Where are best beaches in the US? This affordable California spot made the top 10
With spring break just around the corner, Californians are looking for the best spots to soak up the sun.
Fortunately, the Golden State has one of the top 10 beaches in the nation, according to HomeToGo.
The vacation rental marketplace recently released its list of the best beach destinations in the United States, based on accommodation prices, warm weather, local charm and other factors.
“From wallet-friendly paradises to under-the-radar coves, this ranking serves up insights as to the best spots for every kind of traveler — whether they’re looking to make waves with plenty of action or drift away to a peaceful retreat,” HomeToGo said.
Here’s where local beaches ranked, and why:
What’s the best beach in California?
Shell Beach was the highest California beach on HomeToGo’s list of the top spots for a “perfect beach vacation,” landing at No. 8.
Shell Beach was the second best in the nation in terms of affordability, the HomeToGo study found, with a median nightly price for a vacation stay in the area of approximately $73 per person.
The San Luis Obispo County beach town also scored high as a “hidden gem,” according to HomeToGo.
“Known as a perfect spot for kayaking and surfing, Shell Beach is a family-friendly area along the north bluffs of Pismo Beach,” the Visit San Luis Obispo website said, offering clifftop views, access to tide pools and parks including Dinosaur Caves Park and Spyglass Park.
Where did Pismo Beach and Avila Beach rank?
Other Central Coast beaches landed lower on HomeToGo’s list.
Avila Beach and Pismo Beach scored the highest in the same category: visitor satisfaction.
Avila Beach, which was No. 56, is home to San Luis Obispo County’s only nude beach — Pirates Cove — as well as the Avila Beach Pier, Bob Jones City-to-the-Sea Bike Trail and Central Coast Aquarium.
Nearby attractions include the Avila Valley Barn and the Point San Luis Lighthouse.
It costs about $175 a person to spend the night at vacation accommodations in Avila Beach, according to HomeToGo.
Pismo Beach, which ranked at No. 86, offers a classic California beach town experience with wide, sandy shores and popular tourist attractions including the Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo Preserve and Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove.
Off-roaders can explore the nearby Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.
The median nightly price of a vacation stay in Pismo Beach is about $183 per person, HomeToGo said.
In 2025, HomeToGo highlighted the top 35 beaches in the United States — with Avila Beach coming in first place. It was the SLO County beach on the list.
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What other California beaches made the list?
San Diego County’s Imperial Beach was the highest ranking Southern California Beach on HomeToGo’s list, landing at No. 59.
The San Diego County beach gains part of its appeal from its miles-long shores and surf-worthy swells.
The median cost of a nightly vacation stay in Imperial Beach is $89.68 per person, according to HomeToGo. These were the other coastal California spots that made HomeToGo’s top 100 list, and where they ranked:
- No. 76: Dillon Beach
- No. 87: Hermosa Beach
- No. 91: Huntington Beach
- No. 95: Mission Beach
- No. 97: Manhattan Beach
- No. 98: Newport Beach
- No. 99: Laguna Beach
- No. 100: Venice Beach
Where are the top 10 beach getaways in the US?
According to HomeToGo, these were the top 10 beaches in the nation in 2026:
- Saint Joe Beach, Florida
- Bethune Beach, Florida
- Jamaica Beach, Texas
- Butler Beach, Florida
- South Bethany Beach, Delaware
- Terramar Beach, Texas
- Satellite Beach, Florida
- Shell Beach
- Litchfield Beach, South Carolina
- Indian Beach, North Carolina
How did HomeToGo come up with its rankings?
HomeToGo said it used internal search data to create a list of U.S. beach destinations with “notable recorded traveler demand for 2026,” focusing on spots where visitors can stay for less than $200 a night.
A total of five data points were used to rank the beach destinations:
- Search volume for vacations in the area
- Median nightly price for accommodations
- Average high temperatures
- Average visitor satisfaction
- Average distance traveled vacationers to reach destination
Data for the affordability, hidden gem, local secret, temperature and visitor satisfaction categories came from sources including Google, Tripadvisor, Yelp and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This story was originally published March 21, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Where are best beaches in the US? This affordable California spot made the top 10."