These 13 Stunning U.S. Beach Towns Prove the WEST Coast Really Is the BEST Coast!

I might be biased. But the West Coast does something no other coast can.

Salt in the air. Slow-burning sunsets. Surf that calls your name.

Tiny main streets with indie shops and perfect coffee.

Seafood shacks, kite-filled beaches, tidepools full of wonder.

I drove the coastline and kept finding towns that reminded me why the West really is the best.

Here are 13 beach towns that made me a believer.

California’s Golden Coast: Sun, Art, and Icons

In these California beach towns, you will find laid-back surf vibes and a vibrant artistic spirit. Each town offers its own slice of the Golden State dream.

1. Carmel-by-the-Sea: The Fairytale Village

This one-square-mile village was designed with intention. You won’t find street lights or address numbers on the charming homes.

This isn’t an accident. The lack of mail delivery encourages residents to meet at the post office. The town’s 40-plus hidden courtyards reward slow, deliberate exploration.

• Must-Do: Cruise the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Stop to admire the legendary Lone Cypress tree.
• Local Bite: Enjoy a delicious pizza at La Bicyclette. It’s a cozy, European-style bistro loved by locals.
• Insider Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes. The best way to discover Carmel’s secret passageways is on foot.

2. La Jolla: The Jewel of San Diego

La Jolla lives up to its nickname, “The Jewel”.

This town’s identity has three brilliant facets. First are its natural jewels: the rugged coves and protected marine life.

Second are its intellectual jewels. World-renowned institutions like the Salk Institute and Scripps Institution of Oceanography sit on the cliffs above.

Finally, there are its cultural jewels, from the upscale village to the contemporary art museum. It’s a place where stunning nature seems to inspire human brilliance.

• Must-Do: Watch the sea lions and seals sunbathe at the Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove.
• Local Bite: Treat yourself to a meal with an unforgettable view at George’s at the Cove.
• Insider Tip: For a unique photo, find the La Jolla Secret Swings near the Birch Aquarium. They offer a stunning panoramic view of the coastline.

3. Santa Barbara: The American Riviera

Santa Barbara is known as the “American Riviera”. The city’s strict ordinances against billboards create a uniquely clean, uncluttered atmosphere.

While it’s home to celebrity estates, Santa Barbara offers an accessible sophistication. You can experience the high-end lifestyle without an A-list budget.

Spend an afternoon sipping local wines and then grab a world-famous taco.

• Must-Do: Explore the trendy Funk Zone and its Urban Wine Trail. You can taste fantastic local wines in a vibrant setting.
• Local Bite: La Super-Rica Taqueria was a favorite of Julia Child. Be prepared to wait in line for their legendary tacos.
• Insider Tip: Butterfly Beach in Montecito faces west. This makes it the absolute best spot in town to watch the sunset.

4. Laguna Beach: The Art Colony by the Sea

Laguna Beach was founded by artists, and creativity is in its DNA.

The town’s dramatic coastal beauty is what created the art colony. Plein air painters came here to capture the unique light and landscape.

The art isn’t just in the 100-plus galleries; the landscape is the original gallery. The hidden coves and stunning cliffs feel like living canvases.

• Must-Do: Explore the town’s many hidden coves. Don’t miss the mysterious “Pirate Tower” at Victoria Beach.
• Local Bite: Dine at The Deck. It is the only restaurant in Laguna Beach located directly on the sand.
• Insider Tip: Visit during the “shoulder season” in spring or fall. You’ll get great weather without the huge summer crowds.

5. Santa Monica: The Iconic Pier Town

The world-famous Santa Monica Pier is the welcome mat to this classic city. It is a symbol of California beach culture.

But the real soul of Santa Monica thrives in the surrounding neighborhoods. The city has a deep-rooted surf and skate history. It also has a strong focus on health and wellness.

The pier is your starting point. Then, explore the city to live like a local.

• Must-Do: Ride the solar-powered Ferris wheel at Pacific Park. The views of the coast are incredible.
• Local Bite: Grab a coffee and breakfast burrito at Dogtown Coffee. This cafe honors the area’s legendary surf and skateboard culture.
• Insider Tip: Use the Big Blue Bus. It’s an affordable and efficient way to get around the city and even to and from LAX. This is one of the best beach towns on the West Coast for easy access.

6. Pismo Beach: The Classic California Getaway

Pismo Beach is known for its long white beaches and family-friendly vibe.

But this is more than just a summer destination. It’s a place for unique seasonal pilgrimages.

Insiders know the best times to visit are tied to these amazing natural and cultural events. A visit here offers a chance to witness something special.

• Must-Do: See thousands of beautiful butterflies at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. The season runs from late October through February.
• Local Bite: You cannot leave Pismo Beach without trying the clam chowder. Get it in a bread bowl from the award-winning Splash Café.
• Insider Tip: For a real adventure, rent an ATV. Ride over the incredible Oceano Dunes, the most extensive coastal dunes in California.

7. Encinitas: The Quintessential Surf Town

If you want to experience authentic surf culture, go to Encinitas.

This town offers the full spectrum of the surfing lifestyle. It has the legendary, high-performance waves at Swami’s for experts.

It also has the gentle, family-friendly waves at Moonlight Beach. Encinitas isn’t just a place to surf. It’s a place to immerse yourself in the culture, no matter your skill level.

• Must-Do: Surf at the world-renowned Swami’s Beach. Or just watch the local pros carve up the waves.
• Local Bite: Grab some incredibly fresh fish tacos at the Encinitas Fish Shop. It’s a true local favorite.
• Insider Tip: For a more secluded spot, head to Beacon’s Beach. It’s favored by locals and accessible by a staircase from the cliffs.

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Oregon’s Dramatic Shores: Giants, Goonies, and Grit

The journey north to the Oregon coast towns brings a dramatic shift in mood. The coastline becomes more rugged and wild.

Here you will find natural monuments, iconic movie locations, and authentic working waterfronts.

8. Cannon Beach: The Artistic Muse

Cannon Beach is a stunning, artistic village by the sea. It is famously dominated by the massive Haystack Rock.

This landmark is the town’s ecological and cultural anchor. It’s a protected Marine Garden and a vital nesting site for seabirds like the Tufted Puffin.

This natural wonder inspires the town’s vibrant art scene.

• Must-Do: Explore the fascinating tide pools around Haystack Rock during low tide.
• Local Bite: Enjoy a casual meal and a great beer at Public Coast Brewing Co..
• Insider Tip: To see the famous Tufted Puffins, visit between April and August. The best viewing is in the morning, from about 8 AM to 11 AM. Remember to bring binoculars!

9. Newport: The Working Waterfront

Newport’s offbeat character comes from a tale of two towns.

You have the Historic Bayfront, a bustling working harbor with fishing fleets and chowder houses.

Then there is Nye Beach, a historic, artsy neighborhood with galleries and cafes.

The maritime grit and creative charm make Newport a must-visit.

• Must-Do: Spend a few hours at the world-class Oregon Coast Aquarium.
• Local Bite: Eat at Local Ocean Seafoods on the Historic Bayfront. The fish is brought straight from the dock to your table.
• Insider Tip: Newport is the “Dungeness Crab Capital of the World.” Try crabbing yourself from the public piers in Yaquina Bay.

10. Astoria: The Historic Port City

Astoria is a town where layers of history meet. It was the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail and a major port city.

It also has a fun pop culture layer as the setting for the 80s classic The Goonies.

A trip here is like a treasure hunt through both real and cinematic history. The mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific here, adding to the dramatic scenery.

• Must-Do: Climb the historic Astoria Column. You’ll get incredible panoramic views of the river and the ocean.
• Local Bite: Grab a beer at Rogue Pier 39 Public House. It’s located in a historic cannery building right on the water.
• Insider Tip: Go on a self-guided Goonies tour! You can see Mikey’s house (from the road), Data’s house, and the old jail, which is now the Oregon Film Museum.

Washington’s Mystical Pacific Northwest: Islands, Seaports, and Legends

Our West Coast road trip ends among the Washington coastal towns.

You’ll find historic seaports, beautiful islands, and the wild edge of the continent.

11. Port Townsend: The Victorian Seaport

Port Townsend is a beautifully preserved Victorian seaport with a vibrant arts scene.

The town has successfully repurposed its history into a living culture. Fort Worden, a former military base, is now a state park and a hub for arts events.

The town’s maritime legacy is celebrated with festivals year-round. It’s a place that feels both historic and alive.

• Must-Do: Explore Fort Worden State Park. You can walk through old military batteries and enjoy beautiful beaches and trails.
• Local Bite: Try the unique farmhouse-style ales at Propolis Brewing. They use local, organic herbs in their beer.
• Insider Tip: Check the town’s event calendar before you visit. Port Townsend hosts dozens of festivals, from the Wooden Boat Festival to Jazz Port Townsend.

12. Friday Harbor: The Island Gateway

Friday Harbor is the charming, walkable “Gateway to the San Juan Islands”.

This friendly seaport is the perfect basecamp for exploring nature. The real magic of San Juan Island lies just outside of town. The Scenic Byway leads you past farms, lighthouses, and historic parks.

But the ultimate experience is seeing orca whales from the shore. This makes it one of the best beach towns on the West Coast for wildlife lovers.

• Must-Do: Go whale watching. Take a boat tour or drive to Lime Kiln Point State Park. It is one of the best places in the world to see orcas from land.
• Local Bite: Enjoy incredibly fresh, locally sourced oysters and seafood at Oystertale.
• Insider Tip: The San Juan Islands Farmers’ Market happens on Saturdays at Brickworks Plaza. It’s the best place to experience the island’s community spirit.

13. La Push: The Wild Edge of the Continent

Our journey ends at La Push. This is the homeland of the Quileute Nation.

A visit here is a different kind of travel experience. You are a guest, not just a tourist. The primary activity is observation. You observe the power of nature and respect a resilient, living culture.

You must follow the tribe’s etiquette to ensure a respectful visit.

• Must-Do: Hike to Second Beach. It is considered the most picturesque of the three beaches, with incredible sea stacks and tide pools.
• Local Bite: Eat at the Rivers Edge Restaurant. It’s the only restaurant in La Push and has views of the river and ocean.
• Insider Tip: For incredible storm watching, visit between November and March. Book a room at the Quileute Oceanside Resort for a front-row seat to the dramatic winter waves.

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Let the West Coast Take You on a Journey

Be it the sunny charm of California beach towns or the misty shores of Washington, this journey covers it all.

The best beach towns on the West Coast offer an incredible range of experiences. They invite you to slow down and connect with the spirit of each place.

Your own West Coast road trip is waiting. It’s time to answer the call of the Pacific.