Art Retreat in Southern California

🌊 Creative Coast Retreat

A Southern California Creative Escape

November 4–11, 2026 | Oceanside • Temecula • Newport Beach

Join me in Southern California for a flexible creative getaway filled with art, beaches, exploration, connection—and plenty of time to simply enjoy California!

Stay a few days or make a full week of it. I'll be in Southern California November 4–11, but there is no required arrival or departure date for those wanting to join me. Choose the workshops and activities that interest you, book the travel dates that work for you, and build your own Creative Coast experience.

This isn't a rigid tour or an all-inclusive retreat. It's a DIY creative vacation with a few special experiences that bring us together and plenty of freedom in between.

There is no package price to join Creative Coast. You arrange your own travel and pay only for the workshops and activities you choose to participate in.

💰 ESTIMATED COSTS

One of the goals of Creative Coast is to make a California creative getaway possible without the price tag of a traditional organized retreat.

✈️ Airfare

Current round-trip airfare to Southern California is approximately $300+ per person, depending on your departure city, travel dates and when you book.

Airfare is not included or booked by Creative Coast. You'll book your own flight, giving you the freedom to choose your airline, airport, travel dates and budget.

🏡 Lodging

I currently have access to free accommodations in the Carlsbad area for myself and one other person. Since there are currently two of us going, we're taking advantage of the free stay!

If more people decide to join us, I'd be open to looking into a shared rental home if we can find something reasonably priced. You're also welcome to choose your own hotel, vacation rental or other accommodations based on your budget and travel dates.

🚗 Transportation

Rental car, gas, parking and other local transportation expenses are not included. We can coordinate shared rides and split transportation expenses when it makes sense.

🍽️ Food & Activities

Meals, the Hidden Truths Art Show and any optional sightseeing or activities are paid individually.

You control how much—or how little—you spend!

🎨 CREATIVE COAST WORKSHOPS

Two beginner-friendly creative experiences are planned. Each workshop will have its own Eventbrite registration and is open to both Creative Coast travelers and Southern California locals.

🍷 Temecula Art Workshop

Friday, November 6 | 6:30 PM

$55 per person — includes the art workshop and a glass of wine!

Project and exact location details coming soon.

🌊 Oceanside Art Workshop

Sunday, November 8 | 2:00 PM

$45 per person

Project and exact location details coming soon.

Attend one, attend both, or come along for the trip without attending either. It's completely up to you!

🗓️ TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Wednesday, Nov. 4 — Travel / Arrival Day ✈️

Arrive, get settled and start your California adventure.

Thursday, Nov. 5 — OPEN DAY 🌊

Beach day, explore Oceanside, shop, sightsee, relax or make spontaneous plans with others in the group.

Nothing is formally scheduled.

Friday, Nov. 6 — Temecula + Art Workshop 🍷🎨

Spend the day exploring Temecula, visit a winery, grab lunch or do your own thing, then join us for the Temecula Art Workshop at 6:30 PM!

Saturday, Nov. 7 — Newport Beach 🎨🌴

We'll spend part of the day in Newport Beach with time for lunch, exploring and enjoying the coast.

That evening, Melissa will have artwork exhibited in the Hidden Truths Art Show. Attending the show is completely optional. Admission is approximately $100 per person and is not included.

If the art show isn't your thing, spend the evening exploring Newport Beach or make your own plans!

Sunday, Nov. 8 — Oceanside Art Workshop 🎨🌊

Our second Creative Coast art experience will take place in Oceanside at 2:00 PM.

The rest of the day is open to enjoy the beach, explore or relax.

Monday, Nov. 9 — OPEN DAY ☀️

Explore San Diego, visit a beach or winery, shop, sightsee, take a day trip, relax—or make spontaneous plans with others in the group.

Nothing is formally scheduled.

Tuesday, Nov. 10 — OPEN DAY 🌴

Another completely open day to explore Southern California, spend time at the beach or just relax.

Wednesday, Nov. 11 — Travel Home ✈️

I'll be heading home Wednesday, but you're welcome to leave earlier or extend your California vacation.

✈️ DIY TRAVEL

You choose when you come, where you stay and how you travel.

Creative Coast participants arrange and pay for their own:

• Airfare
• Lodging, if needed
• Meals
• Rental car/transportation
• Workshop tickets
• Art show admission
• Optional activities and excursions

San Diego International (SAN) is the preferred airport, but John Wayne/Orange County (SNA), Los Angeles (LAX) and Palm Springs (PSP) may also be options.

We'll coordinate arrival times, shared rides, rental cars and group plans when it makes sense, but everyone remains free to make their own arrangements.

☀️ SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCALS — JOIN US!

You absolutely do not have to travel with us to be part of Creative Coast!

Both the Temecula and Oceanside workshops are open to Southern California locals, with separate Eventbrite registration for each.

Join us for one workshop, both workshops, or connect with us for part of the weekend.

💙 MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Come for a few days or stay all week. Attend both workshops or just one. Join us for Newport Beach, spend your open days exploring Southern California, take a day trip—or plant yourself on the beach and do absolutely nothing. 😂

Creative Coast is about art, ocean, adventure and connection—without a packed schedule or an expensive retreat package.

Come solo, bring a friend, or meet some new ones along the way.

🌊 Creative Coast Retreat | November 4–11, 2026

Stay a few days or stay all week. Build the California getaway that works for you.