12 Amazing West Coast Beach Towns for Your Next Getaway
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Looking for a beach escape closer to you? Yes, you read that right. You do not have to travel far and wide to enjoy sandy shores, clear waters, and water sports activities. If you live in the Western U.S., you can easily and conveniently travel to beach towns on the West Coast, even for a quick weekend escape.
From popular spots like Santa Barbara to island escapes like Kailua, these towns have beautiful shores, tasty food, cool shops, and that laid-back attitude you can only find in a seaside community. Read on to learn about charming spots you’ll want to add to your must-visit list.
Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz is a laid-back beach town with a vibrant surf culture and a boardwalk amusement park. Some of the best swimming and sunbathing spots are Natural Bridges State Beach, with its picturesque sea arch rock formation, and Cowell’s Beach, adjacent to the famous Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
Speaking of the Beach Boardwalk, no trip to Santa Cruz is complete without experiencing the giant wooden roller coaster and other thrill rides. Opened in 1924, it’s home to the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the U.S.
When you need a break from the coast, head to the redwood forests. Henry Cowell Redwoods and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks have hiking trails through massive coastal redwood groves.
Read more: Hidden Beaches in the US
Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach is a classic California beachfront town with 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline and a laid-back surf culture. You can spend your days here swimming, sunbathing, or riding the waves. Moreover, it is a premier surfing destination, hosting major competitions like the US Open of Surfing.
On the days you prefer to stay dry, the 350-acre Huntington Beach Central Park is a perfect place to go cycling, picnic, or spot some wildlife. In the evening, stroll the pier or check out the nightlife along Main Street. The restaurants, bars, and music venues stay open late, giving the town an energetic vibe after dark.
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Laguna Beach, California
Founded in 1887, Laguna Beach is a charming beach town known for its art galleries, coves, and sun-drenched shores. While visiting, drop by Main Beach to sunbathe, swim, or watch the sunset. On summer weekends, it draws crowds with live music and crafts vendors.
For a more secluded experience, head to Victoria Beach or Shaw’s Cove, two picturesque coves with tidal pools and rocky reefs. Stroll along Forest Avenue to browse art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Laguna Art Museum is a must-visit for any art lover. This museum is in a waterfront setting and has works from the early 1900s to date.
Read also: Quirky US Towns
Lincoln City, Oregon
Whether strolling the bayfront, or enjoying fresh seafood, Lincoln City offers a perfect coastal escape seamlessly interlaced with small-town charm. Its natural scenery and many leisure activities make it a favorite beach getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Lincoln City’s seven miles of public beach access offer space for kite flying, sandcastle building, or relaxing in the sun.
Lincoln City’s historic bayfront and marina feature local seafood restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, and whale-watching tours. That aside, Lincoln City hosts an annual kite festival and glass float drop on the shores of Siletz Bay, where local artists hide handcrafted glass floats along the shore for people to discover.
Read also: US Harbor Towns
Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii
With its small-town vibe and beautiful natural scenery, Kailua is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. Spending a few days exploring its beaches, shops, and eateries will leave you relaxed and recharged.
Endowed with sugar-white sand and azure waters, Kailua Beach is one of Hawaii’s most stunning stretches of coastline. The shore here arches in a half-moon shape, with leafy Koolau mountains as a backdrop. It is a scenery to behold.
After a day of sun and surf, head to Kailua Town to browse art galleries, clothing boutiques, and home decor shops. For dinner, you’ll find everything from fresh seafood and Hawaiian fare to pizza and Tex-Mex.
Read also: US National Parks
Malibu, California
Malibu, with its natural scenery, easygoing vibe, and A-list celebrity sightings, symbolizes the laid-back beach lifestyle of Southern California. With over 21 miles of coastline and near-perfect weather year-round, it’s no wonder many celebrities call this destination home.
Spend your days sunbathing on the soft white sands of Zuma Beach or Surfrider Beach, where you can catch the perfect wave or watch the surfers in action. For a more bohemian feel, head to El Matador State Beach, a popular spot for wedding photoshoots with sea cliffs and tide pools.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
When the sun sets over the ocean, visit the Malibu Pier or nearby restaurants to dine al fresco on fresh seafood and California cuisine and watch the sun paint the sky vibrantly.
Read also: American Wild Spots
Seaside, Oregon
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Seaside’s small-town charm and natural beauty make it the perfect escape from everyday life. Here, there’s entertainment for all ages. Families love the Seaside Aquarium, with touch tanks and daily seal feedings. Seaside Beach has soft sand and offers stunning views of the Pacific. You can lounge on a sunbed or spread a towel on the sand to enjoy fresh sea air.
Seaside’s historic downtown is filled with locally-owned shops selling everything from homemade fudge and saltwater taffy to stylish beachwear and souvenirs. Browse art galleries featuring work by regional artists.
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Port Townsend, Washington
Once a bustling seaport, Port Townsend is today a popular tourist destination, especially for city dwellers looking to escape the buzz of bigger cities. The beaches offer the chance to build a bonfire, or enjoy a picnic while watching the sunset over the water.
Outdoorsy types will love Port Townsend for hiking, biking, kayaking, and sailing. You can hike through coastal rainforests or along the coast at Fort Worden Historical State Park. Alternatively, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Port Townsend Bay.
You may also want to get a slice of Chetzemoka Park. It is a landscaped park with picnic areas, a beach, and mountain views. What more can you ask for?
With a slower pace of life and small-town charm, Port Townsend is the perfect escape for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Read also: Unmissable US Cities
Newport Beach, California
With perfect weather, natural beauty, and a breezy coastal vibe, Newport Beach captures the typical Southern California beach town experience. It’s no wonder locals call it the “Pacific Riviera.”
Local shores, including the Wedge, lure visitors to sunbathe, surf, swim, and engage in other outdoor activities. If you are visiting this destination as a family, then Balboa Fun Zone is worth your time. The amusement park is open daily and has a Ferris wheel, arcade games, and ice cream shops. You can also walk along the boardwalk and grab a Balboa Bar—a chocolate-dipped ice cream bar that traces its roots in Newport Beach.
Read also: US Hidden Treasures
Blaine, Washington
Nestled along the coast and bordering Canada, Blaine is a charming seaside town with a relaxed vibe. Its location on Drayton Harbor provides boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. While paddling along the shore, you may spot seals, otters, herons, or even whales.
A must-see is Semiahmoo Spit, a narrow sandbar that extends into the bay. Walk or bike the trail to the tip, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the San Juan Islands and Mount Baker. Pack a picnic and make a day of exploring the beaches and trails in this secluded natural area.
On summer nights, catch a show at the historic Lincoln Theater or stargaze from your cozy cabin at Birch Bay State Park.
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Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay is a beautiful beach town amidst forested hills and scenic shores. It offers a variety of recreational activities for people of all ages. You can ride horseback on secluded trails, sample locally made wines at one of the wineries, or take a guided kayak tour to spot harbor seals and migrating whales.
The stunning Half Moon Bay State Beach stretches miles along the bay, with scenic walking and biking paths. It’s a popular spot for picnics, kite flying, and sunset watching. It is also an important stopover point for migrating birds along the Pacific Flyway, so bring your binoculars.
Read also: US Family Spots
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara, often called the “American Riviera,” is a gem between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. With its beautiful beaches, rich history, vibrant culture, and many outdoor activities, it’s no wonder this destination consistently ranks as one of the best beach towns on the West Coast.
Go to East Beach for beach volleyball and sunsets, West Beach for kayaking and sunbathing, and Mesa Lane Beach for a quiet escape from the crowds.
Explore the city’s Spanish influence, which is still evident in almost every corner you take. Take note of the iconic red-tile roofs of buildings like Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as the “Queen of the Missions.”
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Pin It Now, Read It Later
Port Townsend has such a rich history beyond just its beaches. Did you know it’s one of the few remaining Victorian seaports in the U.S.?
Absolutely! The trails around Lincoln City are underrated. I love the views from God’s Thumb.
yeah malibu’s cool but have ya tried the tacos there? game changer
Malibu is an absolute dream! I recommend the sunrise surf sessions, they’re magical.
Oh great, just what Santa Cruz needs. More tourists. Can’t wait for the traffic.
Loved seeing Santa Cruz on the list, Rachel Akinyi! It’s such a vibrant place with amazing surf spots. Can’t wait to revisit!