The 5 Best Sailing Destinations In The West Coast Of America

Paul Stockdale Author Avatar
Written by Paul Stockdale | February 16, 2023

There are 5 great sailing destinations on the west coast of America that every sailor should visit.

The Pacific Ocean offers many beautiful sailing experiences for friends and family to enjoy.

The 5 best sailing destinations on the west coast of America are:

  1. Hawaii
  2. Alaska
  3. California
  4. Washington State
  5. Oregon

These locations are a great place for sailing tourists to enjoy a sailing vacation.

1. Hawaii

West coast sailing in Hawaii

The first top sailing destSination on the west coast of America is Hawaii. We rate Hawaii 9.5/10 as a sailing destination.

The best sailing locations in Hawaii are:

  • O'ahu: Sailing along the North Shore of O'ahu offers beautiful sights and beaches like Waimea Bay Beach Park and Shark's Cove. Also, sailing to the Hanauma coastline of O'ahu where parts of the Jumanji movie were filmed offers amazing scenery for sailors
  • Kona Coast: Sail the Kona Coast in Hawaii and explore beautiful beaches like the quiet Makalawena Beach, the clear water beach friendly with dogs Honokohau Beach, the rich marine wildlife coral reef Kahalu'u Beach and snorkeling friendly Honaunau Bay
  • Maui: Sail to the Lahaina Harbor in Maui and enjoy whale watching from your sailboat or enjoy the sunset on the waters near Ka'anapali Beach
  • Lanai Island: Sailing to Lanai Island offers boaters the chance to explore the offshore shipwreck of a WWII tanker on the northern side of the island. There are views of Maui from a sailboat while sailing the Lanai Island coast too

The best activities to do when on a sailing trip in Hawaii are:

  • Watersports: Sailors can enjoy watersports in Hawaii including swimming, kayaking, fishing, parasailing, water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.
  • Mammal Spotting: Hawaii has a rich marine wildlife. Sailors can go whale watching in Maui, find manta rays on Kona Coast, see spinner dolphins all over the Hawaiian islands, or explore reef fish in Molokini Crater just off the coast of Maui
  • Tours: Enjoy a Hawaiian heritage tour like the Pearl Harbor Memorial Tour or a sightseeing tour like the Waimea Falls Tour in O'ahu

The weather conditions for sailing in Hawaii consist mainly of 2 seasons which are summer from May to October when air temperatures range from 89°F (31°C) and 70°F (21°C) and winter from November to April when air temperatures range from 79°F (26.1°C) and 68°F (20°C).

The Hawaiian seawater temperatures range from 74°F (23°C) and 80°F (26°C) throughout the entire year.

The Hawaiian coast enjoys the trade winds which make the area perfect for sailing. The trade winds are winds that reliably blow east to west just north and south of the equator.

The most popular time of year to visit Hawaii on a sailing trip is in the summer months of June to August when the air is warmer and the seawater temperatures are higher.

The hottest month for sailing in Hawaii is August with an average air temperature of 81°F (27°C). The coldest month for sailing in Hawaii is January with an average air temperature of 73°F (22.7°C).

The wettest month for sailing in Hawaii is in December with 2.85 inches of rainfall. The driest month for sailing in Hawaii is in June with 0.43 inches of rainfall.

The most popular marinas to dock a sailboat at in Hawaii are:

  • Honolulu Harbor: This is the main port of the state of Hawaii. It is located on the south coast of the island of Oahu, in the city of Honolulu, Hawaii. It is situated at the mouth of the Honolulu Harbor Channel which opens into Mamala Bay
  • Ko Olina Harbor: Ko Olina Harbor is located on the southwest coast of O'ahu. It is situated in the resort community of Ko Olina. The harbor is located near several luxury resorts, golf courses, and beaches and serves as a hub for recreational activities such as fishing, diving, and scuba diving
  • Kapilina Marina: Kapilina Marina is located on the west coast of O'ahu in the city of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. It is situated at the mouth of the Honouliuli Stream which flows into the Pacific Ocean. The marina is part of the Kapilina Beach Homes community which is a luxury apartment complex located on the beach. Kapilina Marina provides boat slips for residents of the complex and is a popular departure point for boating and fishing excursions along the west coast of O'ahu
  • Lahaina Harbor: Lahaina Harbor is located on the west coast of the island of Maui in Hawaii. It is situated in the historic town of Lahaina. The harbor is located at the mouth of the Lahaina Roadstead which is a natural harbor protected by the nearby island of Lanai. Lahaina Harbor serves as a hub for both commercial and recreational activities including fishing charters, whale-watching tours, sunset cruises, and ferry services to the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai
  • He-eia Kea Boat Harbor: He'eia Kea Boat Harbor is located on the windward side of Oahu, in Hawaii. It is situated in the community of He'eia which is about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of the city of Honolulu. The harbor is located at the mouth of He'eia Stream which flows into Kaneohe Bay. He'eia Kea Boat Harbor serves as a hub for recreational activities such as fishing, diving, and boating, and provides boat slips and moorings for residents and visitors. The harbor is also a popular departure point for excursions to nearby attractions such as the sandbar in Kaneohe Bay and the Mokapu Peninsula
  • Keauhou Harbor: Keauhou Harbor is located on the west coast of the island of Hawaii. It is situated in the community of Keauhou which is about 6 miles (9.6 km) south of the city of Kailua-Kona. The harbor is located at the mouth of Keauhou Bay which is a natural bay protected by a coral reef
  • Kukuila Small Boat Harbor: Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor is located on the south shore of the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It is situated in Kukuiula which is in the town of Koloa. The harbor is located at the mouth of Kukuiula Bay. It is a natural bay protected by a breakwater

Sailboat operators should spend approximately 3 weeks sailing around Hawaii and the Hawaiian islands. This timeframe will give everyone onboard a chance to fully explore the islands without rushing, enjoy water activities, explore historical sites, join site-seeing tours, and explore local restaurants and cafes.

One disadvantage of visiting Hawaii is some people find it to be very expensive. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Honolulu, Hawaii is 88% higher than the national average in America. This means that sailors exploring Hawaii will need a larger budget to visit this destination and explore the local cities.

The budget needed for exploring Hawaii on a sailing vacation is approximately $1,500 a week. This budget includes paying for fun activities and tours, eating at restaurants daily, restocking the sailboat with fuel and supplies, and mooring fees at a marina on one of the Hawaiian islands.

Some sailing tourists can enjoy Hawaii on a much cheaper budget if they choose to cook onboard their sailboats themselves and if they do fewer activities.

When sailing in Hawaii, sailors need to comply with the local Hawaii boating laws. To comply with Hawaii boating laws, sailboat operators need to be 15 years of age and older, will need to have completed an accredited boater safety course, and sailors will need to have a boater education card onboard to show officials when necessary. Every person onboard the sailboat will need their passport too.

2. Alaska

West coast sailing in Alaska

The second top sailing destination on the west coast of America is Alaska. We rate Alaska 9.1/10 as a sailing destination.

The best sailing locations in Alaska are:

  • Ketchikan: Explore the beautiful Misty Fjords scenery in Ketchikan onboard a sailboat or enjoy fishing in the area dubbed the "salmon capital of the world". Ketchikan is located in the south east of Alaska
  • Sitka: Enjoy the mountainous scenery onboard a sailboat or explore the Sitka National Historical Park in Sitka, an Alaskan city located near Juneau
  • Tracy Arm Fjord: Tracy Arm Fjord is a stunning fjord located 45 miles south of Juneau
  • Juneau: Juneau is located in the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle. It is popular location for whale watching and enjoying the scenery

The best activities to do when on a sailing trip in Alaska are:

  • Sight Seeing: Alaska is home to incredibly beautiful sights for tourists to see including the Kenai Fjords National Park and Glacier Bay National Park
  • Sail The Inside Passage: The Inside Passage is a coastal route that includes coves, bays, national parks, islands, and fjords. Sailors can join the route from Puget Sound in Washington and sail north to Ketchikan, past Juneau and all the way north to Skagway
  • Visit The Hot Springs: Sailors can enjoy beautiful hot springs in Alaska including the Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks or Goddard Hot Springs in Sitka on Baranof Island
  • Fishing: Alaska offers freshwater, saltwater, fly, and ice fishing of over 627 species of fish for sailing tourists. The most common fish caught in Alaska are salmon and trout
  • Tours: Enjoy tours in Alaska including the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai Fjords National Park Tour, and the Artic Circle & Northern Lights Tour

The weather conditions for sailing in Alaska ranges from a low air temperature of 0°F (-18°C) in the winter to a high temperature of 80°F (27°C) in the summer.

The Alaskan seawater temperatures ranges from 33.8°F (1°C) to 55°F (12.7°C) throughout the year.

The hottest month for sailing in Alaska is July with an average temperature of 68°F (20°C). The coldest month for sailing in Alaska is January with an average temperature of 16°F (-8.8°C).

The wettest month for sailing in Alaska is in September with 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rainfall. The driest month for sailing in Alaska is in May with 0.52 inches (13.20mm).

The best time of year to visit Alaska on a sailing trip is in the summer months between May and September when the weather is warmer.

The most popular marinas to dock a sailboat at in Alaska are:

  • Whittier Harbor: Whittier Harbor is located in the town of Whittier, Alaska on the eastern shore of the Kenai Peninsula. Whittier is situated on the western edge of Prince William Sound and is accessible by a one-way tunnel through the Chugach Mountains from the town of Portage
  • Auke Bay Harbor: Auke Bay Harbor is located about 13 miles northwest of downtown Juneau. Auke Bay is a popular destination for boaters and fishermen with a public boat launch, a marina, and several other amenities for boating and recreation. The harbor provides access to the Inside Passage and nearby marine wilderness areas such as Admiralty Island National Monument and Tracy Arm Fjord. It is home to a variety of marine life including whales, seals, sea lions, and many species of fish
  • Ninilchik Small Boat Harbor: Ninilchik Small Boat Harbor is located in the community of Ninilchik on the Kenai Peninsula in southcentral Alaska. It is situated on the east side of Cook Inlet, about 40 miles south of the city of Kenai and 45 miles north of the city of Homer. The harbor provides access to the waters of Cook Inlet and is a popular destination for commercial and recreational fishing as well as boating and other water activities. It offers a range of amenities for boaters, including a boat launch, fuel dock, boat storage, and moorage
  • Knudson Cove Marina: Knudson Cove Marina is located on the eastern coast of Revillagigedo Island near Ketchikan. The marina is a popular destination for boaters and fishermen offering a range of amenities such as boat slips, fuel, a boat launch, and a tackle shop. Knudson Cove is also known for its excellent sportfishing opportunities including salmon and halibut fishing

Sailboat operators should spend approximately 2 to 3 weeks sailing around Alaska. This is enough time to enjoy the scenery, explore coastal cities and eat at restaurants and cafes.

One disadvantage of visiting Alaska on a sailboat is the weather can be extremely cold with temperatures dropping to temperature range of between 0°F (-18°C) and 30°F (-1°C) in the winter months. This extremely cold weather can make it difficult for some tourists to fully enjoy the area.

The budget needed for exploring Alaska on a sailing vacation is approximately $1,000 a week. This budget includes paying for fun activities and tours, eating at restaurants daily, restocking the sailboat with fuel and supplies, and mooring fees at a marina on the Alaskan coast.

When sailing in Alaska, sailors need to comply with the local Alaskan boating laws. To comply with Alaskan boating laws, sailboat operators will need to have completed an accredited boater safety course, and sailors will need to have a boater education card onboard to show officials when necessary. Every person onboard the sailboat will need as U.S. coast guard approved life jacket too.

3. California

West coast sailing in California

The third top sailing destination on the west coast of America is California. We rate California 9/10 as a sailing destination.

The best sailing locations in California are:

  • Newport Beach: Newport Beach is a popular sailing destination located in Southern California. Newport Beach has a mild, Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine and predictable wind patterns making it an ideal destination for sailing year-round. The consistent sea breezes also create ideal sailing conditions
  • Humboldt Bay: Humboldt Bay is a natural harbor located on the Northern California coast. It is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes including rugged cliffs, towering trees, and rolling hills. The bay itself is a picturesque location with stunning sunsets and vistas
  • Lake Tahoe: Lake Tahoe is known for its stunning scenery with crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains and forests. Sailing on the lake allows you to experience the beauty of the landscape from a unique perspective
  • San Francisco Bay: Sail in San Francisco Bay and explore the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and the city skyline forming a breathtaking backdrop. The bay is also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes such as the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais

The best activities to do when on a sailing trip in California are:

  • Visit The Beaches: California has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with over 840 miles of coastline to explore. From the famous beaches of Southern California such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach to the picturesque beaches of Northern California such as Santa Cruz and Stinson Beach, there is something for everyone
  • Explore National Parks: California is home to several iconic national parks including Yosemite, Sequoia and Joshua Tree. These parks offer stunning natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for outdoor activities for any visiting sailing tourists
  • Watersports: Sailors sailing to California can enjoy watersport activities like swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, scuba diving and snorkeling along the California coastline

The weather conditions for sailing in California consists of a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers. The temperatures in California ranges from 38°F (3°C) in the winter to a high of 93°F (34°C) in the summer.

The California seawater temperatures ranges from 50°F (10°C) in winter to 70°F (21°C) in the summer.

The hottest month for sailing in California is July with higher air temperatures reaching 93°F (34°C). The coldest month for sailing in California is January with lower air temperatures reaching 38°F (3°C).

The wettest month for sailing in California is in January with up to 4 inches (10cm) of rainfall. The driest month for sailing in California is July with 0.1 inches (0.25 cm) of rainfall.

The best time of year to visit California on a sailing trip is from June to August when the weather is warmer and there are multiple activities opened to tourists.

The most popular marinas to dock a sailboat at in California are:

  • Seabridge Marina: Seabridge Marina is a private marina located in Oxnard in Ventura County, California. The marina is situated in the Channel Islands Harbor. Seabridge Marina is a full-service marina that offers berths for boats ranging in size from 20 to 125 feet. The marina offers services including fueling stations, pump-out facilities, restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a ship store, and a variety of dining and shopping options nearby
  • Cabrillo Way Marina: Cabrillo Way Marina is a marina located in Los Angeles, California. It is situated in the heart of the Los Angeles Harbor next to the Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park and is one of the most popular marinas in the area. The marina offers a range of services and facilities for boaters including 695 slips for vessels up to 130 feet in length, a fuel dock, pump-out station, and 24-hour security. The marina has a variety of amenities for visitors including a waterfront promenade with shops, restaurants, and a museum
  • Safe Harbor Marina Bay Yacht Harbor: Safe Harbor Marina Bay Yacht Harbor is a marina located in Richmond, California. It is situated on the east side of the San Francisco Bay. The marina offers a range of services and amenities for boaters including 850 slips for vessels up to 120 feet in length, a fuel dock, pump-out station, and 24-hour security
  • Marina Del Ray Marina: Marina del Rey Marina is a marina located in Marina del Rey, California. It is the second largest man-made marina in the world with over 4,600 slips. It is 4 miles from LAX and 10 minutes from Santa Monica. It can accommodate vessels from 30ft up to 150ft in length

Sailboat operators should spend approximately 3 weeks sailing around California. This is enough time to enjoy the scenery, explore coastal cities and eat at restaurants and cafes.

One disadvantage of visiting California on a sailboat is California is a heavily populated state and many of its tourist attractions can be very crowded. This can lead to long lines and difficulty enjoying the experience if you prefer a more peaceful setting.

The budget needed for exploring California on a sailing vacation is approximately $1,200 a week. This budget includes paying for mooring fees, eating at local restaurants and cafes, and enjoying local tours and attractions.

When sailing in California, sailors need to comply with the local California boating laws. To comply with California boating laws, sailboat operators will need a boater education card onboard the boat and they will need to have completed an accredited boat safety course.

4. Washington State

West coast sailing in Washington

The fourth top sailing destination on the west coast of America is Washington. We rate Washington 8.8/10 as a sailing destination.

The best sailing locations in Washington are:

  • San Juan Islands: The San Juan Islands are a group of islands located in the northwest corner of Washington state in the United States. There are over 450 islands. The islands are situated in the Salish Sea between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. The San Juan Islands are known for their natural beauty and outdoor recreation activities
  • Port Angeles: Port Angeles is a city located in Clallam County in the state of Washington in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Port Angeles is known for its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities including multiple watersport activities and inland activities for sailing tourists to enjoy
  • Seattle: Seattle is a vibrant city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Seattle is known for its stunning natural beauty with the Olympic Mountains to the west and Lake Washington to the east
  • Vashon Island: Vashon Island is a rural island located in Puget Sound, Washington. Vashon Island is known for its natural beauty and it is home to numerous parks and beaches. The island has a rural feel with a small-town atmosphere and it is a popular destination for sailing tourists and locals alike

The best activities to do when on a sailing trip in Washington are:

  • Hiking: Sailors can dock in Washington State and enjoy hiking trips in places like Olympic National Park, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park
  • Heritage Tours: Sailors can dock and join heritage tours in cities like Seattle. Must-see tours include visiting iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the historic Pioneer Square district
  • Whale Watching: Sailors can view whales like wild orcas, humpback whales and bigg's killer whales in the Salish Sea

The weather conditions for sailing in Washington range from a low air temperature of 35.6 (2°C) to a higher temperature of 89.6°F (32°C). The winters are mild and wet while the summers are warm and dry.

The Washington seawater temperatures range from 53.1°F (11.7°C) to 45.3°F (7.4°C) depending on the time of the year.

The hottest month for sailing in Washington is July with air temperatures ranging from 89.6°F (32°C) to 71.6°F (22°C). The coldest month for sailing in Washington is January with air temperatures ranging from 53.6°F (12°C) to 35.6 (2°C).

The wettest month for sailing in Washington is in November with 6.4 inches (162 mm) of rainfall. The driest month for sailing in Washington is in July with 6.4 inches (162 mm) of rainfall.

The best time of year to visit Washington on a sailing trip is in July when the air temperature is hotter and there is very little rainfall.

The most popular marinas to dock a sailboat at in Washington are:

  • John Wayne Marina: John Wayne Marina is a popular marina located in Sequim, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. It is located on the eastern shore of Sequim Bay and offers views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The marina is home to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, herons, and seals. The marina features 300 slips and can accommodate boats up to 120 feet in length
  • Chinook Landing Marina: Chinook Landing Marina is located in Tacoma, Washington in the Puget Sound region. The marina features 213 boat slips. It is a full-service marina offering fuel, pump-out services, and restrooms
  • Port Orchard Marina: Port Orchard Marina is a popular marina located in the charming town of Port Orchard, Washington on the Kitsap Peninsula. The marina is situated on the Sinclair Inlet and it provides easy access to a variety of water-based activities including fishing, boating, and kayaking. The marina features 80+ visiting boat slips. It is a full-service marina offering fuel, pump-out services, internet connectivity, and restrooms
  • Des Moines Marina: Des Moines Marina is a popular marina located in the town of Des Moines, Washington on the east shore of Puget Sound. The marina is also located near several popular outdoor destinations including the Maury Island Marine Park, the Redondo Beach Boardwalk, and the Des Moines Creek Trail. The marina accommodates boats up to 65 feet in length
  • Elliott Bay Marina: Elliott Bay Marina is a popular marina located in Seattle, Washington on the eastern shore of Elliott Bay. The marina offers 1,200 boat slips. There are two restaurants, repair facilities, 24-hour security, a fuel dock, and a convenience store

Sailboat operators should spend approximately 2 weeks sailing around Washington. This is enough time to enjoy the scenery, explore coastal cities and eat at restaurants and cafes.

One disadvantage of visiting Washington on a sailboat is it is one of the most expensive states in America which means the cost of living there is higher for sailing tourists visiting the area.

The budget needed for exploring Washington State on a sailing vacation is approximately $1,400 a week. This budget includes paying for eating out at local restaurants, enjoying various tours, restocking and refueling the sailboat

When sailing in Washington, sailors need to comply with the general U.S. boating laws. To comply with U.S. boating laws, sailboat operators will need to have a boater education card onboard with them at all times, U.S. coast guard approved life jackets for all people onboard and they must have completed an accredited boater safety course.

5. Oregon

West coast sailing in Oregen

The fifth top sailing destination on the west coast of America is Oregon. We rate Oregon 8.6/10 as a sailing destination.

The best sailing locations in Oregon are:

  • Astoria: Astoria is a small city located in the northwestern part of Oregon, near the mouth of the Columbia River. There are many things to do including visiting the Columbia River Maritime Museum which showcases the history and culture of the Columbia River and the maritime industry or walking the Astoria Riverwalk. This scenic trail follows the Columbia River and provides views of the city, the river, and nearby mountains
  • Coos Bay: Coos Bay is a city located on the southern Oregon coast. Sailors can do multiple activities including Shore Acres State Park and South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

The best activities to do when on a sailing trip in Oregon are:

  • Site Seeing: Oregon is home to beautiful places for tourists to see like Crater Lake National Park and Mount Hood National Forest
  • Attend Festivals: Oregon is home to multiple festivals including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival which starts in April and ends in October
  • ATV Riding: Sailing tourists in Oregon can rent ATVs and use them at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
  • Sports Fishing: Sailing tourists in Oregon can try out sports fishing in Tillamook Bay

The weather conditions for sailing in Oregon range from warm and dry summers and mild, wet, rainy, and overcast winters.

The Oregon seawater temperatures range from 49°F (9°C) to 60°F (15.55°C).

The hottest month for sailing in Oregon is August with an average high air temperature of 83°F (28°C) and an average low air temperature of 56°F (13°C). The coldest month for sailing in Oregon is December with an average daily high air temperature of 46°F (8°C) and an average daily low air temperature of 35°F (2°C).

The wettest month for sailing in Oregon is January with 10 inches (254 mm) of rainfall. The driest month for sailing in Oregon is in June with 0.4 inches (10.14mm) of rainfall.

The best time of year to visit Oregon on a sailing trip is during the summer months when the weather is warmer with less rain.

The most popular marinas to dock a sailboat at in Oregon are:

  • Charleston Marina: Charleston Marina is a marina located in the town of Charleston which is situated on the coast of Oregon. It is a full-service marina that offers a wide range of amenities for boaters and visitors. It has a boat launch, boat slips for rent, a fuel dock, boat repair facilities, and a tackle shop. The marina also has a restaurant and bar as well as a gift shop and a fish market. It comes with over 400 boat slips
  • Kelly's Brighton Marina: Kelly's Brighton Marina is a marina located in Rockaway Beach, Oregon. It is situated on Nehalem Bay which is known for its excellent fishing, crabbing, and clamming opportunities. The marina has boat slip facilities and camping facilities. The marina sells crabs, clams and oysters too
  • Garibaldi Marina: Garibaldi Marina is a marina located in the town of Garibaldi which is situated on the coast of Oregon in Tillamook Bay. The marina offers boat rentals, sports fishing activities and a convenience store too

Sailboat operators should spend approximately 1 week sailing around Oregon.

One disadvantage of visiting Oregon on a sailboat is it can be hard to find an available boat slip in the peak summer months.

The budget needed for exploring Oregon on a sailing vacation is approximately $1,200 a week. This budget includes paying for mooring fees, doing different activities and eating out every day at restaurants and cafes.

When sailing in Oregon, sailors need to comply with U.S. boating laws. To comply with U.S. boating laws, sailboat operators will need to have a boater education card onboard, everyone will need a U.S. coast guard approved life jacket and the captain will need to have completed an accredited boater safety course.

Best West Coast Of America Sailing Destinations Summary

Rating Destination Best For
9.5/10 Hawaii Great watersports, beautiful beaches
9.1/10 Alaska Top fishing options, beautiful scenery
9/10 California Perfect climate for sailing, great tourist attractions
8.8/10 Washington State Great whale watching, interesting hertigage tours
8.6/10 Oregon Great festivals to attend, fun sports fishing

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most commonly asked questions about the top sailing destinations on the west coast of America.

What Is The Best Overall Sailing Destination On The United States West Coast?

The best overall sailing destination on the west coast of America is Hawaii. It is the best location because it offers beautiful scenery, a rich marine wildlife and a rich cultural history.

What Is The Cheapest Sailing Destination On The United States West Coast?

The cheapest sailing destination on the west coast of America is Oregon.

What Is The Most Expensive Sailing Destination On The United States West Coast?

The most expensive sailing destination on the west coast of America is Hawaii. The cost of living in Hawaii is 88% higher than the national average in America.

What Is The Best Sailing Destination On The West Coast Of America For Beginners?

The best sailing destination on the west coast of America for beginners is Newport Beach, California because the climate is ideal for sailing with plenty of sunshine and a predictable wind patterns.

What Are The Benefits Of Sailing On The West Coast Of America?

The benefits of sailing on the west coast of America are:

  • Scenery: The West Coast of America is known for its stunning scenery including rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and vast stretches of ocean. Sailing along the coast allows you to experience this beauty up close and from a unique perspective
  • Weather: The weather along the West Coast is generally mild with plenty of sunshine and gentle breezes. This makes for ideal sailing conditions with predictable winds and calm waters
  • Marine Wildlife: The waters along the West Coast are home to a diverse range of marine life including whales, dolphins, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds. Sailing gives you the opportunity to see these animals up close and in their natural habitat
  • Adventure: Sailing along the West Coast can be an adventurous experience with plenty of opportunities for exploring hidden coves, navigating around rocky headlands, and discovering remote beaches
  • History and Culture: The West Coast of America is steeped in history and culture with many coastal towns and cities having a rich maritime heritage. Sailing can be a great way to explore these places, learn about their history, and meet the local residents