‘Fun for all ages.’ This Central Coast beach is one of the best in California, USA Today says

San Luis Obispo County has one of the best beaches in California, according to USA Today.

Pismo Beach was No. 2 on the publication’s list of the top 10 beaches in the Golden State in 2024, published Thursday.

The Central Coast spot was edged out by ‘Olol’koy Beach Park in Oxnard, which claimed the top spot.

“With 840 miles of coastline stretching from Mexico to Oregon, the Golden State is no stranger to beaches,” USA Today said, noting that there are more than 400 beaches along the Pacific Ocean coast. “Many (are) known for their stellar surfing and even better sunsets.”

Here are the top spots in the Golden State for sun, surf and sand, according to USA Today voters:

What makes Pismo Beach one of California’s best beaches?

USA Today praised Pismo Beach as a “picturesque seaside destination known for its panoramic coastal vistas, wide sandy shores and laid-back California charm” that’s “fun for all ages.”

The publication said the beach in southern San Luis Obispo County offers “a great blend of relaxation and recreation.”

USA Today specifically highlighted the variety of outdoor activities available in the area, including surfing, paddleboarding and off-road riding at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.

What are the top 10 beaches in California?

These are the best 10 beaches in California, according to USA Today:

1. ‘Olol’koy Beach Park in Oxnard
2. Pismo Beach
3. Harbor Beach in Oceanside
4. Huntington State Beach in Huntington Beach
5. Coronado Beach in Coronado
6. Santa Monica State Beach in Santa Monica
7. Butterfly Beach in Montecito
8. La Jolla Shores Beach in La Jolla
9. Main Beach in Laguna Beach
10. Crissy Beach in San Francisco

How did USA Today come up with rankings?

To come up with USA Today’s Best 10 Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, a panel of experts selected nominees across a number of categories.

The publication’s readers then voted for their favorites.

So far, USA Today has ranked the nation’s best campgrounds for recreational vehicles, national park lodges, vintage trailer hotels, glamping spots and other options for travelers.

The publication also announced its top picks for things to do and places to go this summer, including hiking trails, drive-in movie theaters and scenic train rides.

This story was originally published June 1, 2024 at 5:00 AM.

Sarah Linn

The Tribune

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Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the West Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo in California and Bellingham, Olympia and Tri-Cities in Washington, as well as Boise, Idaho. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.