{"id":508,"date":"2026-06-05T21:04:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T21:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sanfranciscomovingguide.com\/?p=508"},"modified":"2026-06-05T21:04:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T21:04:34","slug":"central-coast-beach-town-named-best-in-the-country-for-the-second-year-in-a-row","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanfranciscomovingguide.com\/?p=508","title":{"rendered":"Central Coast beach town named best in the country for the second year in a row"},"content":{"rendered":"
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USA Today released its list of the\u00a0top 10 coastal small towns in America for 2026, and readers rewarded Pismo Beach for the second year in a row with the top spot. And after two years of being runner-up, the squirrely town\u2019s beach on the Central Coast was also named the best beach in California.<\/p>

Read more Pacifica Pier closes, cafe likely to be demolished due to giant crack in concrete walkway<\/a><\/p><\/div>

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\u201cPismo Beach has been named Best Beach by USA Today 10Best Readers\u2019 Choice, and we are absolutely over the moon,\u201d Visit Pismo Beach said on Instagram. \u201cThis one is for every person who voted, shared, and showed up for this town\u2026 thank you! Best Coastal Small Town two years running. Now Best Beach. We\u2019re just getting started!!\u201d<\/p><\/div>

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Pismo Beach, nearly midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on Highway 101, has been name-dropped on television and film for decades.USA Today highlighted the town\u2019s quiet beaches and tourist attractions, including its wineries, the Dinosaur Caves Park and the\u00a0Monarch Butterfly Grove, where you can spot the endangered western monarch butterflies that have been making a comeback.<\/p><\/div>

It was enough for Pismo to beat popular West Coast contenders like Huntington Beach and Carlsbad State Beach. Also making the list of top coastal towns were Morro Bay, Avalon and Carmel.<\/p><\/div>

\u201cFun 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,\u201d USA Today wrote. \u201cYou\u2019ll find outdoor activities everywhere, such as surfing, paddleboarding, and exploring the nearby dunes via ATV.\u201d<\/p><\/div>

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