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15 Gorgeous West Coast Beaches That Deserve A Standing Ovation
There’s just something unbeatable about West Coast beaches. They’re dramatic, sun-kissed, and unapologetically stunning. From rugged cliffs that drop into sapphire waters to golden sands that stretch endlessly, these shorelines sure know how to make an impression.
Crashing waves, salty breezes, and sunsets that belong in a museum? It’s all here. And each beach offers its own vibe, from laid-back and serene to windswept and adventurous. Plus, this coastline is the kind of place where you’ll find everything… except maybe a reason to leave.
So whether you’re into dipping your toes in the sand, catching some surf, or just soaking in the views, these beaches have your name written all over them. Keep reading to explore the places that are basically begging to be your next escape.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach has Haystack Rock, and no, it’s not just another big rock. It’s a 235-foot-tall basalt sea stack that not only rules the skyline but plays host to tufted puffins during spring and summer.
At low tide, the real magic happens, with tide pools popping up like little aquariums, teeming with colorful sea creatures. It’s the kind of place where you can marvel at marine life without needing a snorkel or an underwater camera.
And if you’re lucky, you might catch the sunlight hitting the rock just right. If you do, it’s a picture-perfect postcard moment. Oh, and the town itself? Adorably charming, but good luck focusing on that when Haystack and the beach are stealing the show.
La Jolla Cove, California
La Jolla Cove isn’t a beach per se; it’s more of a celebrity lounge for marine life. Located in a 6,000-acre protected underwater park, it’s the ultimate undersea hotspot.
Here’s the deal: leopard sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant fish all gather for a swim party, and they don’t seem to mind if you crash it with a snorkel in hand. If the water’s clear, you might even see garibaldi fish, which are bright orange (and proof that the ocean occasionally takes inspiration from traffic cones).
Then there’s the shoreline: dramatic cliffs that frame the cove perfectly, almost like giant arms hugging the Pacific. Just make sure you’re ready for the sea lions, because they’ll be lounging and barking at you like they’re headlining the place.
Ruby Beach, Washington
If a painter had one too many cups of coffee and decided to go wild, they might accidentally recreate scenes reminiscent of Ruby Beach. This iconic spot on the Olympic Peninsula has massive, smooth sea stacks rising dramatically from the shore (like ancient skyscrapers built by mermaids).
Toss in a liberal scattering of driftwood (some of it resembling the remnants of giant, petrified monsters), and you’ve got a coastal scene fit for a fantasy novel.
During low tide, the beach transforms into a tide-pool treasure hunt. Anemones wave their tentacles like tiny carnivorous flowers, and hermit crabs scuttle about, completely unaware of how tiny and hilarious they look. But walk carefully, this isn’t the place to wear your shoes with zero traction, for your sake and that of the animals underfoot.
Pfeiffer Beach, California
Pfeiffer Beach isn’t content with being your average beige-sand story. Nope. This spot boasts a rare purple-hued beach thanks to nearby cliffs made of manganese garnet, proving that geology clearly wins on the creativity spectrum.
For the cherry on top, there’s Keyhole Arch, a natural rock formation that not only looks incredible but filters sunlight through it in a way that feels almost too perfect. And during sunset, it’s a light show provided by nature, designed to one-up basically any other sunset.
Hidden off the beaten path, this beach can be a bit tricky to find, so congratulations if you make it… you’ve joined an exclusive club of adventurers with superior navigation skills (or good Wi-Fi for maps).
Please note that the waves here are dramatic, so maybe don’t challenge the ocean to a swimming match.
Manzanita Beach, Oregon
Manzanita Beach has mastered the art of keeping it simple. It’s like that laid-back friend who’s happy in flannel and doesn’t need a flashy wardrobe to impress you. And thanks to Oregon’s genius 1967 public-access laws, the beach remains gloriously uncluttered. No mega-resorts or tacky souvenir shops here.
Instead, it’s a pristine stretch of sand backed by small-town charm. Perfect for quiet strolls, interrupted only by the occasional sand dollar or oddly shaped piece of driftwood that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t taken up sculpture yet.
And when the coastal fog rolls in, it adds an air of mystery that makes even a leisurely walk feel dramatic. If you’re lucky, you might end your day with one of those impossibly vibrant Pacific Northwest sunsets.
Rialto Beach, Washington
Rialto Beach is pure cinematic drama. Driftwood here isn’t the delicate sort you’d snap by accident; it’s massive, sculptural, and likely tested its strength by fighting the Pacific Ocean.
Add in those striking sea stacks jutting out of the water like ancient sentinels, and you’ve got a landscape so ruggedly photogenic it makes you want to reconsider every soft, sandy beach you’ve been to. During low tide, explore the shoreline’s tide pools teeming with starfish and sea anemones. It’s like a mini undersea safari… minus the wetsuit.
And don’t sleep on Hole-in-the-Wall, a short hike that rewards you with a rock arch perfect for strolling through while pretending you’re the protagonist of some epic shipwreck survival story.
Santa Monica State Beach, California
If there’s a beach that fully leans into its iconic status, it’s Santa Monica State Beach. Soft, golden sand? Check. A famous pier complete with a Ferris wheel, food stalls, and that quintessential coastal carnival vibe? Double-check.
It’s perfect for every flavor of relaxation, whether you’re into burning calories with volleyball or burning sunscreen while unapologetically lounging. And the Pacific Ocean here is less about fury and more about endless rolling waves inviting you to dip your toes (or take a full plunge if you’re brave).
When hunger strikes, wander up to the pier and realize you can feast on everything from seafood to oversized pretzels (beach trips are calorie-free, right?). By the time you leave, even your towel will feel a little cooler just for having been here.
Pismo State Beach, California
Pismo State Beach offers 17 miles of coastal perfection that somehow balances tranquility with adventure. It’s the kind of place where you can camp under the stars and feel like you’ve outsmarted everyone staying in a pricey hotel.
Surfing here is a rite of passage, though watching from the shore with a snack is also fully acceptable. But the real magic happens from November to February, when thousands of monarch butterflies decide to throw a giant reunion in this very spot, turning the eucalyptus trees into fluttering masterpieces. Their visit is so impressive that it makes human snowbirds look boring.
And whether you’re walking these sandy stretches or soaking up the scenery, Pismo offers more than just a beach day; it’s a little slice of natural elegance, no pretension required.
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is not just a place; it’s an effortlessly artsy escape. With seven miles of coastline, you’ve got plenty of room to paddleboard, kayak, or just sit on the sand pretending you’re about to have the most romantic moment of your life.
This place has long been an inspiration for artists, and honestly, one glimpse of those ocean views and rugged cliffs will have you considering picking up a paintbrush… or at least saying things like “the light here is just different.”
The area is also home to tide pools teeming with marine life, making low tide a nature documentary in real time. Feeling fancy? Stop by one of the many art galleries sprinkled around town for your daily dose of culture (and to find out your stick figure drawing doesn’t make the cut).
Rockaway Beach, Oregon
Rockaway Beach is the kind of place where even your worries take a vacation. Wide sandy shores stretch out like a version of an all-you-can-eat buffet for your soul: endless, peaceful, and way more satisfying than breadsticks.
It’s a crowd pleaser for locals, and it’s easy to see why. Because coastal walks here don’t just clear your mind; they basically hit the reset button on life. The gentle breeze seems custom-made to whisper, “Relax, you work too hard.”
Plus, there’s the fact that it hasn’t turned into a chaotic tourist haven, so your peaceful stroll won’t be interrupted by someone reenacting their favorite beach movie. Bring your comfy shoes, pack snacks that won’t get sandy, and prepare to perfectly miscalculate how long you’ve been wandering.
Black Sands Beach, California
Black Sands Beach looks like the brooding goth sibling in California’s beach family, and we absolutely love it for that. The volcanic black sands create a striking contrast with the crashing waves, as if nature discovered dramatic mood lighting.
Found in Shelter Cove along the Lost Coast, this beach isn’t for flip-flops and fruity drinks; it’s rugged and wild, surrounded by towering cliffs and coastal forests. Walking along it, you get the sense this spot isn’t trying to impress you; it just woke up like this.
Hiking down to the shore requires a bit of effort and sturdy footwear, but the payoff is unforgettable. And see if you can’t spot seals lounging just offshore… looking effortlessly cooler than all of us combined.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk isn’t just a beach; it’s an all-in-one nostalgia machine. Picture an oceanfront carnival, complete with roller coasters that’ll make your stomach flip (in a good way), rows of arcade games, and churros worth every single calorie.
The boardwalk dates back to 1907, but don’t worry, it’s aged better than any of us. Step away from the rides for a breather, and you’ll find sea lions hanging around the nearby pier, barking at each other like they’re in their own soap opera.
For families, it’s a dream. Kids get their fill of chaos while parents sneak a moment to enjoy the sweeping ocean views and the beach. And if you’re not into rides, no one’s stopping you from a bits-and-pieces food tour of corndogs and funnel cakes (which might just be the real star of the show).
Long Beach Peninsula, Washington
Claiming the title of “Longest Beach in the U.S.” with its 28 miles of continuous sand, Long Beach Peninsula is paradise (for people, kites, and clams alike). This is the kind of place where you can drive your car straight onto the beach and feel like you’re on a real adventure.
Hosting some of the best kite festivals you’ll find anywhere, the sky here often looks like it’s auditioning for a spot in an art gallery. And clamming? Oh, it’s not just digging in the sand; it’s a quirky treasure hunt that ends with delicious rewards.
Pack a shovel, wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, and prepare to walk away with a story worth sharing around the campfire.
Butterfly Beach, California
Tucked away in Santa Barbara’s coastal charm, Butterfly Beach isn’t your typical touristy spot; it’s more of a locals-only treasure where mountain views flirt with ocean horizons. And this beach feels tailor-made for romantic strolls and daydream-worthy sunsets that look straight out of a Nicolas Sparks novel.
Keep an eye out, this spot occasionally draws celebrities who are probably running from paparazzi and seeking the bliss you’re soaking in. But the appeal here isn’t about flashy boardwalks or crowded attractions; it’s the quiet elegance that wins you over, with warm sands gently sloping into calm, cerulean waters.
Pro tip? Head there during low tide for a freshly washed expanse of sand and the possibility of spotting dolphins doing their best synchronized swim routine offshore.
Zuma Beach, California
If beaches had resumes, Zuma Beach in Malibu would list “overachiever” as its middle name. This place is enormous, with endless sands where you can perfect your beach nap without risking a frisbee to the face.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and hosting major surfing events, Zuma has earned its stripes but also carries a badge of caution. Rip currents here are the real deal, so don’t go testing your superhero skills against the ocean (you’ll lose). The upside? The thrill-seekers get their waves, while the rest of us bask in sunny bliss with drinks in hand.
Its clean sands and spacious layout make it a dream destination for families and loners alike. Just don’t forget your SPF… or your excuses to stay forever.
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