There’s something special about the West Coast. Maybe it’s the way the ocean hits the cliffs, the freedom of the open road, or how each town has its own rhythm. I recently took a live West Coast trip, and honestly, it was more than a vacation .
If you’re looking for authentic coastal travel and low-key destinations that haven’t been overtaken by tourists, this post is for you. Here’s what I learned, and why I think the West Coast should be on your travel bucket list.
Starting the Journey – California Dreams
I kicked things off in Santa Barbara, and wow — the Spanish-style architecture and palm-lined beaches are straight out of a movie. But instead of sticking to the typical tourist spots, I hit the backroads and found a tiny beach called Arroyo Burro. Locals were surfing, dogs were running free, and the vibes were pure California calm.
Oregon’s Wild Beauty – Where Forest Meets Sea
Crossing into Oregon, everything shifted. More moody, more green. I stayed in a tiny Airbnb near Yachats, a town I’d never heard of before. And guess what? It ended up being my favorite part of the whole trip. Tide pools, sea lions, and sunsets that look like watercolor paintings.
Unexpected Magic at Glass Beach
I wasn’t even planning to stop in Fort Bragg, but a local in a coffee shop told me about Glass Beach — where the shoreline is covered in smooth sea glass. It used to be a dumping ground, but nature turned it into something beautiful. Kinda poetic, right?
