California’s Central Coast has been all the rage as of late.
Santa Barbara is breaking tourism records and former no-name towns are practically singing the Cheers theme song now.
But there’s one coastal getaway not discussed enough that’s taking the cake as America’s top beach getaway — one you may have heard of, but might have trouble clocking it.
Crowned by experts at U.S. News & World Report, this vintage small town brimming with wineries, surf culture, expansive sandy beaches, and a 1,200-foot pier with sweeping Pacific views ticks all the boxes for a laid-back hideaway.
Take it from me, a decade-long San Diegan, this is one beach town you don’t want to skimp on for your next West Coast vacation, whether partaking in a Highway 101 road trip or cozying up in a beachside boutique hotel for a dreamy long weekend.
The Perfect Halfway Point
California and prime real estate go hand in hand. Fortunately, you don’t need the net worth of a hedge fund manager to vacation in paradise.
Buying a beachfront home? That’s a different story…
Pismo Beach is the textbook definition of “prime real estate”. Being the halfway marker between San Francisco and Los Angeles, those looking to escape the city grind have an exit route nearby, where a blissful getaway awaits smack dab on the calm Central Coast.
Not everyone will be up for an epic road trip to/from Big Sur any time soon, given California’s insanely high gas prices, but it’s easy to reach by flight, too, being so close to Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.
Another awesome way to get here is by Amtrak, as there’s a station next door to Grover Beach, where you can chug along gorgeous coastal scenery from aforementioned LA or even as far as San Diego.
Don’t tempt me…
California’s Newest (And Coolest) Resort Town
Wine, whales, and waves, oh my!
That’s what you’ll be saying if you stay at the Central Coast’s newest resort, Pacific Point.
Slated to open this summer, this unparalleled stay is making waves in more ways than one.
First off, they’re said to offer a wine wall, as reported by Travel + Leisure. I’m sold already.
But what intrigues us most is something I wish San Diego had since I’ve yet to spot a whale here — a “Whale Watch Dispatch”.
That’s right — this brand new hotel will alert guests when to grab their complimentary binoculars.
How awesome is that?
Better yet, not to circle back to real estate, but Pacific Point’s location couldn’t be better. Score the right balcony, and you’ll feel like you’re floating on Cloud 9 above the ocean.
Where Old School California Meets Gorgeous Wine Country
If you thought L.A. looks like the movies, that’s not exactly the case — especially nowadays, with many travelers saying they no longer feel as safe visiting.
Ironically, the Central Coast is more in line with what many imagine California looks like through a Hollywood lens.
We’re talking hordes of bleach-blonde surfers, dramatic crashing waves, lively promenades, rolling green hills, and of course, romantic wineries.
There are still swaths of the Central Coast that feel untouched and you’ll likely feel so much safer exploring the entire region than many pockets of LA, one of many reasons this is the new West Coast hotspot.
Different elements of California’s appeal blend together seamlessly here like a well-balanced red.
Quite literally, actually.
Pismo Beach is still an unsung wine destination with numerous wineries in town and even more on the outskirts, such as local favorite Monarch Grove Winery Tasting Room.
The bottom line is no matter if it’s a family getaway or a couples retreat, finding your niche is easy to do.
With such an expansive coastline to soak up the sun by day on beautiful beaches, such as Pismo State Beach, and ample ways to cap off your day with great restaurants and decadent wineries, Pismo Beach makes it easy to turn a laid-back beach getaway into the best of California in one place.
Pismo’s Calendar Is Packed!
At first glance, Pismo may like another sleepy beach town. Another glance at the town’s event calendar will change that perception entirely.
These are Pismo Beach’s top upcoming events that earned Travel Off Path’s stamp of approval:
Obviously, Pismo Beach is no stranger to Mans’s Best Friend. In fact, dogs are allowed on the beach year-round here — yet another reason Pismo Beach is such an enticing road trip destination.
Come September, don’t be surprised to see a flock of four-legged potatoes running around for Corgi Nation, where one of the cutest dog breeds are treated like royalty for a weekend.
Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
