A sleepy Central Coast escape just a few hours from Los Angeles has been crowned the best coastal small town in the US — and locals aren’t surprised.
Pismo Beach has taken the top spot in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, eclipsing tons of seaside destinations across the country after thousands of votes were cast online.
Known for its wide sandy shores and low-key vibe, the beach town—with a population just over 8,000—has long been a favorite for Californians looking to ditch the crowds without sacrificing ocean views.
Nicknamed the “Clam Capitol of the World,” Pismo built its reputation on its once-thriving shellfish scene, which is a legacy that still shapes its coastal identity today.
The town’s 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.
Outdoor lovers flock to the area for everything from surfing and fishing to hiking and camping along nearby Pismo State Beach—which stretches roughly 17 miles and even doubles as a seasonal home for monarch butterflies.
“You can hike, surf, visit wineries,” one fan wrote on a travel Reddit thread. “The live music scene is excellent; and the climate is among the most pleasant in the world. The locals are interesting and friendly.”
Pismo Beach “gives that cali beach vibes like you see in music videos,” another chimed in. “People surf, fish and relax on the beach.”
Others online worried the attention would attract a flood of visitors to the small town. “Shhh,” one user commented on Instagram. “Selfishly want to keep this a secret gem.”
Several other California coastal gems also cracked the national ranking, including: Morro Bay, famous for its towering Morro Rock “where otters frolic and sea lions lounge” 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.
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.
The full list includes:
- Pismo Beach, California.
- Stuart, Florida.
- Morro Bay, California.
- Avalon, California.
- Castine, Maine.
- Cape May, New Jersey.
- Gulf Shores, Alabama.
- Beaufort, North Carolina.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
- Cedar Key, Florida.