The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic road trips in the world, stretching along the stunning coastline of the USA. With its scenic views, winding roads, and beautiful beaches, the PCH is a must-see destination for any beach lover. In this blog post, I will be exploring some of the best beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway, from secluded coves to bustling hotspots. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or an exciting place to surf, this guide will help you find the perfect beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the beauty of the coastline.
If you’re planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’re in for a treat. The coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm and attractions. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which beaches to visit. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best beaches for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and more. From the hidden gems to the popular hotspots, I’ll give you the inside scoop on the top beaches along the PCH. So pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and let’s hit the road to discover the best beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway! Let’s see the top best beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway!
1. Long Beach Peninsula
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 413 MI/ 665 KM LONG BEACH, WASHINGTON
GPS: 46.35146, -124.06237
ADDRESS: 205-203 Bolstad W, Long Beach, WA 98631

The Long Beach Peninsula is a must-see destination along the Pacific Coast Highway. Located in Washington state, this 28-mile long stretch of sand offers something for everyone. From surfing and fishing to hiking and wildlife watching, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. The beach is also home to a historic boardwalk and several charming beach towns, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll or shopping trip. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Cape Disappointment Lighthouse or hike the scenic trails of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. With so much to see and do, the Long Beach Peninsula is an unforgettable stop on any West Coast road trip.
2. Cannon Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 454 MI/ 731 KM CANNON BEACH, OREGON
GPS: 45.88452, -123.96819

Cannon Beach with Haystack Rock is a must-visit destination along the Pacific Coast Highway. Located in Oregon, this iconic beach is known for its stunning scenery, including the towering Haystack Rock that rises up from the ocean. Visitors can stroll along the miles of sandy shores, explore the tide pools, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views. The beach is also home to a charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and galleries, making it a great spot for a leisurely day trip. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for a beautiful place to unwind, Cannon Beach with Haystack Rock is a must-see stop on your West Coast road trip. It is one of the top beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway.
3. Secret Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 757 MI/ 1218 KM BROOKINGS, OREGON
GPS: 42.19497, -124.37189

Secret Beach in Brookings, Oregon is a hidden gem along the Pacific Coast Highway. This secluded beach is tucked away beneath a towering cliff, accessible only by a steep and winding trail. But the effort is well worth it – visitors to Secret Beach are rewarded with a stunning and peaceful stretch of sand, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and crashing waves. The beach is also a popular spot for whale watching and beachcombing. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or an adventure off the beaten path, Secret Beach is a must-visit destination along the West Coast.
4. Glass Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1011 MI/ 1627 KM FORT BRAGG, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 39.45261, -123.81349
ADDRESS: W Elm St and Glass Beach Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Adding to my list of the best beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway is Glass Beach. Glass Beach, located in Fort Bragg, California, is a unique and must-see destination along the Pacific Coast Highway. As the name suggests, the beach is covered in colorful sea glass, creating a beautiful mosaic of shimmering hues. The glass is a result of years of ocean erosion and the disposal of garbage in the area, which has since been transformed into a treasure for visitors to discover. Glass Beach is a great spot for beachcombing and photography, and visitors can also explore the nearby tide pools or hike the scenic trails that wind along the coastline.
5. Mavericks Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1208 MI/ 1944 KM HALF MOON BAY, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 37.49557, -122.49668
ADDRESS: 22 W Point Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94038

Mavericks Beach, located in Half Moon Bay, California, is a must-see destination along the Pacific Coast Highway. This beach is world-renowned for its massive waves, which can reach up to 60 feet in height and attract some of the world’s best surfers. Visitors can watch the surfers from the shore or take a lesson and try their hand at riding the waves themselves. Mavericks Beach is also home to stunning coastal cliffs, tide pools, and hiking trails, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area. The beach is accessible year-round, but be sure to check the surf reports before planning your visit to catch the biggest waves. Whether you’re a surfing enthusiast or simply looking for a thrilling beach experience, Mavericks Beach is a must-see stop on your West Coast road trip.
6. Santa Cruz Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1260 MI/ 2028 KM SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 36.95728, -122.01728
ADDRESS: 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Santa Cruz Beach is a must-see destination along the Pacific Coast Highway and one of the top beaches in California. Located in the vibrant city of Santa Cruz, this expansive beach offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy surfing, swimming, and sunbathing on the wide stretch of sand, or take a stroll on the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is home to amusement park rides, games, and food vendors. The area is also rich in natural beauty, with scenic bluffs, tide pools, and coastal trails to explore. The beach is easily accessible and family-friendly, making it a great spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, beachside relaxation, or lively entertainment, Santa Cruz Beach is a must-visit stop on your West Coast road trip.
7. McWay Cove Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1344 MI/ 2163 KM Slates Hot Springs, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 36.15783, -121.67217
ADDRESS: 36.15783, -121.67217

McWay Cove Beach is a stunning hidden gem located in the heart of Big Sur, California, and is considered one of the most picturesque beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway. This secluded cove is famous for its turquoise blue water, white sand beach, and the magnificent McWay Falls that cascade down into the ocean from a height of 80 feet.
What sets McWay Cove Beach apart from other beaches is its sheer natural beauty. Surrounded by towering cliffs and lush green vegetation, the beach offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and meditation. The picturesque setting is truly breathtaking, and it’s no surprise that it is frequently featured in travel magazines and blogs.
One of the unique features of McWay Cove Beach is that it is inaccessible by foot. The only way to access the beach is through a viewing platform located on the north side of the cove, which offers visitors a panoramic view of the beach and its surroundings. This vantage point is especially popular for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the perfect shot of the beach and its stunning surroundings.
8. Pismo Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1450 MI/ 2334 KM PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 35.13882, -120.64316
ADDRESS: 100 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Pismo Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in San Luis Obispo County, California, known for its sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and breathtaking sunsets. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, attracting visitors from all over the world.
One of the main attractions of Pismo Beach is its long, wide beach, which is perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing. The beach stretches for several miles and offers visitors plenty of space to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The beach is also home to a wide range of marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, and whales, making it a popular spot for wildlife viewing.
Apart from the beach, Pismo Beach has a vibrant downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines, ranging from seafood to Italian to Mexican, and browse through the many boutiques and souvenir shops.
9. El Matador State Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1611 MI/ 2593 KM MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 34.03803, -118.87467
ADDRESS: 32350 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

The next point on my list of best beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway. El Matador State Beach is a stunning beach located in Malibu, California, and is widely considered one of the best beaches on the Pacific Coast Highway. With its rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops, and pristine white sand, El Matador State Beach offers visitors a truly unique and picturesque experience.
One of the main attractions of El Matador State Beach is its natural beauty. The beach is nestled in a cove and is surrounded by towering cliffs, which create a secluded and intimate atmosphere. The beach is also home to numerous rock formations, including sea caves and arches, which provide a stunning backdrop for photographs and exploring.
If you’re looking for the best Instagram spots along the Pacific coast, here are some popular locations worth checking out: Pacific Coast Highway – TOP 15 BEST Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots Along West Coast
10. Malibu Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1624 MI/ 2614 KM MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 34.03852, -118.65693
ADDRESS: 22126 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265

Malibu Beach is a world-renowned destination located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. Known for its iconic sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and stunning sunsets, Malibu Beach is one of the most popular and beloved beaches on the Pacific Coast Highway, and definitely one of the best. The beach stretches for over 30 miles and offers visitors a variety of activities, including surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. There are plenty of spots along the coast where visitors can set up a beach umbrella, relax, and soak up the sun.
Malibu Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway. Its natural beauty, diverse activities, and iconic landmarks make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling along the coast. If you’re planning a trip to California, be sure to add Malibu Beach to your list of must-visit beaches.
11. Venice Beach
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1636 MI/ 2633 KM VENICE, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 33.99325, -118.48059
ADDRESS: Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

Venice Beach is an iconic destination located in Los Angeles, California, and is widely considered one of the top beaches on California Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). The beach is famous for its lively boardwalk, colorful murals, and unique attractions, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling along the coast.
The beach itself stretches for over two miles and offers visitors a variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, and sunbathing. The beach is also home to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or a drink with friends.
12. Huntington Beach

Although this beach is the last on my list of the best beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway, it certainly does not disappoint. Huntington Beach, also known as “Surf City USA,” is a popular destination along the Pacific Coast Highway in Southern California. This iconic beach boasts miles of golden sand, rolling waves, and a laid-back, quintessential California vibe.
With consistently good surf conditions, Huntington Beach attracts surfers from around the world, who come to catch a wave and experience the thrilling surf culture. But even if you’re not a surfer, there is plenty to enjoy at this beach, including swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and bike riding on the scenic beachfront path.
👍 Find out more:

Discover the best stops along the PCH in my travel guide, “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the adventure and wonder of THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY! MUST-HAVE for all West Coast travelers. Visit 202 places on the PCH with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:

Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles motorcycle club and an avid traveler. He has completed seven full journeys along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway on his Harley-Davidson and is passionate about promoting this historic drive to others. Mark has also explored the Alaska Highway and Route 66, and has authored three bestselling travel guides on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places,” “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops,” and “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops.”