15 Best West Coast Beaches In The US
Emily Wong There are many places on the West Coast that are home to stunning beaches.
Even though Pacific Coast beaches are significantly colder than other beaches located along the Gulf Coast or Atlantic Coast, there is still much to see and experience.
Especially if you do not want to venture outside of the United States, these West Coast beaches can make it extremely convenient for when you want to take a family vacation, a girls trip, or you want a day by the beach just for yourself.
These 15 beaches on the West Coast are perfect to engage in fun activities, or simply lounging on the sand, and are definitely worth a visit for the upcoming summer months.
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Coronado Beach, San Diego
Photo: Gloria V Moeller / Shutterstock
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Photo: Dancestrokes / Shutterstock
Rialto Beach, Washington
Photo: Galyna Andrushko / Shutterstock
Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii
Photo: Susanne Pommer / Shutterstock
La Jolla Beach, California
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Carmel Beach, California
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Butterfly Beach, Santa Barbara
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Butterfly Beach has a long stretch of sand and even sits in front of the iconic Biltmore hotel.
The beach is also dog friendly and is a favorite among locals who go surfing, swim, and sunbathe.
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Long Beach Peninsula, Washington
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Salmon Creek Beach, Sonoma County
Photo: Gary Saxe / Shutterstock
Salmon Creek Beach is a lesser-known location but is still a gem with its rugged coastlines and quiet cove.
The beach is divided into two sections. North Beach attracts surfers, while South Beach is known for its 2 miles of sand, which draws people looking to sunbathe and have picnics.
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Main Beach, Santa Cruz
Photo: Chris LaBasco / Shutterstock
South State Beach, Carlsbad
Photo: Sherry V Smith / Shutterstock
Rockaway Beach, Oregon
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Doheny State Beach, California
Photo: Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock
Doheny State Beach is one of the most popular state beaches in California.
On the northern end, surfers can find the perfect waves, and on the opposite end, there are campsites available just a few feet from the sand.
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Manhattan Beach, California
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Manhattan Beach, in Los Angeles County, is a staple for anyone visiting Southern California.
Beach volleyball is also a must, with courts being found up and down the sand. There's also a 22-mile bike trail that leads through many neighboring neighborhoods.
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Laguna Beach, Orange County
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Laguna Beach draws many people looking to enjoy their summer days under the sun.
You can relax in your own tide pool, explore age-old caves, and even go hiking. There's also volleyball and even just plain old people watching.
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Nia Tipton is a writer living in Brooklyn. She covers pop culture, social justice issues, and trending topics. Follow her on Instagram.
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