Best US seaside city? Pismo Beach CA named No. 1

San Luis Obispo County is home to the best small beach town in America, according to Travel + Leisure.

The publication recently singled out the best destinations for sun, sand and surfing as part of its America’s Best Small Towns awards.

Pismo Beach took Travel + Leisure’s 2026 list of the best small beach towns in the United States.

The travel magazine highlighted that the coastal town continues to maintain “its classic coastal California feel, now with new dining, shopping, and a stunning cliffside hotel,” Travel + Leisure contributor Evie Carrick wrote in an Aug. 18 article.

See what SLO County beach town was the best in 2026:

What is the best small beach town in 2026?

Travel + Leisure named Pismo Beach the best small beach town in the U.S. for 2026.

“Pismo Beach may have a nostalgic waterfront lined with taffy shops, laid-back surf shacks, and old-school charm, but there’s more happening beyond the beach,” the travel magazine said.

The SLO County coastal town was highlighted for its local shops and boutiques, outdoor activities and dining scene.

Where should I stay in Pismo Beach?

Travel + Leisure listed three Pismo Beach hotels with “unbeatable ocean views” and other perks.

Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa at 2727 Shell Beach Road boasts “some of the area’s best ocean views,” Travel + Leisure said, as well as spacious accommodations in the form of condos with full kitchens, open living areas, and private balconies.

Pacific Point Resort at 2255 Price St. has two pools, multiple eateries and a sun deck on-site.

The hotel even offers “real-time dolphin and whale alerts,” notifying guests whenever marine mammals swim into view.

Travel + Leisure also showcased Vespera Resort, which is close to the Pismo Beach Pier along the boardwalk.

In addition to a central waterfront location that gives guests “some of the best beach town, and boardwalk access in Pismo,” the hotel at 147 Stimson Ave. features a “lawn and pool area designed for gathering, with firepits, morning yoga and al fresco dining,” the publication said.

What are things to do in Pismo Beach?

Travel + Leisure emphasized a number of “must-do” activities in Pismo Beach when visiting the coastal town.

One suggestion was visiting the Pismo Beach Pier, which Experience Pismo Beach described as capturing the “laid-back charm that makes Pismo Beach feel like classic California.”

The Pismo Beach Pier stretches out 1,200 feet into the ocean. Visitors can stop by Sheldon’s Clam Stand to grab bait and tackle before casting a line off the pier.

Travel + Leisure also spotted Pismo Beach’s plethora of tide pools, where beachcombers can find sea stars, crabs, anemones and more when the tide is low. Margo Dodd Park and Eldwayen Ocean Park were named as ideal locations.

At Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, nature lovers can watch monarch butterflies flutter through the eucalyptus trees from November to February.

The Pismo Beach grove “provides the perfect microclimate for the western monarch to rest during the winter months,” California State Parks said.

Travel + Leisure also highlighted multiple surf shops and restaurants in Pismo Beach.

Where are America’s Best Small Towns?

Pismo Beach was the only California city recognized as one of Travel + Leisure’s America’s Best Small Towns in 2026.

These communities also earned accolades from the travel publication:

• Best small mountain town: Hood River, Oregon
• Best small lake town: Laconia, New Hampshire
• Best small desert town: Ely, Nevada
• Best small arts and culture town: Frenchtown, New Jersey
• Best small food town: Mystic, Connecticut
• Best small spa and wellness town: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
• Best small retirement town: Georgetown, South Carolina
• Best small college town: Oxford, Mississippi
• Best small sports town: Kohler, Wisconsin

How did Travel + Leisure pick award winners?

To be considered for Travel + Leisure’s America’s Best Small Towns awards, a city had to have a population less than 30,000 people along with travel opportunities.

Travel advisors, industry leaders and other contributors nominated towns across the United States.

Then, a panel of experts chose the top destinations that “readers will enjoy the most right now,” Travel + Leisure said.

The expert panel consists of 10 editors, writers and contributors from travel news outlets.