4 Coastal Getaways in NorCal for a Cool Summer Escape

Because not everyone wants to sweat through summer.

When the Sacramento heat starts showing off, I start Googling where I can find fog and a good bowl of clam chowder. If you’re craving cool breezes, coastal charm, and a little escape from the sun, these are my favorite places to run (not walk) to.

🐚 Bodega Bay – My Cozy Go-To

Bodega Bay feels like a warm hug wrapped in a foggy blanket. It’s just under two hours from Sacramento but feels like another planet in the best way. I love staying at The Lodge at Bodega Bay—get a room with a fireplace and thank me later. Don’t miss the clam chowder from Spud Point Crab Company or a wine tasting flight at Sonoma Coast Vineyards.

🌲 Mendocino – Coastal Magic Meets Forest Feels

Mendocino is what happens when rugged cliffs and redwoods fall in love. The whole place has a dreamy, artsy vibe. Grab a cozy coffee at Goodlife Café & Bakery, explore the wild beauty of Mendocino Headlands State Park, and if you can swing it, stop by Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Driving through Anderson Valley for wine tasting is also a must.

🐬 Monterey & Carmel – Classic California Cool

Monterey hits that perfect mix of breezy and beautiful. You’ve probably heard of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but I’d recommend kayaking in Elkhorn Slough, strolling through Cannery Row, and eating fresh seafood on Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

Just a few minutes away, Carmel-by-the-Sea is like stepping into a charming seaside fairy tale. Think: fairytale cottages, Carmel Beach, and art galleries galore. Grab brunch at La Bicyclette, sip wine at a local tasting room, and don’t miss wandering the hidden courtyards. It’s a total vibe.

🌊 Pacifica – Close, Chill, and Kinda Underrated

Pacifica is just south of San Francisco, and it’s the chill, foggy beach town you didn’t know you needed. Check out the views from Mori Point, grab a coffee with an ocean view from Soul Grind Coffee Roasters, and don’t miss tacos at Guerrero’s Taqueria. It’s lowkey in the best way.

So, Which One’s Your Vibe?
Whether you’re in the mood for cozy and quiet or classic and coastal, there’s a cool ocean breeze waiting just a few hours away. Pack a sweater, cue the road trip playlist, and let the fog work its magic.