Laid-back Atmosphere Beach retirement destinations, in general, have a laid-back feel, but Encinitas takes it to new heights. Largely due to its huge surfing community, everyone here is so relaxed and easygoing that it almost feels like the entire city is on a never-ending vacation. It’s the perfect place to retire if you prefer a slower pace of life. No…

Big Little Town A lot of the locals affectionately call San Luis Obispo or SLO “a big little happy town,” and rightfully so. Featuring a perfect mix of urban and rural, SLO is big enough to offer countless offerings in all the departments you care about as a retiree, but small enough that you can enjoy a slow, relaxed pace—which…

10. San Diego Proximity to a great city isn’t something all beautiful coastal areas share, but you have that here. Downtown San Diego, and all its nightlife and culture, business and art, is just 30 minutes away. Whether you’re in mind for the colossal offerings of Balboa Park, the Natural History Museum or the USS Midway Museum, you can go…