Top 10 Beach Towns on the West Coast
You can’t deny how healing a visit to the ocean can be –– especially during the summer. West Coast beaches are known for dreamy views and cooler water temperatures compared to other parts of America and the world. Imagine vacationing or living in a lovely town that’s nestled up to a beach. While this might sound like a fairytale, plenty of real-life adventurers actually live this dream.
California, Washington, and Oregon make up the West Coast of the U.S., where beach towns offer a distinct lifestyle unlike anywhere else. We’ve gathered insights on median home values and population data from Zillow and Point2Homes, so you can pinpoint places you might like to visit.
We’ve also uncovered some of the most enticing restaurants and activities. Stick around for 10 blissful beach towns on the West Coast that look like they’re straight out of a movie.
Venice, California
Venice Beach is a world-class, popular beach –– that’s not a secret. Spectacular weather and a beautiful boardwalk are two massive reasons why so many people have flocked to this Cali beach town. Aside from millions of tourists that visit every year, Venice Beach is home to 27,543 souls – lucky them!”
These residents pay $1.8 million on average for their luxurious houses. They’re shelling out a pretty penny! Despite this, many residents argue that it’s completely worth it. Venice’s popularity with tourists is what makes it such a vibrant hotspot.
It’s common to see attention-grabbing performances from street artists and vibrant murals at every turn. Venice isn’t just famous for its iconic boardwalk — it’s a truly unique place in the world. Grab a drink at High Rooftop Lounge or explore the colorful artistry at Mosaic Tile House, where you can snap some unforgettable photos.
Florence, Oregon
A complete contrast to Venice, Oregon’s Florence Beach appears to be right out of the Twilight Saga. The beaches of Florence are surrounded by exquisite mountains and magnificent scenery. Bay Street –– Florence’s main street –– is a popular spot for locals to enjoy delicious seafood fresh from the Pacific Ocean.
Grabbing a bite to eat at Beachcomber Pub & Grill, The Pono Hukilau, or Homegrown Public House Brewery will certainly fill you up. 9,384 people live year-round in Florence –– what a wonderfully cozy village. The average home costs $417K – decently affordable compared to other upscale West Coast beach communities.
While you’re there, catch a movie at City Lights Cinemas, check out the Oregon Coast Military Museum, or make a pilgrimage to the fascinating Sea Lion Caves.
Coronado, California
Anyone looking to soak up true SoCal luxury should make their way to Coronado at least once! It’s a divine San Diego suburb. The island has some of the ritziest shopping and dining in the world.
Hotel Coronado allows guests to bask in the energy of extreme wealth. Spending a day at Coronado Ferry Center is also a vibe and a fabulous place for boutique shopping and kayak tours.
18,871 people are lucky enough to call Coronado their permanent home, but it certainly comes at a price. The median home value is $2.4 million. Should you travel to Coronado, you’ll notice that most homes have gates, and video cameras to keep residences safe.
Ocean Shores, Washington
Let’s head back to the Pacific Northwest, as we dive into our first beach town in Washington. Similar to Oregon, Washington beach towns offer astonishing views and a chillier weather system.
With only 6,838 residents, Ocean Shores is a brilliant town with a modest population.
Each home only costs $356,000, making it quite affordable compared to other West Coast beach hamlets.
There are so many things to do in Ocean Shores like playing a round at Ocean Shores Golf Course, admiring art at Fusions Gallery, and trying your luck at Quinault Beach Casino. You might also want to snap some Instagram-worthy shots at Bill Ellis Memorial Park.
Santa Cruz, California
Southern California isn’t the only place with dreamy beach towns—head north and you’ll find Santa Cruz, a coastal haven with serious charm. It’s got that same magical, laid-back vibe as Venice, but with its own twist: a stunning boardwalk, classic beach-town energy, and even an oceanfront amusement park that feels straight out of a movie.
Santa Cruz is home to over 61,000 people, and like much of Northern California, living there doesn’t come cheap. The average home will set you back around $1.3 million—but with that coastal charm, it’s easy to see why people are willing to pay the price.
Santa Cruz is one of the safer beach towns on the West Coast with tons of fabulous activities. Fill your itinerary with whale watching near Monterey Bay, a visit to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, or sipping a glass of crisp Chardonnay at Beauregard Vineyard.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Few beach towns capture the spirit of Oregon quite like Cannon Beach. With its postcard-perfect views of Haystack Rock rising from the surf, it’s a coastal icon that draws visitors from around the world. Every year, like clockwork, the crowds roll in — and once you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why.
Cannon Beach may be a tourist favorite, but it’s still a small town at heart —only about 1,271 people call it home year-round. That means quieter streets, more room to breathe, and a real sense of community. Homes here average just under $900,000, so while it’s definitely a splurge, you’re paying for that unbeatable mix of charm, scenery, and seaside serenity.
You’ll likely be happy living in or visiting Cannon Beach thanks to the pleasurable things to do. Bill’s Tavern & Brewhouse, Ecola Seafoods, and Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge each offer delicious menus. You can also find trinkets at Surfcrest Market before learning about the beach town’s legendary past at Cannon Beach History Center & Museum.
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is a must-visit thanks to its starring role in one of MTV’s most talked-about reality shows. These days, fans still head there to see the stunning spots that once lit up their screens — and experience the laid-back coastal charm for themselves.
The series officially ended in 2006, but Laguna Beach is still one of the most desirable places to live or visit in California. 22,943 residents are currently living it up here — some of the most successful people in the world, as the average home there costs $2.9 million.
What can you do to enjoy yourself in Laguna Beach? Well… a lot. Sip and savor your favorite wines at Laguna Canyon Winery, catch a live performance at Laguna Playhouse, or go for a ramble about Crystal Cove State Park.
Port Angeles, Washington
Love the great outdoors? Port Angeles is calling. With endless hiking trails and kayaking adventures, it’s a dream for nature lovers. Once a quiet little gem, it’s now on more people’s radar—but it still holds onto that laid-back, small-town magic.
Now home to around 20,000 residents, Port Angeles offers plenty to explore—starting with the stunning Marymere Falls. Tucked away in lush forest, this West Coast gem is one of the most picturesque waterfalls you’ll ever lay eyes on. Relaxing with a glass of wine at Harbinger Winery and checking out Port Angeles Fine Art Center are a couple of other fun things to consider.
Monterey, California
Another northern California town with unique charm is Monterey. This area of California offers blissful weather and fabulous places to spend time near the water. There are 30,000 people living in Monterey, so you won’t feel isolated from the rest of the world.
Homes there cost an average of $1.1 million, which means it’s a decently affordable beach town in northern California. The activities and restaurants located in Monterey also make it a worthwhile place to spend your quality time.
Visiting sea critters at Monterey Bay Aquarium, strolling across Coast Guard Pier for the views, and ordering delicious food from a spot like Old Fisherman’s Grotto are some options to explore. We don’t doubt you’ll effortlessly fill your itinerary with things to do in Monterey.
Santa Monica Beach, California
No list of West Coast beach towns would be complete without mentioning Santa Monica. Millions of tourists flock there yearly to experience the magic of the boardwalk, the stunning views, and the incredible atmosphere.
About 92,000 people love Santa Monica so much that they call it home –– and who can blame them? The average home price sits around $1.7 million, but that coastal charm doesn’t come cheap.
The West Coast is packed with beach towns worth falling for—and Santa Monica is definitely one of them. Between the ocean views, the iconic pier, endless shopping, and breezy strolls through Palisades Park, it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
