These SLO County beach towns are among 10 best in Central California, travel site says

A handful of San Luis Obispo County spots are among the best beach towns in Central California, according to travel site TheTravel.com.

“California’s Central Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beach towns in the U.S.,” Fatima Shaikh wrote Tuesday on TheTravel.com. “Their seemingly untouched and tranquil environment, made complete with beautiful coastal vistas and vibrant culture, sets them apart from other coastal towns in America.”

To come up with its list, the site looked at communities along the 350-mile coastline from San Francisco to Ventura County. However, Shaikh didn’t share the criteria used to select the top 10 beach towns.

Santa Cruz took the top spot.

Morro Bay ranked the highest of all SLO County communities on the list at No. 3, earning accolades as “one of the best coastal communities for wildlife in California.”

It was followed by Avila Beach in the No. 4 spot, hailed for its “quiet life and scenic beauty.”

Shaikh showcased popular spots including Avila Hot Springs, Cave Landing Beach and Pirate’s Cove.

Also ranked were Cayucos in fifth place and Pismo Beach in ninth place.

Here’s the full list, according to TheTravel.com:

1. Santa Cruz
2. Monterey
3. Morro Bay
4. Avila Beach
5. Cayucos
6. Marina
7. Pacific Grove
8. Carmel-by-the-Sea
9. Pismo Beach
10. Half Moon Bay

This story was originally published May 31, 2023 at 11:53 AM.

Kathe Tanner

The Tribune

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Kathe Tanner has been writing about the people and places of SLO County’s North Coast since 1981, first as a columnist and then also as a reporter. Her career has included stints as a bakery owner, public relations director, radio host, trail guide and jewelry designer. She has been a resident of Cambria for more than four decades, and if it’s happening in town, Kathe knows about it.