Popular big city beaches have plenty of perks, but they also come with big crowds. If you’re looking to escape all the people, but still want scenic views and sandy beaches with a more laid-back feel, small beach towns are tough to beat. The “USA Today” 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards have just come out, revealing the Best Coastal Small Towns in the country.
- An expert panel nominates their picks, which are voted on by readers nationwide. Each town has 25-thousand people or less and features “a calm and charm that’s hard to find in more heavily populated areas,” along with historic attractions, and plenty of things to do both on and off the water.
- For the second year in a row, the winner is Pismo Beach in California. It has a population of just over 8-thousand and is known for its wide sandy beaches and low-key vibe.
- Located just a few hours from Los Angeles, it has wineries nearby, a walkable downtown area, a boardwalk, and Pismo State Beach stretches for about 17 miles and is a seasonal home for monarch butterflies.
- California claims four of the top 10 small beach towns this year.
The Top 10 Best Coastal Small Towns⠀
- Pismo Beach, California
- Stuart, Florida
- Morro Bay, California
- Avalon, California
- Castine, Maine
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Beaufort, North Carolina
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
- Cedar Key, Florida
Source: NY Post