The 10 Best Beach Towns on the West Coast
It’s not hard to find gorgeous West Coast beach towns. After all, the left coast has some of the most diverse landscapes in the entire United States, ranging from deserts to rainforests. But when it comes to beaches in particular, you’ll find that the stretches of sand along the Pacific Ocean are consistently incredible—as are the towns directly adjacent to them.
Whether you prefer traditional surfing beaches or foggy hamlets made for contemplative morning walks, there’s a little stretch of Pacific coastline waiting for you. Here, we’ve rounded up the best West Coast beach towns, with some recommendations for what to do during your visit (aside from swimming and sunbathing, of course).
Jasper Chamber/GettyAvalon, California
With its colorful buildings and bright blue water, Avalon could almost pass for a town on the Amalfi Coast. In reality, it’s the only city on Catalina Island (in the California Channel Islands), which is pretty cool in its own right. When they aren’t sailing off the coast or cycling around the island in search of bison, residents and visitors can be seen shopping along Front Street, watching old movies at the Avalon Theater, and visiting the the iconic Art Deco rotunda, Catalina Casino.
GettyBandon, Oregon
Located on the south side of the Coquille River, Bandon is the perfect transition between California and Oregon—it has the same soft, golden sand you’ll find further south, as well as the epic rock formations (and indisputable Oregon coolness) as its northerly neighbors. Get some of the best views along the five-mile Beach Loop Drive, or walk down the stairs at Coquille Point and try to spot sea lions and—if you’re lucky—a gray whale or two. Then head back inland to Old Town Bandon for seafood shacks, old-fashioned candy shops, and indie bookstores.
GettyCannon Beach, Oregon
Drive about 80 miles northwest of Portland and you’ll wind up on one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the country: Cannon Beach. Known for Haystack Rock—a 235-foot monolith protruding out of the water, best viewed from nearby Ecola State Park or the guest rooms at Stephanie Inn—the eponymous village on the shore was officially incorporated in 1957. It’s popular today for its cute chocolate shops, art galleries, microbreweries, and cozy vacation rentals.
S. Greg Panosian/GettyCarmel-by-the-Sea, California
Voted one of the best cities in the U.S. by our readers, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect starting point to explore greater Monterey County. The beaches here have major laidback California vibes—think sweeping white sand and very surfable waves—which you can easily soak up via a leisurely drive along Highway 1. Back in town, take a break from the sun and explore the European-style cottages that house art galleries, specialty boutiques, and excellent local cuisine.
GettyFlorence, Oregon
The Oregon Dunes stretch for nearly 50 miles on the state’s central coastline, making the site one of the largest expanses of oceanfront sand dunes in the world. (Need even more bragging rights? The huge, windswept piles of sand inspired Frank Herbert to write Dune in 1965.) To best explore the natural wonder, set up camp in the cute town of Florence, Oregon, on the northern end of the dunes. Not only does the riverfront community offer easy access to the Oregon Dunes and Heceta Head Lighthouse, but its Old Town has plenty of seafood restaurants and jaw-dropping views to keep you busy between sandy excursions.
kschulze/GettyFriday Harbor, Washington
This beautiful hamlet sits in the farthest northwest reaches of Washington (about 10 miles from the Canadian border), with a marina at Roche Harbor that serves as a jumping off point for cruising around the San Juan islands. Sea kayaking and orca-watching tours are the biggest draws, although the oceanfront hikes and wildlife spotting at Lime Kiln Point State Park are also worth mentioning. The town itself is tiny but charming, with a few small museums, galleries, and restaurants that feel totally local. For some truly unique (and excellent-smelling) souvenirs, head to Pelindaba Lavender Farm about two miles from the center of town.
GettyNewport Beach, California
It may serve as the almost comically posh backdrop to The Real Housewives of Orange County, but Newport Beach is—dare we say it?—kind of charming. There are plenty of expected yachts and oceanfront real estate, sure, but you can also find indie boutiques, cozy cafes, and world-class restaurants like Taco Maria, a Michelin-starred Mexican joint tucked away in a shopping center. When you’re ready for some sunshine, go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the harbor (you can easily find a shop to rent your gear) or hop on the ferry to Balboa Island.
GettyPort Angeles, Washington
Often regarded as the gateway to Olympic National Park, Port Angeles is PNW living at its best—think incredible mountain views, rugged beaches, seafood restaurants, and water sports galore. The downtown and waterfront areas are lined with cute shops and galleries, but you really should spend most of your time exploring the Olympic Peninsula. Drive along State Route 112 for coastal views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, or head about 40 minutes inland to Hurricane Ridge for spectacular mountain vistas.
GettyPort Townsend, Washington
Situated about two hours away from Seattle on the impossibly beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend attracts outdoorsy crowds looking to kayak the Puget Sound, hike along driftwood-studded beaches, hop on a whale-watching boat tour, and picnic next to picturesque lighthouses. But the downtown district of Port Townsend has plenty of indoor attractions worth checking out, including Finistère, a destination restaurant with seafood-focused tasting menus, and Finnriver Farm and Cidery, a family-friendly farm serving up some of the best cider in the entire state.
GettySausalito, California
Situated near the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito is an easy getaway for San Francisco residents—but we say this coastal enclave is worth a trip regardless of where you live. The town’s harbor is filled with colorful houseboats that will make you rethink your landlocked home altogether, while Bridgeway (the main street) is lined with cute shops, restaurants, and farmer’s markets. There are also a few public beaches nearby, though you can’t beat the views at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
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