CABBI Travel Blog

Surfers at the Oceanside Pier at sunset

5 Coastal Escapes to Beat the Heat this Summer

When the summer temperatures start to soar inland, California’s 840-mile-long coastline offers relief. Here are five places to escape the heat with stunning natural attractions and natural air conditioning in the form of cool ocean breezes.

A couple tourists hiking in Redwood National Park, California
Hiking in Redwood National Park

California’s Redwood Coast 

This lush wonderland on the Northern California coast blends ancient redwoods with fern-filled canyons and rugged coastline shrouded in fog. Redwood National and State Parks are home to the tallest trees on the planet, some of which are more than 2,000 years old. You can hike in the cool shade of these awe-inspiring trees with trails ranging from easy loops to more strenuous treks that take you from the redwoods to the ocean and back. One of the park’s primeval highlights is Fern Canyon—a lush, narrow gorge dripping in ferns and famously featured in Jurassic ParkParking permits are required for the trailhead between May 15 and September 15. At the coast, you can explore tidepools and watch for migrating whales and shorebirds.  

Where to Stay

Just a mile from the ocean, the Historic Requa Inn stands above the banks of the Klamath River and is surrounded by the vast forestland and wilderness areas within Redwoods National and State Parks. At the gateway to Eureka’s historic district, the Carter House Inns offer elegant accommodations among four magnificent Victorians.

Mendocino Headlands State beach
Mendocino Headlands State Beach

Mendocino Coast

With dramatic ocean bluffs and windswept beaches, the Mendocino Coast is a magnet for artists, romantics, and adventurers alike. Perched on the headlands overlooking the sea, Mendocino Village hosts the acclaimed Mendocino Music Festival each year in July. Up the road, you’ll find dahlias the size of dinner plates, heritage roses, and more in bloom at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. In Fort Bragg, hop aboard the Skunk Train or pedal rail bikes through an ancient redwood forest. Rent an outrigger canoe or kayak from  Catch-A-Canoe to explore the tranquil waters of Big River. At Van Damme State Park, you can paddle through sea caves or visit an ancient pygmy forest. Several more state parks offer hikes to waterfalls, strolls along coastal headlands, historic lighthouses, and other treasures.

Where to Stay

Mendocino Village offers a rich collection of historic stays, including Headlands InnInns of MendocinoMacCallum House Inn, and Seagull Inn Bed & Breakfast. In Fort Bragg, consider the beautifully restored Noyo Harbor Inn above the Noyo River or the luxurious Inn at Newport Ranch’s 2,200-acre oceanfront setting. In Little River, you’ll find a range of pet-friendly options, including Cottages at Little River CoveDennen’s Victorian FarmhouseInn at Schoolhouse Creek, and Little River Inn.

Surfers at Cayucos State Beach
Cayucos State Beach

Cayucos

On California’s Central Coast, the laid-back beach town of Cayucos is an idyllic spot for a summer getaway. Located right off Highway 1, but a bit off the beaten track, Cayucos beckons with sand, surf, and small-town charm. At low tide, Cayuco’s sandy beach extends five miles south to Morro Bay, creating an unbroken expanse of sand for runners and beachcombers. Low tide also reveals fascinating tidepools brimming with sea anemones and crabs. Along the craggy coastline to the north, Estero Bluffs offers great hikes along the bluffs with stunning views and secret coves. Weaving through the grassy hills rising above town, mountain biking and hiking trails deliver heart-pumping adventures with coastal views as well. In town, browse the shops and kick back at an outdoor cafe to watch the sunset.

Where to Stay

On the Beach Bed & Breakfast offers a fabulous location overlooking Cayucos State Beach. The inn’s spacious guest rooms feature ocean views with private balconies where you can be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. 

Chromatic Gate at East Beach in Santa Barbara
Chromatic Gate at East Beach photo by Gabriela Herman courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara shines brightest in summer, when long, sun-soaked days, mild temperatures, and cool ocean breezes make it perfect for relaxing by the shore. Paddle out into the surf, join a beachfront yoga class, or kick back on the sand.  Play a round of golf, hike into the mountains for panoramic views of the coast, or walk through a garden exhibit filled with nearly 1,000 butterflies. Bustling State Street and the Funk Zone invite you to browse boutiques and linger at open-air cafés. Evenings glow with golden sunsets over the Pacific, offering idyllic backdrops for dining al fresco. Summer also means the city’s vibrant calendar comes alive — from concerts at the historic Santa Barbara Bowl to the colorful Old Spanish Days Fiesta, celebrating the city’s rich heritage. 

Where to Stay

Across from East Beach, the Santa Barbara Inn combines Spanish-Colonial style with coastal flair, while the more budget-conscious Blue Sands Inn showcases the work of local artisans. In the Funk Zone, the luxurious Hotel Californian dazzles with Moroccan-inspired design and world-class amenities. A block away, Riviera Beach House offers Euro-style guest rooms with an artistic sensibility. In West Beach, great options include Brisas del Mar, Inn at the BeachCasa del Mar InnHarbor House InnLa Playa InnMason Beach Inn, and The Eagle Inn.

Surfers at the Oceanside Pier at sunset
Surfers at the Oceanside Pier at sunset, photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside

Oceanside 

In Southern California, Oceanside delivers laid-back, endless summer vibes with world-class surf breaks and a vibrant arts and dining scene. Kick back on the wide, sandy beaches or paddle out to catch some waves. With iconic surf breaks and some of the most consistent swell in San Diego County, Oceanside offers waves for surfers of every level. Take a beach cruiser out for a spin on the Coastal Rail Trail bike bath or stroll the historic Oceanside Pier, which is one of the longest on the West Coast. The nearby California Surf Museum celebrates California surf culture and the history of riding waves. Downtown Oceanside is a hub of local culture with award-winning restaurants, unique shops, and art galleries. Be sure to visit the Oceanside Museum of Art and check out the colorful street murals around town.

Where to Stay

Nestled between surf breaks in Oceanside and Carlsbad, The Green Room is a boutique retreat that exudes a relaxed, bohemian charm. Amenities include grab-and-go beach cruisers and surfboards, an outdoor shower, a cedar hot tub, and a communal fire pit.