Why are west coast beaches better than East Coast?

On average, west coast beaches are considerably more secluded, which is hardly a surprise considering only a handful of major cities line its shores. The surf is also superior due to larger Pacific swells and a distinct lack of shelter from bays and coves.



People Also Ask

Why? The West Coast is far more dramatic, with bigger cliffs, mountains, waves, and far more protected natural features. The East Coast was settled first and still has a lot of detritus from those centuries of development, while much of the West Coast only became heavily populated post World War II.

MORE DETAILS

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

That is true because ocean waters rotate in clockwise fashion. This means Atlantic waters travel to the U.S. East Coast from the south and are relatively warm compared with West Coast Pacific waters that arrive from the north out of the chilly Gulf of Alaska.

MORE DETAILS

The West Coast of the United States boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, offering miles of pristine coastlines, beautiful ocean scapes, and stunning sunsets. From the sunny beaches of California to the rugged coastlines of Washington, there's something for everyone on a West Coast road trip.

MORE DETAILS

What does Earth's rotation have to do with ocean temperatures off San Diego? The average water temperature off Scripps Pier in September is 66 F. Follow San Diego's line of latitude (32.7 N) over to Charleston, SC, and you will experience an average water temperature of 82 F.

MORE DETAILS

We'd argue that most of the country's best stretches of sand are actually along the Atlantic Ocean, and a few of them even offer clear water and white sand to rival anything you'd find on a Caribbean vacation. Here, we've rounded up 40 of the best beaches on the East Coast so you can plan your getaway accordingly.

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