19. Ruby Beach
For a truly wild and deeply atmospheric coastal escape, Ruby Beach on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is completely unmatched. Characterized by massive sea stacks jutting from the swirling surf, incredible rock arches, and thousands of giant, bleached drift logs scattered across the sand, it feels like the edge of the earth. Often mist-covered and moody, it highlights the majestic beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It is a spectacular beach designed for active exploration, tide-pooling, and breathtaking coastal photography rather than traditional sunbathing.
