A sleepy Central Coast escape just a few hours from Los Angeles has been crowned the best coastal small town in the US \u2014 and locals aren\u2019t surprised.<\/p>\n
Pismo Beach has taken the top spot in USA Today\u2019s 10Best Readers\u2019 Choice Awards<\/a>, eclipsing tons of seaside destinations across the country after thousands of votes were cast online.<\/p>\n Known for its wide sandy shores and low-key vibe, the beach town\u2014with a population just over 8,000\u2014has long been a favorite for Californians looking to ditch the crowds without sacrificing ocean views. <\/p>\n Gazebo and cliffs in Pismo Beach, CA. Shutterstock \/ Michelle Schacherer<\/p>\n Pismo Beach Pier Plaza Shutterstock \/ Gerald Peplow<\/p>\n Nicknamed the \u201cClam Capitol of the World,\u201d Pismo built its reputation on its once-thriving shellfish scene, which is a legacy that still shapes its coastal identity today. <\/p>\n The town\u2019s appeal lies in its classic California mix of chill beaches, wineries (and proximity to them), and the walkable downtown area where visitors can bounce between surf spots, the boardwalk, outlet shops and oceanfront eats in a single afternoon.<\/p>\n Outdoor lovers flock to the area for everything from surfing and fishing to hiking and camping along nearby Pismo State Beach\u2014which stretches roughly 17 miles and even doubles as a seasonal home for monarch butterflies.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can hike, surf, visit wineries,\u201d one fan wrote on a travel Reddit thread. \u201cThe live music scene is excellent; and the climate is among the most pleasant in the world. The locals are interesting and friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n This marks the second year in a row where Pismo Beach takes the number one spot. Shutterstock \/ HannaTor<\/p>\n Pismo Beach \u201cgives that cali beach vibes like you see in music videos,\u201d another chimed in. \u201cPeople surf, fish and relax on the beach.\u201d<\/p>\n Others online worried the attention would attract a flood of visitors to the small town. \u201cShhh,\u201d one user commented on Instagram. \u201cSelfishly want to keep this a secret gem.\u201d<\/p>\n Several other California coastal gems also cracked the national ranking, including: Morro Bay, famous for its towering Morro Rock \u201cwhere otters frolic and sea lions lounge\u201d happily on the pier; Avalon on Catalina Island, a charming getaway packed with beaches and snorkeling; and Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its storybook cottages and upscale art scene. <\/p>\n An ecosystem of the Pacific Ocean is visible during low tide on the beach. Shutterstock \/ K Vermaat<\/p>\n The strong showing underscores what Californians already know: when it comes to beach towns, the West Coast reigns supreme. This marks the second year in a row where Pismo Beach takes the number one spot. <\/p>\n The full list includes:<\/p>\n Pismo Beach, California.<\/p>\n Stuart, Florida.<\/p>\n Morro Bay, California.<\/p>\n Avalon, California.<\/p>\n Castine, Maine.<\/p>\n Cape May, New Jersey.<\/p>\n Gulf Shores, Alabama.<\/p>\n Beaufort, North Carolina.<\/p>\n Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.<\/p>\n Cedar Key, Florida.<\/p>\n Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters <\/p>\n California Post News: Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, WhatsApp<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a> \t\t\t\t\t\t
California Post Sports Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, X<\/a>
California Post Opinion<\/a>
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!<\/a>
California Post App: Download here!<\/a>
Home delivery: Sign up here!<\/a>
<\/a>Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!<\/a><\/p>\n