The 21 best beaches on the West Coast

This popular corner of Olympic National Park and the Washington coast is always busy during the summer. Drive through the ancient rainforest or along the Pacific and emerge at a classic PNW beach. This is one of the few beaches where pets are allowed in the park, and they must be leashed and not pass Ellen Creek. It’s also a popular destination for beach camping, but four-legged friends aren’t allowed, unfortunately. 

Another sandy stretch adjacent to Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Much more stereotypically beachy than Rialto, you’ll find white sand and rolling waves that could almost be Southern California if not for the cooler temps. It’s also a fantastic place for tide-pooling and spotting marine life.

People often think of Malibu as a single beach, but it’s quite a large region north of Los Angeles. Zuma is one of the best beaches in the area, known for a shoreline that extends for miles along the Pacific Coast Highway. Popular with surfers and windsurfers, but if you want to swim, just note the tides can become rough.

The Oregon Coast’s most popular beach is home to the landmark Haystack Rock, which often comes to mind when the state’s coastline is mentioned. Long frequented by college spring breakers, families, and couples alike, it’s also very dog friendly. It is also a favorite among surfers and is a great beach to learn how to catch a wave!

MTV’s hit reality show put this slice of SoCal on the map for a generation. From picture-perfect golden sand against turquoise waters to hidden coves and vaguely recognizable spots from the show, Laguna is a fun destination to experience. It’s also quite busy in the summer, so arrive early.

There are plenty of coastal towns in the country called Newport, but the PNW’s version might be the best. South of Pacific City on Highway 101, the beach is one of Oregon’s most loved. The sand here is darker than other spots along the Pacific and is full of agates, precious stones of unique colors.

On the southern end of Orange County, Dana Strand is a great destination for surfers, as the waves are considered some of the best in the area. Named for the housing development that borders the shores, numerous homes are carved into the hillside. Access to the beach requires a bit of a steep walk down, but there is a funicular from the parking lot.

One of San Diego’s premier surfing destinations, Black’s Beach is located in the trendy La Jolla area. However, please note it is not a place for novice wave riders. You’ll need to have had some experience before surfing here. Another fun fact is that Black’s is San Diego’s nudist beach, although not officially. It has been outlawed for years, but sunbathers persist on this stretch of sand.

A fantastic city beach in San Francisco, you’ll have some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. Baker Beach is accessible by numerous trails in the Presidio on the city's edge. You can even bring a lunch, blanket, and sunhat and make a day of it with a hike and beach picnic.

Nearby Bixby Bridge is a common Instagram photo-op spot along the Pacific Coast Highway en route to Big Sur. However, Carmel is a great little gem you shouldn’t miss while in this part of California. The white sands are thankfully dog-friendly and border an adorable town dotted with fairytale-esque cottages.

The better-known Long Beach might be in SoCal next to Disneyland, but Washington State’s version is arguably more fun. Wander the boardwalk (much less crowded than anything in the Golden State) and long stretches that lead to a lighthouse. And don’t miss the Discovery Trail hike — part of the historic Lewis and Clark route.

Located in Pfeiffer State Park, near the iconic Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most stunning in the state. The main draw is the combination of its location, right off the 101 in the heart of the park, and the unique purple hue of the sand. This is caused by minerals that rinse off the mountains nearby after it rains. 

The boardwalk is one of the most recognizable in the country and is well situated just west of downtown LA. The three-and-a-half-mile-long stretch is perfect for swimmers and sunbathers of all types and abilities. It is also walkable to numerous restaurants, cafes, and rides at the pier.

A bit further south down the coast from Cannon Beach is another Oregon coast favorite, Pacific City and the local beach of the same name. The nearby Cape Kiwanda makes the waves break in an ideal form for surfers, so you’ll see plenty out at this beach. 

The town of Half Moon Bay is located just south of San Francisco and has a few beaches close by that make up the state beach. Francis Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach are the individual beaches that make up the large one. Golden sand and roaring Pacific waves are set against the grassy dunes that lead out to the town. It’s popular with campers, surfers, swimmers, picnickers, and families with kids.

One of the more unique options on this list and one that definitely lives up to the name. Glass Beach sits just a few miles from Fort Bragg in Mendocino County. And instead of the typical expansive sand expected on California beaches, it has a mix of colorful sea glass and grains. Just remember you aren’t allowed to take any with you, and it looks best around sunset!

San Diego is a long-time favorite among beachgoers, with numerous nearby. However, crossing the bridge to Coronado Island is like visiting a whole new world. The old Hotel del Coronado feels like stepping back in time (and it’s fun to look at lobby pictures of all the celebrities that have visited over the decades) and opens out to a lovely piece of coastline.

Yet another SoCal destination made even more famous by MTV, although Newport Harbor, The Real Orange County was never as popular as Laguna Beach. Still, it remains a well-frequented area full of boats and recreational activities. Newport Beach is the name of the city and pier, but the main individual beaches are Crystal Cove, Upper Newport Bay, and Corona del Mar.

In the southern portion of the Oregon shoreline lies Harris Beach, a great place to spot wildlife. Bird Island (alternatively, Goat Island) is a part of the beach and, as a national sanctuary, is full of puffins, seals, sea lions, and marine life. During migration season, gray whales can be seen offshore. There are also numerous campsites.

A small secluded beach, you’ll need to hike in to access this portion of the coast. However, you’ll be rewarded with a quieter waterfront destination once you do. Ecola Point's caves and Sea Lion Rock's natural arch are worth wandering along the shore.

Puget Sounds beaches are typically full of driftwood and rocks more than sand. However, if you take a water taxi from downtown Seattle’s waterfront to West Seattle, you can visit one of the golden beaches in the state, Alki. Just be prepared to share during summer, as many Seattleites flock here to beat the heat.