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From top to bottom, the West Coast glows with iconic cities and small-town splendor like Bellingham, one of America’s trendiest fall destinations, all the way to sunny San Diego.
Discovering every hidden gem from California to Washington is a near-impossible task, but sandwiched between these two states is highly underrated Oregon, which boasts numerous beautiful coastal hideaways of its own.
While many travelers will soon look for sunny spots to avoid the approaching cold front, one Oregon beach town has avoided the spotlight for far too long.
Home to mild winters with plenty of spring-like days and a lovely atmosphere of laid-back locals and striking aesthetics, you’ll feel right at home when you switch up your usual winter getaway to Oregon’s best kept secret.
Experience Pure Beach Bliss (but watch out for the tides!)
If you’ve ever been to the many West Coast beaches known as households, chances are you’ve thought to yourself, ‘Ugh! If only I had some rest!’.
To be honest, most of the secret places from Mexico to Canada have been revealed by now, but Oregon’s Rockaway Beach boasts 7 miles of postcard-worthy coastlines that have somehow slipped under the radar.
If you visit in winter, you will be amazed at how this place is not more hyped.
Often the stretch between Northern California and the Canadian border has a reputation as a place to avoid winter, but not Rockaway!
Wonderful nature abounds here, from vibrant blue-water beaches, a picturesque backdrop of mountains, and the lush forestry you’d expect in the Pacific Northwest.
Besides looking out for the legend of Sasquatch in those same woods, there’s another danger to watch out for: rough tides!
99% of the time, Rockaway’s beautiful beaches are as blissful as they come, but Mother Nature gets her panties in a wad or two during the winter, causing what’s known as King tides.
This phenomenon is an unforgettable sight to witness from a safe distance, but it can wreak havoc if you are unaware of the ocean’s unsuspecting fury.
The good news is that there are already reports on when King Tides will arrive:
- November 15-17 (2024)
- December 13-15 (2024)
- January 11-13 (2025)
Best of all, there are more than 200 places for visitors to stay, including many beachfront hotels that can grab a front-row seat without being in danger.
But be sure to check out the top-rated ones Rockaway Beach Resort (and maybe request a room on the second floor!) 😉
Don’t forget to stretch! Explore Rockaway’s beautiful natural areas
At first glance, this sleepy beach retreat may seem like a sleeper with nothing to do, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Sometimes you just have to make your own fun. Ever heard of it track bikes? Don’t think too hard: it’s exactly what it sounds.
Hop aboard a train track with your own recumbent bike and cycle through the region’s vast landscape, over flowing rivers and scenic valleys – it’s fun for all ages!
Or you can do one normie and go hiking through the forest, which is one of the most popular outdoor activities in such a mild winter climate, surrounded by serene landscapes.
Pack your walking shoes and a light jacket and enjoy all the greenery and ocean views of Rockaway. According to that of the city Chamber of Commerceis one of the most rewarding (and easy) hikes Munson Creek Fallsalmost 90 meters high!
But if you ask me, I would say Old Growth Cedar Trail is the most peaceful.
Travel tip: If you want to get to know your inner rail rider, circle February on your calendar when Twins Ranch Rail Riders reopens.
Friendly locals and Rockaway charm
I’m not afraid to say it; Californians can be conceited. Although many of the Golden State’s beaches happen to be more popular.
But one thing you probably can’t say about California is that you didn’t feel like just another face in the crowd, right?
Well, Rockaway embraces tourists with open arms all year round, especially those willing to go off-script, giving their beloved coastal gem a good shake in the winter.
It doesn’t matter whether you stay in a cozy cottage or luxury resort, you will be treated the same in the local restaurants and bars.
And you’d better arrive hungry so you can enjoy the city’s decadent “fresh catch” seafood, including the famous Clam Chowder, among other unexpected oddities like the unmissable corn dog stand, the original Pronto puppy (you’ll know it when you see it!).
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
