Some people carry the beach in their bones. My friend Cherie is one of them. And if you’ve ever closed your eyes in the middle of a stressful day and pictured the ocean just to steady your breath, you’re going to understand her work instantly.

These lesser-traveled West Coast spots don’t just offer a vacation—they invite you to slow down and rediscover wonder. Whether it’s the salty air of Trinidad or the glowing hills of Ojai, there’s something here that feels like yours the moment you arrive.