CA beach town with ‘award-winning boardwalk’ is No. 1 in the nation. Where is it?
Searching for some beach-side bliss?
California is home to two of the best coastal small towns in the United States, including the No. 1 spot in the nation, according to USA Today.
USA Today said it sought out the top beach towns with populations under 25,000 people that “offer a calm and charm that is hard to find in more heavily populated areas.”
The destinations also had to offer scenic views, tasty, historical sights and plenty of activities, the publication said.
Here are the Golden State beach towns that landed on the list:
What small California beach towns are among best in US?
Two San Luis Obispo County beach towns landed on USA Today’s list of the best small coastal towns for 2025.
Pismo Beach was No. 1, while Morro Bay grabbed fifth place.
Pismo Beach took the top spot due to its beautiful beaches, natural attractions and “award-winning boardwalk,” according to the publication.
It was the first time the popular San Luis Obispo County city landed the No. 1 ranking after coming in second place in USA Today’s 2018 and 2024 lists.
“Located along California’s Central Coast, Pismo Beach draws in plenty of visitors with its quiet beaches and array of wineries and outlet shopping,” USA Today said.
Travelers can check out natural wonders including Dinosaur Caves Park and Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, or grab a surfboard and catch some waves, the publication said.
Morro Bay landed in the middle of USA Today’s rankings, thanks to its charming waterfront with “pleasant hotels and delicious restaurants,” according to the list.
“This little gem on the California Central Coast is known for its gigantic rock and protected bay, where otters frolic and sea lions lounge on the piers and bark with glee,” USA Today said. “Everyone seems happy in Morro Bay, despite its often chilly weather.”
Visitors to the coastal community can also experience a variety of water activities in the bay, including renting kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or electric pontoon boats, the publication said.
What are best quaint coastal towns in the nation?
Here were the top 10 best coastal small towns in the United States in 2025, according to USA Today:
- Pismo Beach
- Cedar Key, Florida
- Castine, Maine
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Morro Bay
- Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Stuart, Florida
- Duck, North Carolina
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- Beaufort, South Carolina
How did USA Today come up with its rankings?
To narrow down its list of the best small beach towns in the nation, 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 small coastal towns with the most reader votes landed on the top 10 list, USA Today said.
This story was originally published April 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "CA beach town with ‘award-winning boardwalk’ is No. 1 in the nation. Where is it?."
