Flying from NYC to Pismo Beach

Question

We are visiting family in October who are in Pismo Beach - we are NYC based. Understand that the closest airport is SLO, though we are a bit wary of flying on small regional planes. Would the next best option be to fly direct from NYC to either LAX or SFO and then take a rental car? I know this is a 3+ hour drive from either airport, but this may be more palatable than flying on those small planes. Struggling to decide between the two airports, so would welcome any thoughts.

Answer

Flying from NYC to Pismo Beach requires some planning because the local airport (San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, SBP) is small and primarily served by regional carriers. If you’re hesitant about flying on smaller planes, considering LAX or SFO and driving might be more comfortable, though it adds significant driving time.

Option 1: Fly to San Luis Obispo (SBP)

Pros: Short drive to Pismo Beach (~15–20 minutes), more convenient, less travel fatigue after arrival.
Cons: Only regional flights are available from major hubs, usually via LAX or SFO first; the planes are smaller, which may be less comfortable and slightly more susceptible to turbulence.
Limited flight options may require early connections or multiple legs.

Option 2: Fly to Los Angeles (LAX) and drive (~3–3.5 hours)

Pros: Wide range of direct flights from NYC on larger, mainline carriers; more flexibility in flight times and airlines.
Rental car options are plentiful at LAX. Scenic drive up the coast via US-101 or Highway 1 if you allow extra time.
Cons: Significant drive immediately after a long flight; traffic leaving LAX can be heavy, especially in the late afternoon/evening.

Option 3: Fly to San Francisco (SFO) and drive (~3–3.5 hours)

Pros: Direct NYC flights on major carriers; drive to Pismo Beach is generally less congested than LAX route and can be quite scenic.
Cons: Similar long drive; starting the trip northbound may be less intuitive depending on your itinerary.

Additional considerations:

If minimizing flight stress is the priority, LAX or SFO with a rental car may be the best bet despite the longer drive.
If convenience and shortest travel from plane to destination is more important, SBP is ideal, accepting that the flight will be on a smaller aircraft.
Driving along the Central Coast is scenic, especially if you take Highway 1 for part of the route.
Consider flight timing: early morning flights may avoid LA traffic; late afternoon/evening flights may coincide with peak traffic.

In summary, it comes down to comfort versus convenience. Flying into SBP is easiest for ground travel but involves small planes, while LAX or SFO offers larger planes and more options but requires a long drive to Pismo Beach.

Flying from NYC to Pismo Beach

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