How many US states border the Pacific Ocean?

The correct answer is based on the geographical layout of the United States and its coastline along the Pacific Ocean. A total of five states have direct access to the Pacific Ocean. These states are California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii.

California has the longest coastline along the Pacific, while Alaska has a substantial section of coastline as well, contributing significantly to the total number of states with Pacific access. Oregon and Washington both have coastlines that stretch along the ocean as well. Hawaii, although located in the central Pacific, is also considered part of the group due to its direct exposure to the ocean.

This comprehensive understanding reinforces that five states, and not any lesser number, border the Pacific, clarifying the reasoning behind selecting this answer.