West Coast Best Coast: 6 Beaches You Need To Visit

By Samantha Romero ‘16

Sometimes we forget how spoiled we are to bask in Califronia’s perfect weather. Albeit it can be drastic at times, for the most part the California sunshine never dissapoints. Here are the top 8 West Coast beaches you need to visit.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a total gem! If you’re driving up San Francisco then it’s definitely worth the pit stop. You’ll be taken aback by the emerald blue waters that line the coast. If you have the time to spare then I recommend camping at Big Sur. It will be an experience to remember when you wake up to the sound of the waves crashing along the cliffs.

To plan your extended stay check out this Big Sur camping resource guide here.

Also, just a few tips if you decide to camp there:

     Bring a portable charger- there are no outlets in the wilderness so if you want to capture those stunning sunrise views keep your phone charged at all times. Otherwise enjoy the digital detox and take some mental pictures for keepsake.

     Bundle Up- I went camping at Big Sur during August yet surprisingly enough it was still pretty chilly. So make sure to bring layers of clothing just in case.

     Choose a Camp Ground- There are multiple camp grounds to choose from so make sure to check their availability and book your camp ground ahead of time. For a list of camp grounds at Big Sur click here.

Laguna Beach 

Enjoy some exhilarating cliff jumping at Laguna Beach! Not only do you get enjoy the California sunshine but you can also explore the water pools. Check out this really cool cliff-jumping video to take a look for yourself.

If cliff-jumping isn’t your thing then try the thousand steps to get your heart pumping and your body moving. Or if you prefer to take a look at the the sea critters, try climbing through the cave on the south end of the beach where you’ll find plenty of tidepools.

Venice Beach

With it’s laid back vibes, Venice is a great place to enjoy California’s sunny days. You can always catch the skaters jumping away at the local skate pool by the beach or enjoy the musical talent that sprawls the streets of venice with curb side shows. One of my favorite coffee shops that I recommend visiting is Menotti’s, it’s a one stop coffee shop to satisfy your caffeine craving. They also have some tasty breakfast options to choose from. Check out their full menu in the link here.

Plus, you can take that perfect Instagram photo above the Venice sign that is hung over the cross streets. Also, don’t forget to check out their vintage shops and savory fish tacos!

Manhattan Beach

Catch a beautiful sunset at the lovely Manhattan Beach. You can also check some additional Manhattan favorite’s off your list like the Roadhouse Aquarium and discover the beauty of marine life. Don’t forget to peek in at Riley’s Art Gallery to get your daily dose of artistic inspiration.And if you’re still looking for something to do, check out sand dune park, the recreational area consists of a playground and  trails up a 100-foot-high sand dune. Just remember to make a reservation ahead of time. For more information about the sand dunes click here.

Last but not least is the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll with a friend and capture some cool shots with the natural backdrop.

Stearns Warf in Santa Barbara

In need of a mini-getaway? Then Santa Barbara may be the West Coast location for you. Escape to this darling city and enjoy the fresh seafood at Stearns Warf. Afterwards, enjoy a little bit of self indulgence at the outdoor mall at Paseo Nuevo.

If you prefer to stay by the beautiful waters then try something new, maybe even a segway beach tour. You can also try one of the Santa Barbara Water Taxi’s or if you want to break a little sweat you can bike down the Cabrillo Bike Path.

Last but not least you can also check out the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center and even get to gold a living starfish!

Santa Monica Beach

Whether it’s surfing, basking in the sun, or riding a ferris a wheel, you can do it all at Santa Monica Beach. One of my favorite things in Santa Monica is the their Twilight Concert Series where you can enjoy free concerts at the pier. You can also bring a bottle of wine and enjoy a picnic at the beach with friends while you’re there.

I’ve been able to see some of my favorite bands like the indie-rock band Allah-Las. For the full lineup click here.

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