SLO County spot with ‘award-winning boardwalk’ ranked best beach town in US
Searching for some beach-side bliss?
Look no further than San Luis Obispo County, which is home to two of the best coastal small towns in the United States, according to USA Today.
The publication sought out the top beach spots with populations under 25,000 people that “offer a calm and charm that is hard to find in more heavily populated areas.”
USA Today focused on destinations offering scenic views, tasty food offerings, historic sights and plenty of activities.
Pismo Beach landed No. 1 on the list, while Morro Bay nabbed fifth place.
They were the only California towns to make the list.
Here’s what to know:
Why are 2 SLO County beach towns among best in US?
Pismo Beach took the top spot on USA Today’s list due to its beautiful beaches, natural attractions and “award-winning boardwalk,” according to the publication.
It was the first time the SLO County town earned a first-place ranking.
Pismo Beach came in second place in USA Today’s 2018 and 2024 lists of the best small coastal towns.
“Located along California’s Central Coast, Pismo Beach draws in plenty of visitors with its quiet beaches and array of wineries and outlet shopping,” USA Today said.
Travelers can check out natural wonders including Dinosaur Caves Park and Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, or grab a surfboard and catch some waves, the publication said.
Morro Bay landed in the middle of USA Today’s rankings, thanks to its charming waterfront with “pleasant hotels and delicious restaurants,” according to the list.
“This little gem on the California Central Coast is known for its gigantic rock and protected bay, where otters frolic and sea lions lounge on the piers and bark with glee,” USA Today said. “Everyone seems happy in Morro Bay, despite its often chilly weather.”
Visitors to the coastal community can experience a variety of water activities in the bay, including renting kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or electric pontoon boats, the publication said.
What are best quaint coastal towns in the nation?
These were the top 10 coastal small towns in the United States in 2025, according to USA Today:
- Pismo Beach
- Cedar Key, Florida
- Castine, Maine
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Morro Bay
- Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Stuart, Florida
- Duck, North Carolina
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- Beaufort, South Carolina
How did USA Today come up with its rankings?
To narrow down its list of the best small beach towns in the nation, USA Today said it called on a panel of travel experts to nominate their favorites.
The publication then asked readers to vote for their top picks.
The small coastal towns with the most reader votes landed on the top 10 list, USA Today said.
