The Travel + Leisure magazine has named Pismo Beach as America’s Best Small Beach Town of 2026, marking the town’s third major national award this year.
The magazine’s America’s Best Small Towns award is an annual program that highlights small communities throughout the United States, with a select few receiving titles and awards.
Editors from the publication point to Pismo Beach’s nostalgic waterfront, laid-back surf shacks, and old-school charm as reasons behind selecting the town as this year’s winner.
Travel + Leisure also notes that recent development in Pismo Beach has made it a more attractive location for visitors on the Central Coast. Some of these developments include the new luxury waterfront resort and the Grover Beach Amtrak service along Highway 1.
Back in April, Pismo Beach was voted #1 Best Small Coastal Town by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and, in June, was named the #1 Best Beach in California by the same publisher.
"The City of Pismo Beach takes great pride in being a premier destination to live and visit. Our laid-back Central Coast atmosphere, beautiful beach, iconic pier, and fantastic shops, restaurants, and hotels make our city a truly special place,” said Pismo Beach Assistant City Manager Silas Clarke.
According to Pismo Beach officials, small towns are playing a growing role in how Americans continue to explore the country as travelers increasingly prioritize domestic getaways.
