Local

6 San Luis Obispo County spots that top travel rankings

Stories by The Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

San Luis Obispo County stands out as a top travel destination, regularly earning acclaim in national rankings. Pismo Beach was named the second-best beach in California and also topped the list of best coastal small towns, praised for its scenic boardwalk and range of activities. Cambria earned recognition as one of America's most Instagrammable towns, thanks to its rustic coastline and photogenic downtown.

Central Coast Kayaks in Pismo Beach made USA Today’s top 10 kayak tour companies, offering unique excursions through sea caves and wildlife areas. The city of San Luis Obispo itself was ranked the second-best outdoor getaway in the country for its easy access to surfing and hiking along the coast.

Spring break has brought sun seekers to Pismo Beach April 5, 2022. By David Middlecamp

NO. 1: ‘FUN FOR ALL AGES.’ THIS CENTRAL COAST BEACH IS ONE OF THE BEST IN CALIFORNIA, USA TODAY SAYS

USA Today praised the SLO County spot’s panoramic vistas, “wide sandy shores and laid-back California charm.” | Published June 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

Cayucos resident Mike Sampson successfully navigates a wave on a kayak on a warm Saturday in Cayucos on Nov. 27, 2021. Surfers took advantage of offshore winds and a head-high swell. By Laura Dickinson

NO. 2: EXPLORING THE CENTRAL COAST? THESE KAYAK TOURS ARE AMONG THE NATION’S BEST, USA TODAY SAYS

Kayakers can “paddle past some of the most breathtaking scenery” on the California coast, USA Today said. | Published June 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

Cambria’s West Village is a fine spot for window shopping or perusing a gallery or two.

NO. 3: THIS SLO COUNTY SPOT IS ONE OF THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE TOWNS IN AMERICA, NEW LIST SAYS

The source of this list is not a company you’d expect to see in the city-ranking business. | Published September 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kathe Tanner

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 swim and boat at Atascadero Lake in a screenshot from the 1938 San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce film “Recreation Unlimited.” By San Luis Obispo County Chamber of Commerce

NO. 5: WHAT DID SLO COUNTY LOOK LIKE IN 1938? RARE TRAVEL FILM OFFERS A COLOR TOUR

The 55-minute film includes visits to various landmarks and a circle flight over San Luis Obispo County. | Published March 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Middlecamp

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. 6: 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.