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Pismo Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Pismo Beach Tops USA TODAY 10Best List
Several other California destinations also recognized in annual rankings.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:33pm
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Pismo Beach's stunning coastal vistas and outdoor recreation opportunities earn it top honors on the prestigious USA TODAY 10BEST travel list.Pismo Beach TodayUSA TODAY has released its annual 10Best list, and the coastal California city of Pismo Beach has been named the top destination. Several other California locations, including San Francisco and Napa Valley, were also recognized in the prestigious travel rankings.
Why it matters
The USA TODAY 10Best list is a highly influential travel industry award, providing valuable exposure and driving tourism to the winning destinations. Pismo Beach's top ranking will likely lead to a surge in visitors to the Central California beach town, boosting the local economy.
The details
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards are determined by an expert panel and public voting. Pismo Beach, known for its miles of sandy beaches, pier, and vibrant downtown, edged out other top contenders to claim the number one spot. Other California destinations recognized in the 10Best list include San Francisco, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs.
- The USA TODAY 10Best list was released on April 11, 2026.
The players
USA TODAY
A major national newspaper and media brand that publishes the influential annual 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards.
Pismo Beach
A coastal city in Central California known for its beaches, pier, and vibrant downtown.
What’s next
The Pismo Beach tourism board is expected to launch a new marketing campaign highlighting the city's top ranking on the USA TODAY 10Best list, likely leading to increased visitation and economic activity in the coming year.
The takeaway
Pismo Beach's recognition as the top destination on the prestigious USA TODAY 10Best list underscores California's enduring appeal as a premier travel destination, with several other Golden State locales also earning accolades.
