Cross Coast! Most people assume East and West Coast beaches have nothing in common – and it’s certainly true that the differences are noticeable. Surprisingly though, there are a few similarities – and they’re more plentiful than you might expect. Though throughout fall, winter and spring on the East Coast there isn’t much to compare to sunny California, summer in Maine can feel surprisingly similar to SoCal. After a recent trip out West, it’s worth reflecting on the distinct and occasionally overlapping qualities of beaches in both locations.
The beaches that I visited in the LA County area like the one above (Torrance Beach in Torrance, CA) were all expansive. In our area of Maine, there are certainly beaches that are miles and miles long, but they’re few and far between. Smaller, more private beaches in this area seem to be more common than for SoCal. While I was there, I never went to a beach that was busy. As soon as the sun and warm weather arrive in this area, people come outside immediately because it’s rarer. At any given time, you can go to a beach in LA County and be one of a few number of people there. The same can’t always be said for beaches on the East Coast.
I also couldn’t help but notice the fact that the sand on the East Coast is a lighter shade of gray (Wells Beach in the photo on the left), whereas the sand in SoCal tends to be closer to a shade of gold. That’s when the beaches here aren’t covered in rocks – like the one pictured above (Long Sands Beach during high tide). In SoCal, this type of aesthetic is much, much less common than it is on the East Coast. In both areas, beaches with dunes and beautiful cliffs can be found, as well as boardwalks and more built up areas. But ultimately, East Coast beaches have a rockier, grittier feel while the West Coast offers a calmer, more serene vibe.