A sleepy Central Coast escape just a few hours from Los Angeles has been crowned the best coastal small town in the US — and locals aren’t surprised. Pismo Beach has taken the top spot in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards , eclipsing tons of seaside destinations across the country after thousands of votes were cast online. Known for its wide sandy shores and low-key vibe, the beach town—with a population just over 8,000—has long been a favorite for Californians looking to ditch the