Find Diverse Experiences Along the Shores of the West

What “coastal” means is in the eye of the person standing on the shore. Whether it is the warm waves of the Gulf of Mexico or the chilly waters of Puget Sound, how people enjoy the water varies quite a bit from Texas to Washington. From surfing to whale watching, these destinations offer group activities both expected and unexpected—allowing you to craft an itinerary that might redefine what “coastal” means for your tourgoers.

Let’s start in California, for many the quintessential coastal state. San Diego is “America’s Finest City”—a self-proclaimed nickname, and if you’re going to give yourself a nickname, especially one so grandiose, you better be sure you can back it up. This one does, and then some.

“San Diego offers a rare combination of convenience, variety, and year-round appeal that few destinations can match,” says Ruben Labin, tourism development manager for the San Diego Tourism Authority. “San Diego combines stunning scenery, effortless logistics, and diverse attractions, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding destinations for group tour planners.”

San Diego’s top attractions are world-renowned, such as the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. But California’s second-largest city offers much more beyond that. Military and maritime history lovers will relish every bit of the USS Midway and San Diego Maritime museums, plus the recently opened Navy SEAL Museum San Diego. Animal lovers can check out the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in the coastal neighborhood of La Jolla, especially the new Living Seas Gallery. For accommodations, you can have your pick of endless options, though the iconic Hotel del Coronado recently received a renovation and is certain to be a hit.

Part of the magic of San Diego, however, is simply just being there. San Diego offers natural beauty in every direction, all in a laid-back and welcoming community. “A city blessed with sunshine nearly every day of the year, stunning beaches, and a relaxed coastal vibe,” is how Labin describes it. “It’s a place where historic neighborhoods blend with modern innovation, and where every sunset feels like an event worth pausing for.”

San Diego’s larger neighbor to the north offers more of an urban destination, but the Los Angeles metro also offers a diverse mix of experiences with something for everyone. Take the community of Santa Monica, just a few miles away from Los Angeles International Airport but a world unto itself exemplifying the coastal California lifestyle.

“Santa Monica is an essential destination for experiencing the famed Southern California beach culture,” says Aleksandr Sigalus, travel and tourism director of global business development for Santa Monica. “With nearly 40 hotels and over 400 restaurants across our eight unique neighborhoods, there is something for travelers of every budget and preference.”

You’re likely to know the iconic Santa Monica Pier, offering its National Historic Landmark carousel, locally beloved seafood dining, and classic amusement park rides. The Pier takes on extra significance in 2026 as it marked the unofficial “end of the trail” for Route 66, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Historic properties nearby make Santa Monica the ideal destination for road trippers to mark this milestone centennial.

Stepping off the pier, guests will enjoy exploring Santa Monica’s open-air Third Street Promenade, featuring an impressive farmers market, retail shopping, plus activities like pickleball and mini golf. Tours can indulge in tastings of California’s famous wines and watch picture-perfect sunsets.

“We strive to send travelers off having experienced California’s chic coastal culture, our friendly beach community, a taste of local flavor, and excitement for their next visit to Santa Monica,” says Sigalus. “With a diverse range of charming neighborhoods to explore, there is always something new to discover each time you see us in Santa Monica.”

You could fill weeks of itineraries just traveling up the California coast. A couple hours’ drive north of Santa Monica is Santa Barbara, a laid-back destination bursting with history and small-town charm. Diverse experiences can be found as you head north to Central Coast communities like Monterey, home to a world-famous aquarium, and on to the Bay Area cultural capital of San Francisco.

The Pacific Northwest is truly a dream destination for active groups and those who embrace nature. The region abounds with kayaking, hiking, biking, and memorable views. Oregon’s Central Coast is packed with these opportunities. Take for instance the village of Newport, “where rugged coastline meets quirky charm,” according to Discover Newport. From sea lions to lighthouses, Newport is the seaside town of your group’s dreams.

One thing you won’t be able to miss upon arriving in Newport is the sound of the sea lions that commune together on the wooden docks at Port Dock One on Newport’s Bay Front. Watching them play is a free and fascinating way to spend a morning. For more of the coast, make time for a trip to Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, where you can view the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse and check the tide chart to see when to explore the area’s vibrant tide pools.

North up U.S. Highway 101 is Lincoln City, Oregon, boasting miles of soft, sandy beaches. Take a stroll, hop aboard a fat-tire bike, or maybe even go crab or clam hunting in Siletz Bay. You also might be lucky enough to find an object of rare beauty along the shore. Lincoln City is known for its glass-blowing tradition, and throughout the year local artisans place handmade glass floats along the shore to be found by visitors. Each one has a registration number so that you can find out which artist made your one-of-a-kind float.

The West is more than just the Pacific coast. Sometimes called America’s “Third Coast,” the Gulf of Mexico offers a coastal culture all its own. Galveston, Texas, is on an island—that’s true both literally and also in how it sees itself as a unique destination that’s a little bit Texas, a little bit seaside resort, but something totally its own.

“Galveston Island is a respite from the ‘typical’ Texas travelers tend to envision,” says Ted Bowen, travel trade sales manager for Visit Galveston. “We like to say Galveston is an island near Texas. Its allure is deep-rooted in history where the Victorian era meets coastal small-town Americana.”

Galveston features 32 miles of beaches and 36 blocks of a historic waterfront district called “The Strand,” which is a favorite for tours. The district is so named due to its resemblance to a Strand in London, which English immigrants of the 1800s tried to imitate with its architecture. Beyond strolling the waterfront, Galveston offers proximity to Space Center Houston, the third-largest Mardi Gras in the country, and numerous museums. In the latter case, soon to be arriving to the port of Galveston is retired battleship USS Texas. After a refurbishment and restoration, it is set to open as a museum ship sometime this year.

“We hope groups take away from a visit that Galveston is more than just a beach trip,” says Bowen. “Galveston is where coastal charm meets history and culture. I want them to feel they’ve connected with our island—its character, local stories and a heritage that matters.”

By Todd Kortemeier

Main Image: Wipeout Beach, La Jolla, San Diego, California; Credit: San Diego Tourism Authority