Are West or East Coast beaches better?

The sand on the West Coast is softer and whiter, keeping it cool even when the sun is beaming on it. On the East coast, the sand is rougher and darker, which can make it uncomfortably hot to step on. However, if you prefer waves, “they don't have much waves over there,” he said.



People Also Ask

The waves that come from the Atlantic Ocean are significantly higher, so if you're looking to go surfing – the East coast is better, he explained. The wind on the East coast drives the waves, Dr. Beach said, leading to better surf and a cool breeze, too. The East coast also has bigger sand dunes than the West, he said.

MORE DETAILS

The West Coast features the nicest weather in the country. Summers are not too hot and it also rains less than states on the East coast. In California, the weather is usually warm all year round and winters do not get uncomfortably cold besides snow is uncommon in most parts of the state.

MORE DETAILS

It's a process known as upwelling, which plays out along the entire U.S. Pacific coast. Upwelling explains why water temperatures along California, Oregon and Washington beaches are much cooler than similar-latitude beaches in the East.

MORE DETAILS

The movement of Alaskan and northern ocean currents southward down the west coast results in much cooler ocean temperatures than at comparable latitudes on the east coast of the United States, where ocean currents come from the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic.

MORE DETAILS

Distance from sediment sources: Beaches located far from major sediment sources, such as rivers or coastal erosion, tend to have clearer water. Sediments suspended in the water, including particles like sand, silt, or clay, can decrease water clarity and make it appear murky.

MORE DETAILS

Sediment plays a big factor in water color. Smaller, more fine sand particles can make water murkier since they are easily agitated. In clear water, sediments may be coarser and tougher to stir up since they are heavier and made of shell pieces and dead coral chunks.

MORE DETAILS

The current runs through northern parts of the Pacific Ocean and cools off. It then runs down the west coast of North America making the beaches cooler. On the east coast of North America, the Atlantic coastline current is basically warm water on it way north.

MORE DETAILS