Budget tips for the best West Coast beaches
The West Coast is the Best Coast, as they say, and after a few years of living here, I have to agree. While I love to escape to the desert and the mountains, both of which are abundant here, there’s something special about looking out to the ocean, feeling the gentle sea breeze, and squishing your toes into the sand.
If you love the beach as much as I do, you might wonder which beaches along the “best coast” are worth your while.
Truthfully, you’ll find a little bit of happiness no matter what beach you visit, but we’re sharing a few favorites.
Related: Search for cheap hotels in Los Angeles
A guide to the best beaches on the West Coast
As the pandemic drags on, escaping to nature is really one of the safest and most exhilarating ways to break up the monotony of each day. So before you hop in the car and travel to the West Coast, here are the best West Coast beaches to consider adding to your itinerary.
Note: Please be aware of all local and national guidelines for traveling before making the trip. Stay safe!
Zuma Beach
When people think of West Coast beaches, Malibu likely comes to mind with its iconic pier and celebrity homes. As such, the area can get crowded and pricey. Luckily, more secluded spots like Zuma Beach offer the same excellent views and soothing ocean breezes but with a cheaper price tag for things like parking and dining.
Check out our Zuma Beach article for what to see, do and eat plus a few spots on where to stay in the area.
Redondo Beach is south of Santa Monica and not far from LAX. Photo: Paige Bennett
Redondo Beach
While its pier is not quite as festive as nearby Santa Monica’s pier, Redondo Beach is a gem with a spotless shoreline, mountain views, a nearby park and fresh, foot-long churros for cheap. What’s not to love? Read our budget guide for tips on traveling to Redondo Beach.
Exploring the cove is completely free. Photo: Paige Bennett
La Jolla Cove
Located in San Diego, California, La Jolla Cove offers free street parking, perfect year-round temperatures, and free sights of seals and sea lions basking in the sun. Sound intriguing? Plan your trip with our La Jolla budget travel guide.
Walk, jog, run, or bike along The Strand. Photo: Peter Woodman
Manhattan Beach
Gnarly waves, a peaceful pier, and beach volleyball are the name of the game at Manhattan Beach in southern California. Do as the locals do with our budget travel guide to Manhattan Beach, an athlete’s paradise.
You’ll need to pay the Olympic National Park access fee to reach Rialto Beach. Photo: Olympic National Park
Rialto Beach
Let’s head up the coast to scenic Washington, where you’ll find the misty, picturesque Rialto Beach. Find out how to access this beach, what to see, where to eat, and of course, where to rest your head after long days of exploring with our Rialto Beach travel guide.
About the author
