–
Staff Writer
·
March 15, 2026
California is flexing its sandy muscles once again this year, as one of its hidden gems has just been named among America’s top beach destinations in the latest study by vacation rentals platform, HomeToGo. Shell Beach, a quiet paradise just a few hours from L.A., comfortably landed in the top 10 at #8.
Things to do around Shell Beach
Shell Beach is a charming coastal neighborhood just north of Pismo, quieter and more scenic, with cliffs, coves, and small beaches tucked below the bluffs. Here you’ll find parks like Dinosaur Caves Park with ocean panoramas and tide pools to explore, and Margo Dodd Park with grassy bluff‑top picnic spots overlooking the waves.
Stairway access points lead to the water where you can dip in the Pacific, and the rugged coastline makes for excellent walking and photography. Kayaking around the rock formations or along the bluff‑lined coves is popular in calmer conditions, and a stroll along Ocean Boulevard delivers some of the best sunset views on the Central Coast.
Beyond nature, as Shell Beach is very close to Pismo, you can find shops, casual cafés, and places to rent bikes or surf gear nearby. A few local events, like Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves, bring community energy to the area in warmer months.
The top 10 U.S. beach destinations
To find the best places for a summer getaway, the study analyzed destinations based on factors such as search volume for vacations, median nightly price, average high temperatures, average visitor satisfaction, and average distance traveled by visitors.
Here are the top 10 U.S. beach destinations for 2026:
Indian Beach, NC
Saint Joe Beach, FL
Bethune Beach, FL
Jamaica Beach, TX
Butler Beach, FL
South Bethany Beach, DE
Terramar Beach, TX
Satellite Beach, FL
Shell Beach, CA
Litchfield Beach, SC