If you plan a beach vacation to the west coast, you’ll want to know where to go. Luckily, there are tons of beaches all along the West Coast of the United States.
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Southern California. It is located in the city of Santa Monica. The beach features a pier, plenty of restrooms, and an amusement park. Visitors can also enjoy an aquarium, street performers, and restaurants. There is also a bike trail that runs along the coast.
Even though the beach is large, it is not overrun with people. This is an excellent spot for families and surfers. The sand is soft and very well-groomed.
The Annenberg Community Beach House, a community resource on the oceanfront, offers a splash pad and playground. A swimming pool is also available. Venice Beach is another beach in the area. In addition to the beach, the site has several public toilets and lifeguard stations.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is an idyllic beach town on the Oregon coast. This seaside destination is known for its beautiful beaches, art galleries, and quirky shops. It is also an excellent place for a family vacation.
The city of Cannon Beach is located on the northwest Oregon coast. It is about 86 miles west of Portland. There is a small job market in Cannon Beach. During the summer, many tourists come to the area to enjoy the sun, sand, and water.
Haystack Rock is a 235-foot-high sea stack that is a significant landmark in Cannon Beach. In addition to being a stunning sight, it is also one of the only nesting sites for Tufted Puffins.
Cannon Beach is a very safe community. As such, it has been named one of the best places for beach weddings. It is also known for its fine dining restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.
Long Beach
Long Beach is an oceanside city located on the west coast of California. It is 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The city has a population of 466,742 as of 2020. Long Beach’s largest employer is Boeing. However, the company has significantly reduced its local employment in recent years.
Long Beach is one of the largest seaports in the United States. It is also an important port of entry for Asian immigrants and Latin American residents. In addition to its port, the city is home to a primary aircraft manufacturing facility for Boeing. During World War II, it offered many industrial jobs for African-Americans.
The Long Beach area is also home to a significant Cambodian population, second only to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. Although the Japanese-American community is much smaller, it is still very present.
Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is a beach town on the Pacific Ocean near Portland, Oregon. It is a popular vacation destination with various things to see and do.
This beach is known for its unusually white sand. Tides and surf eroded the sands here over several million years. During a hurricane, two-to-six-foot waves are created. Surfers can rent surfboards from Breakwater Surf Co.
Rockaway Beach has many hotel options if you’re looking for a place to stay. The Tradewinds Motel has affordable rates and great ocean views. Another popular lodging option is the Silver Sands Oceanfront Motel.
You can find an array of restaurants at Rockaway Beach. Some of the best include Whit’s End, which serves fresh seafood dishes. There’s also Schwietert’s Cones and Candy, a candy shop across from the Pirate Ship Playground.
Second Beach
The second beach is a spectacular beach located along the Pacific Coast. You will find tall sea stacks, driftwood, and tide pools. This is an excellent place for a day trip. The best time to visit is when the tide is out.
The second beach is an excellent hike to do with your family or a group of friends. It’s also an excellent spot to swim. It’s one of the most popular beaches in the state. There are campsites at Second Beach, so you can skip the beach if you’re not into hiking.
The trail to Second Beach is relatively easy. You’ll start by hiking through a forest. A series of switchbacks will take you to the beach. After about 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at the coastline.