10 incredible beaches to discover along America’s West Coast

The American West Coast stretches for nearly 2,400 kilometres along the Pacific Ocean. If you’re planning a USA road trip, these are the 10 beaches you really shouldn’t miss, although number 7 is still my personal favourite.

1. Santa Monica Beach: a classic family-friendly beach

• Location: Santa Monica, California
• Access: Free (paid parking nearby)
• Supervision: Yes, lifeguards present
• Swimming: Moderate waves, supervised swimming
• Amenities: Restaurants, snacks, restrooms, showers, bike rentals, games, near the Santa Monica Pier
• Vibe: Lively, family-friendly, and very vibrant

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2. Zuma Beach: the stretch of coast that inspired Hollywood

Thanks to its size, there’s plenty of space even in the middle of the day. The waves are beautiful, sometimes powerful, attracting both surfers and people simply coming for a walk along the shore.

• Location: Malibu, California
• Access: Free (paid parking nearby)
• Supervision: Yes, lifeguards present
• Swimming: Moderate to strong waves, swimming possible with caution
• Amenities: Parking, restaurants and snacks, restrooms, showers, beach volleyball, surfing, paddleboarding, etc.
• Vibe: Large open beach, typically Californian

3. Venice Beach: the home of surf culture and bohemian California

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Access: Free (paid parking nearby)
• Supervision: Yes, lifeguards present
• Swimming: Moderate waves, swimming possible depending on conditions
• Amenities: Restaurants, snacks, restrooms, skatepark, sports fields, bike rentals
• Vibe: Very lively, alternative and atypical

You don’t come to Venice Beach just for the beach itself. Venice has its own atmosphere, and it’s become hugely popular on social media. Between the skatepark, street performers, laid-back vibe and surfers in the water, there’s always something happening.

Ride along the beach by bike and enjoy this pure “vacation” atmosphere, it’s really something special. To be honest, the beach almost becomes a backdrop, as everything happening around draws your attention.

4. El Matador Beach: one of the West Coast’s most photogenic beaches

• Location: Malibu, California
• Access: Paid (small parking lot on site)
• Supervision: No
• Swimming: Often strong waves, swimming not recommended
• Amenities: Parking, staircase access, no facilities
• Vibe: Wild, quiet, and preserved

The atmosphere changes completely here. To reach the beach, you first have to make your way down a staircase carved into the cliffs, so take care if you’re stopping for photos along the way. But that’s exactly what makes the place so special.

At the bottom, you’ll find little coves, rocks, natural arches, and amazing light, especially at the end of the day. This isn't a beach to go swimming at, but clearly one to take in the views and fill your phone with memories (or do some beachcombing)!

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5. Pfeiffer Beach: famous for its natural rock arch and sunset views

• Location: Big Sur, California
• Access: Paid (narrow road, limited access)
• Supervision: No
• Swimming: Powerful waves, swimming not recommended
• Amenities: Parking, no facilities
• Vibe: Wild, spectacular, and isolated

You can’t just stumble upon Pfeiffer Beach by chance. The access is a bit hidden, but that's part of its charm. When you arrive, it's the rocks that catch your eye, especially the natural arch through which the light passes at the end of the day. The moment is brief, but impressive. This is definitely a beach to see, more than one to experience.

Pfeiffer Beach is, without question, my favourite beach on the American West Coast. There’s no real way to describe it. Once you’re there, the scenery is simply breathtaking. You stand there in silence, completely at peace, just taking it all in. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words, but I couldn’t recommend a stop here more strongly. Take a moment, breathe deeply, and enjoy it.! Simon, Authentik Co-founder (LinkedIn)

6. Natural Bridges Beach: a sanctuary for thousands of monarch butterflies

• Location: Santa Cruz, California
• Access: Paid (state park parking)
• Supervision: Varies by season
• Swimming: Moderate to strong waves, swimming possible with caution
• Amenities: Parking, restrooms, trails, interpretive center
• Vibe: Natural, peaceful, and educational

What makes Natural Bridges so special is that it’s much more than just a beach. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down and take time to look around. There’s the famous natural arch facing the Pacific, of course, but the real highlight comes between October and February, when thousands of monarch butterflies settle in the eucalyptus trees just behind the beach.

We alternate between gentle walks, wildlife spotting and simply relaxing in front of the Pacific, all in a much calmer atmosphere than many of California’s busier beaches, and honestly, that’s part of the appeal.

7. Coronado Beach: a vast sandy beach with calm, swimmable waters

• Location: San Diego, California
• Access: Free (paid parking nearby)
• Lifeguards: Yes, lifeguards on duty
• Swimming: Calm waters, ideal for swimming
• Services: Parking, restrooms, showers, restaurants nearby
• Atmosphere: Lively, family-friendly, and relaxed

I absolutely love this beach. The waves here are gentler, and the water is far more pleasant for swimming than at many other California beaches. The sand is soft, the beach is wide and spotless, and it’s just as popular with locals as it is with travellers.

It’s instantly recognisable thanks to the huge Victorian-style hotel overlooking the beach: the iconic Hotel del Coronado.

The beach regularly appears among the best in the United States, according to the San Diego Tourism Board. One of its most distinctive features is the presence of mica in the sand, a mineral that gives the shoreline a subtle sparkle in the sunlight.

8. Cannon Beach: the perfect spot for whale watching

• Location: Oregon, near Portland
• Access: Free
• Lifeguards: No
• Swimming: Cold water, swimming not recommended
• Services: Parking, restrooms, shops nearby
• Atmosphere: Wild, misty, and spectacular

Cannon Beach feels like a completely different world. Forget California’s sunny, palm-lined beaches, the atmosphere here is wilder, moodier and undeniably elegant, with that unmistakable feeling of being at the edge of the world.

Your eyes are immediately drawn to the enormous rock rising out of the ocean: Haystack Rock, which stands 72 metres high. It’s also home to a beautiful colony of tufted puffins. During whale season, the beach and surrounding cliffs become one of the best spots on the Oregon coast for whale watching.

9. Bandon Beach: dramatic rock formations scattered along the shoreline

• Location: Oregon
• Access: Free
• Lifeguards: No
• Swimming: Cold water, swimming not advised
• Services: Parking, restrooms nearby
• Atmosphere: Wild, calm, and very natural

On this beach, rocks emerge from the ocean everywhere, sometimes with surprising shapes, especially at low tide—they’re called “sea stacks.” You stroll around and take your time discovering this dramatic scenery.

The atmosphere is much calmer than at Cannon Beach, with the feeling of having a stretch of coastline almost to yourself. Bandon Beach, or Bandon by the Sea as the locals call it, has the character of a small port town that makes it both accessible and charming.

Don’t leave before stopping by the Bandon Fish Market for a bite, and also make sure to visit the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint for some breathtaking sights!

10. Ruby Beach: driftwood, sea stacks and end-of-the-world scenery

• Location: Olympic National Park, Washington State
• Access: Paid (national park entrance fee)
• Lifeguards: No
• Swimming: Very cold water, swimming not recommended
• Services: Parking, access on foot, no facilities on site
• Atmosphere: Wild, remote, and spectacular

The only beach in Washington state featured in our selection, Ruby Beach offers another perspective on the West Coast beaches of the USA. Its name comes from the tiny red crystals (like rubies) found in the sand!

The sand is almost buried under pieces of driftwood, dropped by the ocean, with rocks and a sea that is often rough in the background. The vibe is wild and quiet. It's the kind of place where you really feel far away from everything.

Good to know: Ruby Beach is part of Olympic National Park, established in 1938 to protect an exceptional environment of ocean, virgin forests, and wildlife. It's now designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve!

The West Coast is full of extraordinary coastal scenery, from California all the way up to Washington State, and travelling through it is an experience in itself. My advice is simple: hit the road, stop often, and take the time to discover these hidden gems along the way.The real secret isn’t choosing one perfect beach, but experiencing different atmospheres and letting the coastline guide you from one stop to the next. Did you enjoy this article? Let me know in the comments which beach would make it onto your itinerary. Safe travels! Justine (LinkedIn)