12 Favorite Beach Towns in the West

“We like Brookings, Oregon, because it is not overly touristy. Head north along the coast for great scenery or south toward Crescent City, California, to explore redwoods and more beaches. We call our trips here our ‘green fix.’ It’s a dramatic change from the gray and tan of where we live in Nevada.” —Nancy Mead

“Oxnard’s shoreline is not as crowded as other SoCal beaches. It’s a good place for bird-watching, whale viewing, and exploring the Channel Islands. In May, nearby Ventura hosts the annual California Strawberry Festival.” —Shirli Madderra

“Dillon Beach, California, is a tiny, quiet town in Marin County. Go there to walk the beach, pick blackberries, and spot whales. In the evening, the whole town seems to stop and head for the nearest hill to watch the sunset.” —Scott Lee Cranston

“Close to San Diego, California, Carlsbad has outstanding scenery, great restaurants, and the weather is usually perfect!” —Kenneth Schwing

“While practically all of the beach towns in Southern California have outgrown their beach town vibe, you can still find it in downtown Ventura. Five blocks are pedestrian only, which makes browsing the thrift and antique shops much easier. There are wonderful restaurants, including Cafe Nouveau for brunch and Lure Fish House for dinner. Stroll along the pier and promenade to see surfers—and sometimes dolphins—riding the waves. For expansive views of the ocean and Channel Islands, head to the hilltop botanical gardens.” —Barbara Rose

“I have so many happy memories of visiting the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California, and riding the best wooden roller coaster ever, the Giant Dipper. There are lots of great restaurants and brewpubs to check out and many shenanigans to get up to nearby, including seeing concerts at the Felton Music Hall, riding through the redwoods on the Roaring Camp railroads, and hiking at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.” —Lynne Kellner 

“Just south of Santa Cruz, California, Capitola is more intimate and less crowded. Hang out at the beach or on the wharf. There’s a nice little movie theater, art galleries, several good restaurants, and Overshine Wine Co. has a tasting room.” —Michael Bull

“Pacific City is one of the few Oregon beach towns not on Highway 101. Hike the Great Dune at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area and view Haystack Rock (also called Chief Kiwanda Rock), a large sea stack off the coast. Situated right on the beach, Pelican Brewing Company is a fun place to watch the surfers and dory boats come in. If you are an oyster fan, go to the Fish Peddler at Pacific Oyster in nearby Bay City. It’s well worth the drive.” —Steve Ware

“Pismo Beach, California, has miles of white sand beaches and camping sites just a few feet back from the surf. It’s a great escape from the spring and summer heat.” —William J.B. Steele

“I love Newport Beach, California. You can go bodyboarding, explore tide pools, and amble along the city’s two piers. Visit Fashion Island, an outdoor shopping center with fountains and koi fish, and be sure to take the ferry to Balboa Island.” —Jonathan Nielsen 

“Monterey, California, is a great weekend getaway from the San Francisco Bay Area. You can park and walk to so many places in town, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Old Town neighborhood, and many historic adobe buildings. On Lighthouse Avenue, explore the antique shops and diverse restaurants featuring local seafood. We sample something new on each trip.” —Kathleen Harrison 

“In the California Channel Islands, Avalon on Santa Catalina is lovely. It reminds me of the Greek islands. I like to hike, kayak, and just laze around at the beach. Catalina’s other little town, Two Harbors, also has lots of great hiking, diving, and boating. I have been visiting the island for over 50 years. It just feels like home.” —Lauren Elizabeth Helfand 

“Depoe Bay, Oregon, is my favorite beach town on the West Coast. It has a spouting horn (a natural blowhole that shoots seawater high into the air), many unique shops, and its own local pod of whales.” —Doug Brown