Does SLO County have the best main street and coastal town in U.S.? How to vote
Three San Luis Obispo County cities were nominated for USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards — and you can vote to help them make it to the top 10.
Paso Robles, Pismo Beach and Morro Bay were all named in USA Today’s list of competitors for its Readers’ Choice Awards, also known as the 10Best awards.
The annual awards nominate locales in a wide array of categories, ranging from amenities and attractions to sports to outdoor recreation. They then allow readers to choose their favorites to be compiled in a top-10 list.
This year, Paso Robles is a contender for the best main street award.
Meanwhile, both Pismo and Morro Bay are competing for the title of best coastal small town — an accolade that Pismo won last year, according to an Experience Pismo Beach news release.
Readers can vote at the 10Best website once per day for their favorite pick in each category. Winners in both categories will be announced in April.
Why were SLO County cities nominated?
Paso Robles is running against 19 other American cities for the title of best main street.
According to USA Today’s website, the 10Best award acknowledges the “renaissance” of main streets, highlighting the downtown thoroughfares that serve as the heart of their community.
Other cities nominated on the list included Denver, Colorado, and Salem, Massachusetts.
The list described Paso Robles as the “ideal getaway destination or stopping point on your next California road trip.”
“Many local attractions are near Downtown City Park, which is just two blocks west of Highway 101,” the list said. “There’s enough food, history and outdoor activities to warrant staying a night, which you should consider spending at the historic Paso Robles Inn.”
Meanwhile, Pismo Beach and Morro Bay were two of 20 cities nominated for the best coastal small town.
“Big cities have their perks, but these 20 coastal small towns — nominated by an expert panel as the best in the country — offer a calm and charm that is hard to find in more heavily populated areas,” the USA Today website said. “Each one has a population of around 25,000 or less, and you can enjoy scenic views, historic attractions, delicious food, and plenty of things to do both on and off the water.”
The SLO County towns were nominated alongside cities like Bar Harbor, Maine, and Montauk, New York.
Other California cities also made the list, including Carmel-by-the-Sea and Avalon.
USA Today described Morro Bay as a Central Coast gem where “everyone seems happy.” “That’s because it’s such a charming spot, with pleasant hotels and delicious restaurants lining the waterfront,” the list said.
USA Today also highlighted Morro Rock, the waterfront and wildlife like otters and sea lions that can often be seen from shore.
Meanwhile, Pismo was recognized for its “quiet beaches and array of wineries and outlet shopping.”
“Other highlights to check out include Dinosaur Caves Park, the Monarch Butterfly Grove, and the award-winning boardwalk,” the list said. “You might also enjoy some fishing or surfing if you prefer to stay on the water.”
How to vote
Readers can vote for their top pick in each of USA Today’s 10Best categories once per day.
For the main street category, voting will run until April 6 at 9 a.m., the website said. The 10 winners will be announced on April 15.
Meanwhile, voting for the best coastal small town category will run until March 30 at 9 a.m., with winners announced on April 8.
Voting for the main street category can be found here: 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-main-street/
Voting for the coastal small town category can be found here: 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-coastal-small-town/
