Best beaches in California? This ‘laidback’ spot is No. 1, USA Today says
Looking for California’s best beach? Head to the Central Coast, USA Today says.
The publication recently announced the winners of its Best10 Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the top spots for sun, surf and sand.
“With 840 miles of coastline stretching from Mexico to Oregon, the Golden State is no stranger to beaches,” USA Today said, noting that many spots along the Pacific Coast are “known for their stellar surfing and even better sunsets.”
Here’s which Central Coast spot scored first place:
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What’s the best beach in California?
USA Today readers voted Pismo Beach the No. 1 beach in California in 2026.
The SLO County tourist destination beat out ‘Olol’koy Beach Park in Oxnard and Huntington State Beach in Orange County to take the top spot.
“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.
In addition to “great weather” and “fabulous area wineries,” the classic beach town off Highway 101 features “long white beaches for taking a pleasant stroll or for just enjoying the spectacular views of the Pismo Beach sunset,” Experience Pismo Beach said.
Popular activities include golfing, surfing, fishing, horseback riding and walks on the Pismo Pier, the tourism bureau said.
Other attractions include shopping at the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets and riding all-terrain vehicles at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation area.
Pismo Beach residents react to first place ranking
Experience Pismo Beach shared news of the city’s No. 1 ranking via Facebook.
“We won!” the tourism group wrote in a Wednesday, May 27, post. “We are absolutely over the moon. This one is for every person who voted, shared, and showed up for this town. ... Thank you!”
“Love my Pismo!!!,” Facebook user Eva Markulis wrote in a comment, along with heart emojis.
Another Facebook user Bryan Niven called the accomplishment “so cool! Feel very fortunate to live in Pismo!”
Some social media users joked that Pismo Beach should be kept a secret.
“Shhh ! It’s my favorite place ! I don’t want more visitors,” Facebook user Cindy Sanchez wrote.
How did Pismo Beach rank in the past?
USA Today ranked Pismo Beach No. 2 on its list of the best California beaches in both 2024 and 2025.
Both years, the top ranked beach in California was ‘Olol’koy Beach Park.
The Oxnard beach fell to second place in 2026 as Pismo Beach took the title.
USA Readers voted Pismo Beach the best small coastal town in the United States in 2026.
Pismo Beach also held the title in 2025 after placing fifth in 2024.
What are the top 10 beaches in California?
USA Today’s ranking for the best beaches in California in 2026 are:
- Pismo Beach
- ‘Olol’koy Beach Park
- Huntington State Beach
- Carlsbad State Beach
- Capitola Beach
- Ventura Beach
- Butterfly Beach
- Santa Cruz Main Beach
- La Jolla Cove
- Malibu Lagoon State Beach
How did USA Today come up with rankings?
USA Today said its “expert panel” nominated their top picks for the best beaches.
Readers cast their votes to determine the winners
This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Best beaches in California? This ‘laidback’ spot is No. 1, USA Today says."
