without a doubt, one of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast is to visit the town of Sisters.
Teeming with some of the best Pacific Coast scenery, the charming coastal town is famed for its towering Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-tall rock formation that's arguably one of Oregon's most recognizable landmarks.
- Hotel recommendations: Surfsand Resort and Cannon Beach Hotel Collection
- Notable sights: Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Cannon Beach Nature Trail, Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site, and the Logan Creek bridge
5 Yachats, Oregon
Situated between the lapping waves of the ocean and the Oregon Coastal Range's temperate forest, which is perfect for leaf-peeping, Yachats, Oregon is the perfect place to enjoy a fall getaway.
Just don't be surprised if the shores are absent of white sands as much of the city's coastline features black basalt, which is still quite a sight to see.
- Hotel recommendations: Silver Surf Motel, Deane's Oceanfront Lodge, and Overleaf Lodge
- Notable sights: Yachats State Recreation Area, Thor's Well, Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site, Smelt Sands State Recreation Site, Cape Perpetua Lookout, and Cape Perpetua Overlook
4 Eureka, California
Looking for the coziest town to settle into for an autumn retreat? Eureka! Located in Northern California, this port city is also located about 40 miles away from the Redwood National and State Parks, which are home to the tallest trees in the world.
- Hotel recommendations: Best Western Plus Bayshore Inn, Carter House Inns, and Pinc Lady Mansion
- Notable sights: Woodley Island, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, Sequoia Park, and Eureka Channel
3 Morro Bay, California
Known for its 576-foot-tall volcanic mound called Morro Rock, the small beach town of Morro Bay is a fantastic choice for catching a little rest and relaxation. In addition to its famous rocky landmark, the city offers visitors a variety of natural wonders, including the stunning overlook of Quintana Scenic View.
- Hotel recommendations: Hampton Inn by Hilton Morro Bay and Inn At Morro Bay
- Notable sights: Morro Rock, Morro Strand State Beach, North Point Natural Area, Morro Bay State Park, Museum of Natural History, and Morro Bay T Pier (Otter Viewing Area)
2 Carpinteria, California
Home of the "world's safest beach," Carpinteria is the epitome of cozy, featuring numerous cute shops, cafés, and other establishments that are perfect for exploring during an afternoon stroll. Nearby sights for peeping fall foliage include the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park.
- Hotel recommendations: Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria, and Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
- Notable sights: Carpinteria State Beach, Tar Pits Park, Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, Carpinteria City Beach, and Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park
1 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Although it may be tiny, spanning only one square mile, every nook and cranny of this adorable California village is as beautiful as the next. Featuring a collection of fairytale cottages, Carmel-by-the-Sea has something for everyone, from historic sites and breathtaking scenery to fantastic art galleries and eclectic boutique shops.
- Hotel recommendations: Quail Lodge & Golf Club and La Playa Carmel
- Notable sights: Carmel Walks, Carmel Beach, Carmel River State Beach, and Mission Trail Park