The song was written by Del Rey and Rick Nowels, and produced by Dan Auerbach.
An official radio edit of the song exists featuring different vocals, different lyrics, and a slightly altered instrumental.
Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone called the track a "striking departure" in sound for Del Rey, and said its groove transformed her "from chanteuse into front-woman for a few glorious moments".
"West Coast" was listed as one of the best songs of 2014 by several news media sources.
The phrase "Queen of Saigon" also appears in "National Anthem" and "Live or Die".