Daydreaming about going somewhere this July or August and looking for some new ideas.
Like staying West Coast preferably with water and trees on the cooler side.
Grew up in Seattle area went to Portland and Oregon coast last year so we are looking for specific places...like having cottages or kitchenettes..as we like to cook our own food from Farmer Markets keep costs down..

I would look into the Cambria/ Cayoucous/ Morro Bay area. I think all three have cottage properties. Also Pismo Beach, though that may be more of a condo type location than cottages. San Luis Obispo, near there has a great Thursday Farmer's Market.
Also, I've seen great posts about Asilomar in Pacific Grove (near Carmel/ Monterey). Keep in mind, California Coast July/ August prices can be pretty high.

The Bend/Sunriver area is really nice in the summer. Lots of homes/condos to rent, so you would have a kitchen, and Bend has a great farmer's market.

I was thinking that the OP wanted the coast and a cool place. I recall a hot July in Bend on a family trip. Pretty area though.

How about the San Juan Islands?

Sea Ranch along the Sonoma County Coast.

-Bill

trippin--I missed that...yes, Bend is hot then. But next to a lake it is pretty nice. At least it's not humid, lol!

Bill got me thinking: Bodega Bay, Olema or Stinson Beach area. I was in Bolinas last summer which is near there, and it was a little too quirky for my taste.

San Diego the La Jolla area has places listed on vrbo.

What about the Olympic Peninsula.

A friend goes to La Push each summer and the cabins they stay at are pretty rustic, but they have kitchens and are right on the water.

Port Townsend is a nice, relaxing place to go to as well. We stay at a cottage there, but it doesn't have a full kitchen. The owners do have a beach house as well though so that might work for you. The website is www.morganhilldesign.com and the house is called Northbeach. The owners are extremely helpful in making sure your trip is great.

Santa Barbara.Cant help it.I love that place.Paul

Bandon, Gold Beach, or Brookings, OR?

Sunshine Coast or west side of Vancouver Island? Gulf Islands? Marin/Sonoma/Mendocino coast?

I would check out Carmel, gorgeous place, cool, nice beaches, great places to eat and shop. Beautiful Cypress trees adorn the village. Check out some of the inns/cottages on Ocean Ave. for lodging. ***kim***

San Luis Obispo has a great Farmer's Market every Thursday night. I really really liked the Oregon coast area around Coos Bay/Bandon area....but dont know about their Farmer's Market.

further north -- try mendocino area.

Big Sur..one of the most beautiful places on earth!

I second Santa Barbara!

You all are very helpful..it was a stormy dark day here in Southern Cal so it is fun to "dream' of other locations...
keep the ideas coming..so far my husband likes Pacific Grove/Carmel and Vancouver..

Head for Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Long sandy beaches, dense rainforests, lots of things to do: surfing, kayaking, whale-watching, hiking, etc. It'll be pleasantly cool, green, and fun!

Lake Tahoe is your spot... you get the best mix of water and trees that I've ever seen! Also, Rio del Mar, New Brighton/Sea Cliff Beach area fits your description too. At least you'll have lots of options from which to choose!