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California’s Central Coast has been all the rage lately.
Santa Barbara is breaking tourism records and former nameless towns are practically singing to the heavens Cheers theme song now.
But there’s one seaside vacation that doesn’t get talked about enough and that takes the cake as America’s best beach vacation—a vacation you may have heard of, but might have a hard time clocking.
Awarded by experts from American news and world reportthis vintage town packed with wineries, surf culture, expansive sandy beaches and a 300-foot pier with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean ticks all the boxes for a relaxing getaway.
Take it from me, a ten year San Diegan, this is one beach town you won’t want to skimp on on your next West Coast vacationwhether you’re joining a road trip along Highway 101 or cozying up at 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 fortune of a hedge fund manager to take a vacation in paradise.
Buying a house on the beach? That’s another story…
Pismo Beach is the textbook definition of “prime real estate.” Being halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city have an exit route nearby, where a blissful retreat awaits on the calm Central Coast.
Not everyone will be taking an epic road trip to/from Big Sur anytime soon, given California’s insanely high gas prices, but it’s also easy to get to by flight since it’s so close to Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.
Another great way to get here is with Amtrak, because there is a station next to Grover Beach, where you can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery of the aforementioned LA or even as far as San Diego.
Don’t tempt me…
California’s newest (and coolest) beach town
Wine, whales and waves, oh my!
That’s what you say when you stay at the Central Coast’s newest resort: Pacific point.
Scheduled to open this summer, this unparalleled retreat is making waves in more ways than one.
Firstly, It is said that they offer one wine wall, as reported by Travel + Leisure. I’m already sold.
But what intrigues us most is something I wish I had in San Diego, since I haven’t seen a whale here yet: a “Whale Watch Dispatch”.
That’s right: this brand new hotel warns guests when to take their money free binoculars.
How great is that?
Better yet, not to return to real estate, but Pacific Point’s location couldn’t be better. Score the right balcony and you’ll feel like you’re floating above the ocean on Cloud 9.
Where Old School California meets beautiful wine country
If you thought LA looked like the movies, that’s not exactly the case – especially these days, many travelers say they no longer feel as safe when they visit.
Ironically, the Central Coast is more in line with what many imagine California to look like through a Hollywood lens.
We’re talking hordes of bleach-blonde surfers, dramatic waves, lively boardwalks, rolling green hills and, of course, romantic wineries.
There are still parts of the Central Coast that feel untouched and you’ll probably feel so much safer exploring the whole region than many parts of LA, one of the many reasons why this is the new West Coast hotspot.
Several elements of California’s appeal blend seamlessly here as a well-balanced red.
Very literally, actually.
Pismo Beach remains an unsung wine destination with numerous wineries in town and even more on the outskirts, such as local favorites Monarch Grove Winery Tasting Room.
The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter if it’s a family getaway or a couples retreat, finding your niche is easy to do.
With such an expansive coastline where you can soak up the sun during the day on beautiful beaches like Pismo State Beach, and plenty of ways to end your day with great restaurants and decadent wineries, Pismo Beach makes it easy to turn a relaxing beach vacation into the best of California in one place.
Pismo’s calendar is full!
At first glance, Pismo might like another sleepy beach town. Another look at the city’s events calendar will completely change that perception.
Here are Pismo Beach’s top upcoming events that have earned Travel Off Path’s endorsement:
It’s clear that Pismo Beach is no stranger to Mans’ best friend. In reality, dogs are allowed on the beach here all year round – another reason why Pismo Beach is such an attractive road trip destination.
Don’t be surprised if you see a herd of four-legged potatoes running around in front of Corgi Nation this September, where one of the cutest dog breeds is treated like royalty for a weekend.
