SLO County spot named No. 2 beach in California for coastal views, laid-back charm
Looking for a top-tier beach to visit this summer? You won’t need to travel far.
San Luis Obispo County is home to the No. 2 beach in the state, according to USA Today’s list of the best coastal gems in California in 2025.
The publication sought out the top spots for beach bliss throughout California’s 400 beaches and 840 miles of coastline.
USA Today focused on destinations offering scenic sunsets, stellar surfing, stunning sandy shores and an abundance of waterfront activities.
Pismo Beach landed the second spot on the list, ranking just behind ‘Olol’koy Beach Park in Oxnard.
Here’s what to know:
Why is Pismo Beach among best beaches in California?
Pismo Beach took the second-best spot on USA Today’s list due to its family-friendly attitude, natural beauty and wide-ranging outdoor activities, according to the publication.
“Fun for all ages, Pismo Beach on the Central Coast is a picturesque seaside destination known for its panoramic coastal vistas, wide sandy shores and laid-back California charm, offering a great blend of relaxation and recreation,” USA Today said.
Visitors who want to play in the waves can try surfing and paddleboarding or explore neighboring sand dunes on all-terrain vehicles, the publication said.
It was the second year in a row the SLO County beach earned a second-place ranking on USA Today’s list of the best beaches in California.
Pismo Beach recently landed the top spot as the best coastal small town in the United States for 2025, according to USA Today.
“With so many incredible beach towns across California, we’re honored to consistently rank among the best,” Gordon Jackson, director of tourism and events for the Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau, said in a news release. “We work hard to make Pismo Beach a truly unique destination that delivers that classic California coastal feeling people come looking for.”
What are best beaches in California?
These were the top 10 coastal gems in California in 2025, according to USA Today:
- ‘Olol’koy Beach Park (Oxnard Beach Park) in Oxnard
- Pismo Beach
- Huntington State Beach in Huntington Beach
- Carlsbad State Beach in Carlsbad
- Ventura Beach in Ventura
- Crissy Beach in San Francisco
- Malibu Lagoon State Beach in Malibu
- Butterfly Beach in Montecito
- Newport Municipal Beach in Newport Beach
- Santa Cruz Main Beach in Santa Cruz
How did USA Today come up with its rankings?
To narrow down its list of the best beaches in the Golden State, 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 California beaches with the most reader votes landed on the top 10 list, USA Today said.
