Second Beach
La Push, WA
A short forest trail drops you onto sand framed by towering sea stacks just offshore, with tide pools worth exploring at low water. Local surfers paddle out here in full wetsuits year round, since the water off the Olympic Peninsula never really warms up.
The trail can be muddy year round, and boots hold up better than sandals on this one.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.