Dreaming of the Coast? These Classic Destinations Deliver Seaside Bliss

The Sunset Travel Awards celebrate the best in travel in the West. These 13 destinations are the 2026 winners of the Where to Go: Coastal Classics category. Check out the complete list of winners here. For our definitive and searchable travel directory to help you plan your next trip in the West, click here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel is a fairy-tale coastal village where dramatic cliffs meet pristine beaches. The town is wonderfully walkable, and feels like a step back in time because the community has worked to preserve its bohemian character.

Catalina Island, California

Courtesy of Love Catalina

Just a quick ferry ride from L.A., Catalina remains one of California’s best-kept secrets. The lack of cars downtown, the buffalo herds, the world-class diving, and the perfectly preserved beach town aesthetic offer a weekend escape that’s close but feels light-years away from home.

Coronado Island in San Diego, California

Courtesy of Discover Coronado

This San Diego peninsula boasts historic charm, and a relaxed and highly-bikeable personality. The iconic Hotel del Coronado sits as its crown jewel, but the real magic is in wandering the quiet neighborhoods and undisturbed stretches of sand.

Laguna Beach, California

Daniel Salcius/Unsplash

This Southern California gem has managed to stay artsy and authentic despite its popularity, with dramatic coves, accessible beaches, and a thriving gallery scene. The town’s village-like walkability and commitment to public beach access make it a model for tourism with soul. 

Marina del Rey, California

Marina del Rey Tourism Board

This charming maritime enclave on the coast in L.A. is home to some 5,000 boats, making it the largest man-made small-craft harbor in North America. Play like a local and revel in its restaurants, shops, bike lanes, and kayaking. 

Monterey County, California

See Monterey

Each pocket of the region—from Big Sur to Pacific Grove to the Santa Lucia Highlands—offers distinct coastal character, making for the ideal hub for a good old fashioned California road trip. Don’t miss out on a trip to the world-class aquarium, worth a visit in its own right.

Newport Beach, California

Visit Newport Beach

Spanning 10 miles of pristine Pacific coastline, Newport Beach offers natural beauty, thrilling adventures, refined hospitality, and a dynamic shopping and culinary scene. Home to one of the world’s largest recreational harbors and the world-famous “Wedge,” Newport Beach sets the stage for a wide range of outdoor discoveries, from world-class surf to boating, biking, and sunsets that look straight out of a painting. Newport Beach’s abundance of hotels, from eclectic boutique getaways to 500-acre golf resorts, offer a “laid-back luxury” feel that attracts travellers of all ages and preferences. Perfectly positioned between San Diego and Los Angeles, and only 12 miles from Disneyland, Newport Beach is easily accessible yet feels like an exotic oceanfront escape that the whole family can enjoy. This is where the California dream is lived out loud.

Pismo Beach, California

Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau

Pismo Beach is the epitome of classic California: nostalgic but beautifully evolved. The serene beach town sits off Highway 1, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, at the bottom of rolling wine country hills and protected trail networks. The neon-lit downtown streets overflow with clam chowder contenders straight into the peaceful surf. California’s only drive-on beach with sprawling sand dunes are south, world-class wine country stretches to the west, and Shell Beach’s spa-filled enclave offers quiet luxury just to the north. Wake up slowly, decide how you feel, and build your perfect day—that’s the Pismo way. Whether you’re chasing waves, hiking coastal bluffs, sipping Edna Valley Pinot, or simply watching the sun sink into the ocean from the historic pier, Pismo delivers the California dream without the hustle.

Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica Travel & Tourism

With a prime location in Southern California, Santa Monica offers visitors an unforgettable beachside city experience set along 3.5 miles of stunning coastline. With 40 world-class hotels, over 400 celebrated restaurants, a lively arts scene, eclectic shopping and approximately 280 days of sunshine a year, Los Angeles’ beach destination is a charming seaside escape with the culture, events, and urban amenities of a bustling metropolis. The 8.3-square-mile city is home to eight distinct neighborhoods and legendary landmarks like the world-famous Santa Monica Pier and the official end point of the world-famous Route 66, which celebrates its centennial this year. This walkable and bikeable city makes for the ideal overnight location for travelers to the region, with three Metro Light Rail stations that connect to Downtown Los Angeles and beyond, over 120 miles of protected bikeways, as well as access to free electric shuttles and an award-winning city bus service. 

Victoria, British Columbia

Kevin Light Photography

With the wild beauty of the Pacific Ocean and old-growth rainforests as its backdrop Victoria, British Columbia, offers a seamless blend of charm, culture, and innovation. Located on the island’s southern tip, this waterfront capital is a leader in sustainability, recognized as both carbon neutral and Biosphere Certified, while also boasting a vibrant, locally driven culinary scene, a thriving arts community, and stunning natural surroundings. Consistently ranked among the world’s most walkable cities, Victoria is anchored by its picturesque Inner Harbour, where restaurants, museums, and live events can be easily explored on foot. Heritage architecture, colorful gardens, and traditional afternoon tea meet West Coast adventures, from whale watching and coastal kayaking to scenic rainforest hikes. With Canada’s mildest climate and landscapes spanning ocean, mountains, and old-growth forests, Victoria is an unforgettable year-round escape.

The Ranch at Laguna Beach in California

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Spread over 87 acres where canyon meets sea in the heart of Orange County, California, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a boutique coastal resort steeped in history since its origins as an 1800s homestead. The property features 97 guest rooms and suites, a half-acre biodynamic farm, the only golf course in Laguna Beach, a 3,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor spa, and versatile meeting and event spaces. The Ranch embodies the spirit of Laguna Beach’s iconic artistic community. Its dining program includes farm-to-fork California cuisine at Harvest, casual fare at The Porch, and locally sourced offerings at Lost Pier Cafe, along with Young’s Beach Shack at nearby Salt Creek Beach. Guests can enjoy on-site experiences like yoga, stargazing, and outdoor exploration, as well as off-site adventures including dolphin safaris and whale watching. A founding member of Beyond Green, the resort prioritizes sustainability across all operations.

Lincoln City, Oregon

Josh Havelind

Set between the Pacific Ocean and a backdrop of lush coastal forest, Lincoln City offers seven miles of public beach and a refreshingly laid-back pace that invites year-round exploration. The destination is home to signature experiences like the beloved Finders Keepers glass float program, two internationally recognized kite festivals, and Oregon’s only UNESCO Biosphere Region, alongside a thriving arts scene and a growing reputation for accessible, friendly offerings. Visitors can savor ocean-to-table cuisine, take in exceptional stargazing, enjoy sun-soaked summer escapes, or embrace the drama of winter storm watching—each season delivering its own distinct appeal. 

Santa Barbara, California

Photo by Jay Sinclair/Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

It’s no accident travelers have called Santa Barbara “The American Riviera” since the 1800s. But a stunning coastline framed by mountains is just the beginning of the city’s story. Red-tile roofs, Spanish architecture, and palm-lined boulevards create a setting both timeless and quintessentially Californian. The downtown is a lively, walkable core filled with boutiques, museums, restaurants, and immersive experiences. It offers seamless exploration, from the newly buzzy ARTS District and historic Presidio Neighborhood to the Funk Zone and waterfront. New eateries and tasting rooms pair Old World flavor with contemporary flare. Sweeping, sun-kissed beaches, wilderness trails, and blufftop rambles beckon further afield. Conservation is the Santa Barbara ethos, from the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (one of two in the U.S., named for biodiversity and sustainability) to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s native plant stewardship (celebrating its centennial this year)—as might be expected from the birthplace of Earth Day.