11 BEST Beaches in The PNW
The beaches in the Pacific Northwest are some of the country’s most breathtaking places you’ll lay your eyes on!
If you’re into surfing, coastal trails, tidepooling, or simply relaxing by the shore, there’s a beach for everyone.
Table of Contents
- 1. Short Sands Beach, Oregon
- 2. Rialto Beach, Washington
- 3. Cannon Beach, Oregon
- 4. Glass Beach, California
- 5. La Push, Washington
- 6. Cape Kiwanda, Oregon
- 7. Pfeiffer Beach, California
- 8. Ruby Beach, Washington
- 9. Secret Beach, Oregon
- 10. Kalaloch Beach, Washington
- 11. Point Reyes Beaches, California
- MORE PNW BEACHES!
1. Short Sands Beach, Oregon
Short Sands Beach in Oswald West State Park is a stunning spot popular for its surfing and scenic beauty.
Surrounded by lush forest, it’s perfect for a day trip or a relaxing beach walk. The serene atmosphere and trails make it a favorite. We love the Cape Falcon hike here too!
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READ MORE: Short Sand Beach
2. Rialto Beach, Washington
Rialto Beach features dramatic sea stacks and driftwood-strewn shores. It’s part of Olympic National Park and perfect for hiking and exploring tide pools.
The beach’s wild, untouched beauty provides a true Pacific Northwest experience. Walk to your right to find the Hole-in-the-Wall!
READ MORE: Hiking Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall
3. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Home to the iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is ideal for long walks and stunning sunsets.
The wide, sandy beach is perfect for picnics, kite flying, and even bonfires, while the quaint town nearby offers charming shops and eateries, making it a popular destination.
READ MORE: Cannon Beach
4. Glass Beach, California
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is famous for its colorful sea glass, remnants of discarded glass bottles smoothed by the ocean over decades.
While this beach seems like a treasure trove, you can’t collect the glass. It’s a unique spot, but we love to come here for the epic coastal trail that brings you to other nearby beaches and coves!
RELATED: Check Out Mendocino
5. La Push, Washington
La Push, located in the Quileute Indian Reservation, boasts a rugged coastline and breathtaking views.
It’s an excellent spot for whale watching and offers rich cultural history, with the nearby village providing insights into the Quileute tribe’s heritage.
Here, you’ll get not one, not two, but THREE beautiful beaches! You can grab a permit and spend the night on the coast, too.
READ MORE: La Push Beach
6. Cape Kiwanda, Oregon
Cape Kiwanda offers stunning ocean views, sand dunes, and an epic sea stack just offshore. This beach is fantastic for hiking, surfing, beach activities, and exploring tide pools.
The nearby town of Pacific City provides a charming backdrop to this stunning beach in the PNW!
READ MORE: Cape Kiwanda | Pacific City
7. Pfeiffer Beach, California
Known for its purplish sand and picturesque arch rock formations, Pfeiffer Beach is a hidden gem in Big Sur—mostly because it’s off the highway, so people often skip it.
The beach’s dramatic landscape and secluded feel make it a must-visit for those exploring California’s central coast.
RELATED: McWay Falls | Partington Cove | Big Sur
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8. Ruby Beach, Washington
Located in Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach is famous for its dramatic sea stacks and unique tide pools.
The beach offers striking views, especially at sunset, and is a must-visit for photography, tidepooling, and beachcombing enthusiasts. The driftwood-strewn shores add to its rugged charm.
RELATED: Beaches in Olympic National Park
9. Secret Beach, Oregon
Tucked within the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, Secret Beach is a secluded paradise with scenic rock formations and clear waters.
The hidden paths will take you to yet another beautiful beach in the PNW. There are tons of trails in the area, bringing you to several beaches and coves, so don’t run off too quickly!
READ MORE: Samuel H Boardman
10. Kalaloch Beach, Washington
Kalalochs Beaches are known for their stunning driftwood-covered shorelines and tide pools teeming with marine life.
You’ll have to work a bit to get to these beaches as they all require a bit of a short walk through the forest, but you’ll get four beaches to check out and miss out on spotting the Tree of Life!
READ MORE: Kalaloch Beach
11. Point Reyes Beaches, California
Point Reyes offers a variety of stunning beaches, including Limantour Beach, Drakes Beach, and Wildcat Beach featuring Alamere Falls.
Each beach provides unique experiences, from bird watching and tide pooling to simply enjoying the serene coastline. Some require a hike, and some are easily accessible. You’ll need at least one day to check out all the beaches in this area!
READ MORE: Beaches in Point Reyes
MORE PNW BEACHES!
Have fun exploring all the best beaches in the PNW!
Read more about the best things to do on the West Coast!
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