Plants that grow best near the ocean are typically those that can tolerate salty air, gusty winds, and sandy or well-drained soil. Some examples of plants well-suited to coastal areas include beach grasses (such as American beachgrass or seashore paspalum), succulents like sedums and agaves, salt spray-tolerant shrubs like rugosa roses or bayberry, and native groundcovers like sea lavender or beach strawberry. These plants have adapted to thrive in challenging coastal conditions and can add beauty to seaside gardens while withstanding the unique challenges posed by their proximity to the ocean.