When U.S. News & World Report put out its list of “The 21 Most Charming Small Towns in California,” we weren’t surprised to find three SLOCAL spots on the list. Read the full list on usnews.com and check out our highlights below.
Cambria
Cambria is the epitome of a sleepy coastal town. This small seaside spot is well known for its close proximity to Hearst Castle, but it could easily stand on its own for its dramatic scenery and quaint village vibe. The town’s Main Street contains business fronts boasting a variety of gorgeous architectural styles that are made even more appealing thanks to the towering Monterey pine trees that enshroud the area. While visiting, check out the local art galleries, as Cambria has garnered a reputation for being a hamlet for the creative. Then, explore Moonstone Beach, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve or Hearst San Simeon State Park.
Where to stay: Located across from Moonstone Beach, the Fireside Inn offers cozy lodging with fireplaces and ocean views.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is the perfect option for travelers seeking plenty of outdoor experiences. One of Pismo Beach‘s claims to fame is the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve. These expansive dunes allow for horseback riding on the beach as well as all-terrain vehicle rentals and tours through the dunes. In the water, visitors can go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or kiteboarding. If you aren’t much of an adventurer, stop by the Monarch Butterfly Grove to watch thousands of butterflies flutter about (the season runs from late October to February) or take a stroll along the beach, which boasts beautiful views of the town’s lush coastal hillsides.
Where to stay: Accommodations range from budget to luxury, with a handful beachfront resorts situated near the Pismo Beach Pier. Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, Autograph Collection has an upscale vibe with oceanfront suites, dining, fire pits and a pool. Outdoor enthusiasts can pitch a tent at Pismo State Beach’s North Beach campground.
Morro Bay
This quaint fishing village located about 15 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking a simple getaway. Morro Bay has a low-key, laid-back atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The star of the show is Morro Rock, a 576-foot-tall volcanic plug that was previously used by mariners as a navigation tool as far back as 1542. Today, visitors admire the rock’s stature from adjacent beaches. Other popular things to do in Morro Bay include trips to Morro Bay State Park and Morro Bay National Estuary Program, which teaches residents and visitors about local wildlife.
Where to stay: The crescent-shaped bay has plenty of hotels to choose from, including the waterfront HarborWalk Inn, Anderson Inn and Inn at Rose’s Landing.
