20 Standout Beaches On The West Coast
Wild horizons unfold where land meets the Pacific, revealing coastlines shaped by time, weather, and relentless waves.
Along the western edge of the country, beaches take on distinct personalities, marked by dramatic rock formations, tide-carved details, and surf that pounds against cliffs with unforgettable force.
Some stretches invite long hikes and salty air adventures, while others reward stillness and reflection with nothing more than the sound of the ocean.
Running along the Pacific between Washington and California, the West Coast delivers coastal scenery that stays with visitors long after the sand is brushed away.
Note: This article is provided for general informational and travel inspiration purposes.
Coastal access and conditions can change due to tides and weather, plus seasonal management decisions.
Readers should confirm current rules, permits, fees, and safety notices with the official land manager before visiting, and follow posted guidance near surf zones and tidepool areas.
1. Ruby Beach
Imagine walking along sand dotted with driftwood sculptures while towering rock formations stand guard offshore.
Ruby Beach earns its spot for those incredible sea stacks and tidepools that transform every low tide into a natural treasure hunt.
Located near Forks, this Olympic National Park gem feels like stepping into a fantasy novel where nature writes the best chapters.
Families love exploring the shallow pools, spotting starfish and anemones clinging to rocks.
Bring sturdy shoes because the shoreline mixes soft sand with smooth pebbles that massage your feet.
Located in Jefferson County within Olympic National Park, you can find this beach along US Highway 101, exactly 27 miles south of the town of Forks.
2. Rialto Beach
Adventure calls loudly when you set foot on this wild stretch near La Push.
Rialto Beach invites hikers to trek toward the famous Hole in the Wall, a natural arch carved by relentless Pacific waves.
Driftwood piles create perfect picnic spots where seagulls circle overhead, hoping for dropped snacks.
Low tide reveals the arch passage, making timing your visit half the fun.
Pack layers because coastal fog can roll in faster than you finish your sandwich, turning sunny mornings into misty afternoons.
Situated on the Pacific coast in Clallam County, this beach sits at the end of Mora Road, just north of the Quillayute River mouth near La Push.
3. Second Beach
Towering evergreens frame a quick forest walk before the trees suddenly part to reveal sand and sea stacks that look like nature’s chess pieces.
Postcard views and plenty of room to spread out a blanket reward those who make the short hike to Second Beach.
Tiny crabs and colorful sea stars teem within tide pools here, allowing kids to observe marine life for hours.
Orange and pink shades paint the rock formations at sunset, creating Instagram-worthy moments without even trying.
Exploring too far requires a quick check of the tide schedules to ensure a safe return.
Quileute Indian Reservation lands host the trailhead, which is located 14 miles west of US-101 on La Push Road.
4. Shi Shi Beach
If solitude sounds like paradise, this remote stretch near Neah Bay delivers miles of unspoiled coastline.
Shi Shi Beach requires a longer hike through muddy forest trails, but reaching Point of the Arches makes every squelchy step worthwhile.
These dramatic rock formations rise from the waves like ancient sentinels guarding secrets only the ocean knows.
Backpackers often camp here overnight, waking to sunrise views that erase all memory of sore shoulders.
Bring waterproof boots and a permit because this wilderness experience demands respect and preparation.
Found at the northernmost edge of the Olympic Peninsula, access begins near Neah Bay within the Makah Indian Reservation (requires a Makah Recreation Permit).
5. Deception Pass State Park
Standing beneath those iconic bridges while churning currents swirl below creates a thrill that never gets old.
Deception Pass offers dramatic water views where Skagit Bay, part of the Puget Sound region, connects with the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Rocky beaches here invite exploration, though swimming requires caution due to strong tidal flows that could sweep away even confident swimmers.
Photographers flock here during golden hour when sunlight transforms the bridges into glowing landmarks.
Pack a picnic and claim a bench overlooking the pass for front-row seats to nature’s power show.
Spanning the northern tip of Whidbey Island and the southern tip of Fidalgo Island, this park is centered around the iconic bridges on State Route 20.
6. Cape Disappointment State Park
Near Ilwaco, this park delivers anything but disappointment despite its unfortunate name.
Stunning headland scenery defines Waikiki Beach, where two lighthouses stand watch over the point where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.
Beachcombers search for agates and driftwood treasures while history buffs appreciate the deep Lewis and Clark connections.
Heart-skipping viewpoints await those who follow trails winding through the coastal forests.
Massive waves crash spectacularly against the rocks during winter storms, turning mild-mannered visitors into awe-struck witnesses of nature’s fury.
Extreme southwest Washington geography places this park in Ilwaco, overlooking the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean.
7. Cannon Beach
Rising 235 feet from the sand like a giant’s forgotten hat, Haystack Rock stands tall as the most photographed landmark in Oregon.
Families who want galleries and tide pools in a single trip find Cannon Beach perfect for its combination of small-town charm and world-class scenery.
Sea creatures clinging to rocks create a low-tide wonderland, while puffins nest on the massive monolith during summer months.
Saltwater taffy and dancing kites from downtown shops add pops of color to gray Pacific skies.
Snagging parking requires an early arrival because this coastal beauty attracts crowds year-round.
Clatsop County includes this world-famous coastal city, which is easily identified by the presence of Haystack Rock.
8. Indian Beach
Tucked away in Ecola State Park, this cove feels like a secret hideaway even when other visitors share the sand.
Indian Beach attracts surfers who brave cold Pacific waters for consistent waves that roll in throughout the year.
Tidepools here rival any aquarium, hosting anemones that wave their tentacles and hermit crabs playing musical shells.
Forested cliffs frame the beach, creating shelter from wind and a backdrop that makes every photo look professionally composed.
Pack a wetsuit if you plan to swim because Oregon waters stay chilly even during summer sunshine.
Tucked within Ecola State Park, you reach this cove by driving 2 miles north of Cannon Beach via Ecola Park Road.
9. Short Sand Beach
Sheltered and secluded, this cove near Manzanita is known to locals as Shorty’s and offers beginner-friendly surf lessons without intimidating crowds.
Visitors must carry their gear through a pleasant forest walk to reach Short Sand Beach, a requirement that naturally limits the crowd to those truly committed to their beach time.
Wave sounds echo softly within a natural amphitheater created by surrounding trees, mixing with bird calls from the branches overhead.
Kids build castles and chase foam from gentle breakers while families spread blankets across the sand.
Oswald West State Park does not offer camping, so those staying nearby should plan a sunrise return for a second visit.
Tillamook County hides this beach within Oswald West State Park, where it is accessed via a forest trail off US Highway 101 between Arch Cape and Manzanita.
10. Fort Stevens State Park Beach
Where else can you touch a century-old shipwreck without scuba gear or a time machine?
Fort Stevens preserves the rusted skeleton of the Peter Iredale, a vessel that ran aground in 1906 and now serves as Oregon’s most dramatic beach decoration.
Kids clamber over the iron ribs during low tide, imagining pirate adventures and stormy seas.
Beyond the wreck, miles of sandy shoreline stretch north toward the Columbia River mouth where seals sometimes sun themselves on sandbars.
Bring a metal detector because this beach yields coins and trinkets from decades of visitors.
Occupying the northwestern tip of Oregon near Warrenton, the beach is home to the Peter Iredale shipwreck.
11. Cape Kiwanda
Massive dunes here make climbing feel like conquering a mountain of sugar, though the effort leaves legs burning twice as much.
Huffing hikers receive their reward at Cape Kiwanda, where viewpoints reveal massive waves exploding against sandstone cliffs in spectacular displays of power.
Photographers gather to capture the tradition of dory boats launching directly through the surf as fishermen challenge the Pacific.
Golden sandstone transforms into glowing walls at sunset, creating a beauty so intense it looks almost artificial.
Shaking sand from shoes becomes a necessity later, as the fine grains find their way into places you forgot existed.
Pacific City hosts this sandstone headland in Tillamook County, where it serves as a key stop along the Three Capes Scenic Route.
12. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Driving this stretch of Highway 101 feels like flipping through nature’s greatest hits album, with each pullout revealing another jaw-dropping vista.
Samuel H. Boardman protects miles of rugged coastline where hidden coves and twisted rock formations create landscapes that seem designed by fantasy artists.
Trails descend from parking areas to secret beaches where you might find yourself completely alone with crashing waves.
Natural bridges, arches, and sea stacks appear around every bend, making this corridor impossible to drive without constant stops.
Binoculars help spot whales during migration seasons when gray whales cruise past offshore.
This 12-mile stretch of US Highway 101 starts just north of Brookings and ends near Gold Beach in Curry County.
13. Harris Beach State Park
Sea stacks rise like stone giants from churning waters at Harris Beach, showcasing the wild nature of Southern Oregon’s coast near Brookings.
Nesting seabirds find a home on Bird Island, the largest offshore rock, where their calls create a constant soundtrack to beach exploration.
Ochre sea stars and bright green anemones waving in shallow water make these tide pools rank among the best in Oregon.
Wave sounds lulls campers to sleep, while morning coffee comes paired with stunning ocean views thanks to on-site facilities.
Purple and yellow wildflowers carpet the headlands in spring, adding vibrant color to the already breathtaking scenery.
Northern Brookings marks the location of this park, which features the prominent Bird Island.
14. MacKerricher State Park Coastline
Just north of Fort Bragg, this California gem combines dunes, tide pools, and a boardwalk that makes beach access easy for everyone.
MacKerricher preserves seal-watching opportunities at the harbor seal haul-out, where these adorable marine mammals lounge like sunbathers who forgot their towels.
Tide pools scattered along the rocky shore host colorful sea life that fascinates kids and adults equally.
The coastal trail stretches for miles, perfect for morning jogs or sunset strolls when the sky turns cotton-candy pink.
Honestly, finding a more family-friendly beach in Northern California proves challenging.
Located 3 miles north of Fort Bragg in Mendocino County, the park entrance is right off Highway 1 at 24100 MacKerricher Park Road.
15. Rodeo Beach
Pebbles instead of sand give this Marin Headlands beach a distinctive crunch underfoot that sounds like nature’s percussion section.
Rodeo Beach sits beside a scenic lagoon where birds gather, creating a dual ecosystem that nature lovers find endlessly fascinating.
Dark sand mixed with colorful stones makes beachcombing here feel like a treasure hunt where every handful reveals new patterns.
Nearby trails climb into the headlands, offering views back toward the Golden Gate Bridge on clear days.
Because it sits within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, parking stays free and accessible year-round.
Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Marin County, this pebble beach is situated just 2 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands.
16. Natural Bridges State Beach
Dramatic arches and thriving tide pools allow this Santa Cruz treasure to captivate visitors, even though only one natural bridge remains standing.
Winter transforms the eucalyptus grove into a fluttering orange wonderland as monarch butterflies arrive, creating a phenomenon that feels almost magical.
Rangers lead interpretive walks through the tide pools, which function like outdoor classrooms where families learn about intertidal ecosystems.
Photography opportunities that fill memory cards and social media feeds appear when the sunset glows through the bridge arch.
Hidden worlds reveal themselves when the water recedes, so visitors should arrive during low tide for the best exploration.
Santa Cruz marks the location of this site, found specifically at the western end of West Cliff Drive.
17. Carmel River State Beach
Where the Carmel River meets the Pacific, a lagoon forms that attracts so many bird species that binoculars become essential beach gear.
Carmel River State Beach offers quieter alternatives to nearby tourist hotspots, with plenty of sand for castle building and kite flying.
The river mouth habitat supports endangered species, making this beach important for conservation and education.
Locals walk dogs here during mornings when fog softens the landscape into dreamy watercolor scenes.
Parking fills quickly on weekends, so early arrivals claim the best spots near the lagoon overlook.
Located in Monterey County, this beach sits at the southern end of the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where the Carmel River meets the bay.
18. Pfeiffer Beach
Navigating a narrow, unmarked road is required to find this Big Sur gem, but the sight of Keyhole Rock makes every white-knuckle turn worthwhile.
Manganese garnet deposits create purple-tinted sand at Pfeiffer Beach, resulting in a landscape that looks digitally altered even to the naked eye.
Photographers wait for hours during winter sunsets to capture the specific moments when light streams directly through the keyhole arch in the offshore rock.
Swimming remains dangerous due to waves that crash with impressive force, though the spectacle makes wave-watching absolutely mesmerizing.
Admission is charged at the trailhead, so visitors should bring cash for the day-use fee at this hidden treasure.
Sycamore Canyon Road, an unmarked turnoff on the west side of Highway 1, serves as the access point for this “secret” beach in Big Sur.
19. Pismo State Beach
Wide, welcoming sand stretches for miles, making Pismo perfect for families who need room for beach games, sandcastles, and general seaside chaos.
Monarch butterflies cluster in nearby eucalyptus groves during winter migration, turning trees into living kaleidoscopes of orange and black.
Motor vehicles may access the beach at designated entry points, and California State Parks strongly recommends four-wheel drive for beach access.
Clam digging attracts crowds during low tides when limits allow harvesting these tasty bivalves.
Sunsets here paint the sky in brilliant colors that reflect off wet sand, doubling the beauty.
Stretching along the coast of San Luis Obispo County, the beach centers around the town of Pismo Beach and the Oceano Dunes.
20. Crystal Cove State Park
Orange County’s crown jewel protects miles of pristine shoreline where tide pools teem with life and historic beach cottages tell stories of simpler times.
Crystal Cove offers something for everyone, from underwater park areas perfect for snorkeling to bluff-top trails with panoramic ocean views.
The vintage beach cottages available for overnight rental let visitors experience 1930s beach culture with modern comfort.
Tide pools here receive protection and education, with docents teaching visitors proper etiquette for observing marine life.
Parking is pay upon entry and can change based on operations, so checking current parking guidance before arrival helps.
Located in Orange County, this 3.2-mile stretch of coastline sits directly between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach along the Pacific Coast Highway.
