Central Coast earns a number of honors in 2025 Sunset Travel Awards

Sunset Magazine launched its 2025 Sunset Travel Awards final week, naming the very best journey areas within the West, and the Central Coast took dwelling a number of the honors.

In the “Where to Go: Beautiful Beaches” class, three out of the 5 winners are in our personal yard: Montecito, Avila Beach and Pismo Beach.

“Being named one of the West’s best beaches by Sunset Magazine is an honor,” stated Gordon Jackson, Director of Tourism and Events for the Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. “It reflects the heart of our community, the warmth of our locals, and the breathtaking experiences that make Pismo Beach a destination people return to again and again.”

Genelle Padilla/KSBY

Sunset’s employees said that Pismo “embodies Western living, with its excellent surf, charming restaurants, and ample access to wildlife.”

Montecito was highlighted for its riveting botanical gardens, new restaurant openings and seaside. Avila Beach was praised for its ample trails and bike paths, sizzling springs resorts and its farmers market that occurs on Fridays.

Olivia Gonzalez-Britt/KSBY

The different two winners have been Carlsbad and Ventura County Coast.

The whole listing is made up of 29 classes, starting from “Cruises” to “Where to Stay: Best in Hawaii.”

Local companies additionally obtained some recognition, resembling Hotel Californian within the “Where to Stay: Coastal Gems” and Hotel San Luis Obispo in “Where to Stay: Wine Country Escapes.”

The full listing of classes and winners may be discovered here.