Local

Explore 8 top rankings that highlight SLO County’s best-of appeal in 2025

Stories by The Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

San Luis Obispo County stands out in 2025 with several top rankings highlighting its charm and livability. Pismo Beach was recognized as the best small beach town in the US, praised for its award-winning boardwalk and scenic coastline. The county earned the No. 2 spot in California for the best places to retire, thanks to strong medical care and a high number of retirement communities.

San Luis Obispo was also called one of America's best towns to visit by CNN, celebrated for unique spots like Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Madonna Inn, and the Downtown Farmers’ Market. Other top honors include SLO ranking among the best US outdoor getaway cities, Paso Robles’ nomination for “Best Main Street,” and SLO’s place as a sought-after college town for Gen Z students. However, the area ranked low for college basketball fans, showing room for new achievements.

A multi-purpose trail connecting Cayucos and Morro Bay will offer scenic views of the coast along Highway 1. Construction is set to start in 2027. By Courtesy of Elizabeth Kavanaugh, San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation Department Planner

NO. 1: STAYCATION, ANYONE? SLO COUNTY SPOT RANKED AMONG TOP ‘QUAINT COASTAL TOWNS’ IN WEST

AAA came up with a list of must-visit waterfront communities on the West Coast. | Published June 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

A view of the city of San Luis Obispo from Terrace Hill. By Joe Johnston

NO. 2: SLO IS ONE OF AMERICA’S TOP 10 TOWNS TO VISIT, CNN SAYS. WHERE DID IT RANK?

The city was labeled as “pure California perfection.” | Published June 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

Michelle Bissonnette and Bryan Bock of Santa Margarita enjoy a sip of wine at the Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival in 2015. The festival returns to Atascadero in June 2017. By Laura Dickinson

NO. 3: SLO COUNTY NAMED THE SECOND-BEST PLACE TO RETIRE IN CALIFORNIA

San Luis Obispo County moved up from last year, according to SmartAsset’s Retirement Calculator. | Published August 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joan Lynch

An aerial view of San Luis Obispo. By Joe Johnston

NO. 4: SLO COUNTY CITY IS NO. 2 IN THE NATION FOR OUTDOOR GETAWAYS, STUDY SAYS. HERE’S WHICH ONE

This local city is “the perfect base to explore,” lifestyle site Yardbarker said. | Published February 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Poukish

People stroll in downtown Paso Robles, near the Acorn Building is at the corner of 12th and Park streets By David Middlecamp

NO. 5: IS THIS SLO COUNTY MAIN STREET THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY? YOU CAN HELP DECIDE

Readers can vote for their favorite pick once a day until early April. | Published March 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sadie Dittenber

Cal Poly’s Cayden Ward takes a shot against Cal State Bakersfield in a basketball game on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Mott Athletics Center. By Laura Dickinson

NO. 6: IS SLO THE WORST CITY FOR COLLEGE BASKETBALL FANS? HERE’S WHERE IT RANKED IN NEW STUDY

The best cities for college hoops have high-performing teams and strong fan engagement, WalletHub says. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kendrick Marshall

A view of Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo with Cerro San Luis and Bishop Peak in the background. By Mark Nakamura

NO. 7: SLO RANKED AS A ‘SOUGHT-AFTER COLLEGE TOWN’ IN THE WEST, NEW STUDY SAYS. WHY GEN Z LOVES IT

The city is perfect for “students craving a genuine college experience,” RentCafe said. | Published March 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Poukish

Cody Johnson, 13, returns to shore as the sun sets after an evening surf session near the Pismo Beach Pier on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. By David Middlecamp

NO. 8: SLO COUNTY SPOT WITH ‘AWARD-WINNING BOARDWALK’ RANKED BEST BEACH TOWN IN US

Two local towns landed on USA Today’s coveted list. | Published April 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Poukish

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.