The Sunset Travel Awards celebrate the best in travel in the West. These destinations are the 2025 winners of the Where to Go: Beautiful Beaches 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.
Montecito
Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
With the reopening of the legendary Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore, immersive botanical gardens, beachy elegance, and thrilling restaurant openings from Michelin-recognized chefs (hello Thomas Keller and Ramón Velazquez), the glamorous neighbor to Santa Barbara is having a moment. Savor it now.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach CVB
This quaint little beach town on California’s Central Coast embodies Western living, with its excellent surf, charming restaurants, and ample access to wildlife, including the migratory monarchs and whales in the springtime. It’s easily accessible by Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, which also allows travelers to explore nearby Grover Beach.
Avila Beach
Monique LHeureux/Getty Images
This tiny Central Coast town packs a lot in, with excellent surf and plenty for the whole family to do. Think ample trails and bike paths, hot springs resorts, and the recently reopened Avila Beach Farmers’ Market, which takes place on Fridays.
Carlsbad
Visit Carlsbad
North County, known for its miles of epic surf breaks, stretches of white sand beaches, and resplendent wildflower blooms, has a decidedly different vibe than the rest of San Diego. Time seems to slow down in this town, but that doesn’t mean it’s sleepy. It’s arguably the craft beer capital of California, and there’s also easy access to every kid’s dream, Legoland.
Ventura County Coast
Courtesy of The Brand Leader
Whether you’re looking to hike, kayak, or surf; or hit the galleries, breweries, and restaurants; or give the family a something-for-all beachy getaway, classic timeless California coastal living can be found in the four distinct towns of Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Oxnard, and Ventura. The area’s low-key beach bliss can’t be beat.