When thinking of a beach holiday along the West Coast of the USA, it's easy to assume the destination is California.
With the countless images of beaches with swaying palm trees, surfboards on the beaches, and sunsets, it makes the option of California seem the most sensible.
The Golden State has countless towns along the swath of sand that offer a perfect beach getaway.
However, it is very much possible for a trip along the West Coast to be as rewarding, if not more rewarding, than a beach destination further north.
Washington and Oregon offer more washed-out and more sparsely populated beaches with more unspoiled nature and more organic beaches.
Also, don't discount that California is one of the best places to experience the surf and beach culture.
The weather, the beach towns, and the relaxed vibe are everything a person from thousands of miles away would want as a destination.
The kinds of places we envision often allow for uniforms to be simple.
Picture cheap sunglasses, plastic sandals, the same pair of shorts over and over again, and of course, the inevitable thick layer of sunblock.
With the greatest of ease, the day will be oriented around the unique and novel activities the area has to offer.
As an example, most beaches will have morning activities located next to the water, while the afternoon will often consist of drifting from place to place to see and do things at various cafes, boardwalks, and, as the name suggests, viewpoint places that offer sunsets.
Packing for this type of holiday is wonderfully effortless.
Usually, one can combine activities such as casual exploring, and of course working to become an expert at various beach activities, and have little to no limit on what else the holiday can offer, using just a few select pieces of versatile, reliable clothing, such as designer swim shorts for men or cross-outfit footwear for women.
While it's often thought that a good pair of swim shorts for men is best reserved solely for beach activities, this is not the case.
In most coastal locations, a casual and relaxing environment, comfort, and style are demanded, and as such, that pair of shorts will do daily duty as everyday wear, just as expected.
But this is only the California coast; it doesn't tell the whole story.
The Wild Coast of Oregon
The scenery just a few miles into Oregon is quite a shift.
Oregon's coast offers a whole new feeling: wild, quiet, and a little more dramatic.
Oregon lacks the palm tree-lined walkways, and instead houses mountainous sea stacks, wild and windy beaches, and miles of cliff face.
The water, and more specifically the waves, are powerful, and as the water crashes and churns against the more rocky beaches, the mist created rolls back onto the land.
Beach days spent on the sand in Oregon most likely involve activities like long jaunts, tide pooling, and spotting hidden viewpoints.
It caters to those who find nature and space appealing.
While the weather here is cooler than California, there are still sunny days that provide breathtaking views of the coastline.
When the sun is out, those wide open beaches feel like they belong to you.
Coastal Washington Escapes
Coastal Washington continues the rugged coastline theme, providing another beach travel option to the west.
Here, dense forests come down to the sea, providing untouched views.
The coast also has a mix of beaches, hiking, wildlife, views, and roadways.
You can spend the morning strolling on a beach full of driftwood and later spend the afternoon in the lush green forest.
The beaches can also have a different atmosphere.
Rock formations, wide sandy beaches, and distant islands can provide views that paint a different picture than that of California.
What Washington lacks in heat, it makes up for in atmosphere.
What to Pack for West Coast Travel
Traveling to the West Coast is exciting because each state offers something different when it comes to coastal weather and activities.
While California is known for the warmth and sun, Washington and Oregon may be a little cooler and require a more adaptive approach to packing.
When going to the West Coast, depending on the activities you'll be doing, the following packing list will be useful for all three states:
- Lightweight, versatile clothing for warm and sunny days
- Shorts for swimming
- A light jacket or hoodie
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Closed-toe shoes for the beach and for walking
- A durable bag that can handle varied conditions, from sunbaked boardwalks to misty Oregon trails
When packing, consider the weather changes that may occur each day.
Your ability to adapt to what the weather shows is important.
Bring as little as possible, and make sure to bring interchangeable items.
Choosing the Right Bag for the West Coast
One piece of gear that often gets overlooked in beach packing lists is the bag itself.
Along the West Coast, you move between environments quickly.
You might start the morning on a windy Oregon beach, stop for coffee in a coastal town at midday, and finish the evening at a rooftop bar in Portland.
Synthetic bags can look worn and scuffed after just a few days of real travel use.
A leather bag holds its appearance across the full trip and develops character with use rather than looking worse for wear.
For shorter California trips, a compact crossbody works well.
For longer stretches through Oregon and Washington, a leather duffle bag offers the right combination of capacity and structure without anything bulky weighing you down between stops.
A light wipe-down after a salty, breezy beach day is all leather needs to stay in good shape for the next stop.
A California Bias
When thinking of a West Coast beach vacation, the majority of people tend to think of California, and for good reason, as the state also has the most popular climate and locations.
However, this focus on California offers a limited experience of the area and the beauty that it has to offer.
Oregon's rugged beaches offer a distraction from the busy tourist traps beckoning with southern attractions. Washington boasts impactful scenery where the ocean meets the forests.
These two beaches in tandem make more than the regular expected beach experience in summer.
Pack your sun cream and shades.
Some of the best West Coast beaches may be waiting a little further north.
