what is there to do at pismo beach

Top Things to do in Pismo Beach CA

• Enjoy the Scenery of Eldwaylen Ocean Park ...
• Explore the Interesting Geology Found at Margo Dodds Park ...
• Walk around Dinosaur Caves Park ...
• Join the Fun at Oceano Dunes SVRA ...
• Go for a Walk on Bob Jones Trail ...
• Visit the Pismo Pier ...
• Try a Taste Test at the Sans Liege Tasting Room ...
• Attend the Pismo Beach Clam Festival ...

Full Answer

What time of year to go to Pismo Beach?

The best time to visit Pismo Beach is from September to November. The fall offers warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s and with less fog than the summer months. There are also many festivals and...

Can you have a bonfire at Pismo Beach?

Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz County, located between the boardwalk and harbor, provides fire rings, as do many of Santa Cruz's beaches. Oceano Dunes State Beach in Pismo Beach, popular with off-roaders, also allows beach bonfires. In summer, New Brighton State Beach on the Monterey Bay provides beach fire rings.

How far is Pismo Beach from Sacramento?

The distance between Sacramento, CA and Pismo Beach, CA is 296 mi by car. The travel time is 5 hours and 17 minutes.

Where to eat in Pismo?

Restaurants in Pismo Beach 2. Penny's All American Cafe' 418 reviews Closed Now American, Cafe $$ - $$$ “Perfect Pancakes ” “Pancakes big and... 3. Zorro's Cafe & Cantina 530 reviews Closed Now Mexican, Southwestern $$ - $$$ Menu 0.6 mi Shell Beach “The Enchiladas... 4. Giuseppe's Cucina ...

What is the best thing about Pismo Beach?

When is Pismo Beach open?

How big is Pismo Preserve?

How many acres are there in Pismo Preserve?

How to drive along the Oceano Dunes?

Where is Pismo State Beach?

Where to surf in California?

See 4 more

About this website

Is Pismo Beach worth visiting?

A seaside city that blends natural beauty and surfing charm, Pismo Beach is certainly worth a stop. There are enough attractions to keep you busy for days.

What is Pismo Beach best known for?

Pismo Beach is a quaint beachside city with incredible, expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Popularly known as the Clam Capital of the World, Pismo Beach is particularly known for its clam digging spots and phenomenal Clam Festival, and wherever there are clams, wildlife like otters abound!

Is there a downtown Pismo Beach?

While the golden sand beach is a popular locale for surfers and sunbathers alike, Pismo Beach's dynamic downtown—anchored by the newly renovated 1,200+ foot-long Pismo Beach Pier and Promenade—is a destination in its own right.

Is Pismo Beach a nice beach?

Pismo Beach is one of the leading destinations for beach-goers along California's central coast. The 6-mile-long beach is popular for swimming, surfing, sea kayaking, kite boarding, fishing, and clamming.

Is Pismo Beach safe to swim?

Yes! It's a great beach. Cold, naturally, but safe for swimming.

How much is parking at Pismo Beach?

between $2.00 - $5.00 per hourParking rates vary from block to block between $2.00 - $5.00 per hour, based on current occupancy levels.

Is Pismo Beach walkable?

Pismo Beach Pier Another walkable destination in the San Luis Obispo area is Pismo Beach. It takes less than 20 minutes to drive here.

Is Morro Bay worth visiting?

There are plenty of things to do in Morro Bay, especially if you enjoy exploring the outdoors, love looking for wildlife and birds, and want to savor great food and wine. With its quaint fishing village feel, Morro Bay is one of the cutest and most charming places you can visit on California's beautiful Central Coast.

What was the Pismo Beach disaster?

It's fictitious. It was a trope in the film "Clueless" where Cher, the main character, collected items for charity for this "disaster". There never was any Pismo Beach disaster in real life. Only in this film.

Can you still drive your car on Pismo Beach?

Open to daily vehicle traffic between 7 a.m. and 1 hour after sunset. The new closing time aligns with other state park coastal units.

Is Pismo Beach or Santa Barbara Better?

Pismo Beach is a more laid back family friendly beach town, while Santa Barbara is a far more upscale, romantic couples friendly city next to the sea.

What should I pack for Pismo Beach?

Important essentials for Pismo Beach, California, United States of AmericaKids' KN95 masks. N95 masks don't exist for kids. ... A vaccine card protector. Vaccine cards may wear away. ... Travel insurance. ... Hand sanitizer. ... Travel disinfecting wipes. ... N95 masks to use in crowded airports.

Why is it called Pismo Beach?

The name Pismo comes from the Chumash language word for tar, pismuʔ, which was gathered from tar springs in Price Canyon near Pismo Beach. The tar was a valuable product which the Chumash used to caulk their seagoing canoes, called tomol, which traveled along the coast and out to the Channel Islands.

What does the word Pismo mean?

Noun. pismo n (diminutive pisemko) script, handwriting (characteristic style of writing) (linguistics) script, writing system. script, scripture (written document)

Who lives in Pismo Beach?

Pismo Beach, CA Population & Demographics The population in Pismo Beach is 8,060 people. The racial demographics in Pismo Beach are 84% White, 5.79% Hispanic, 2.25% Asian, and 6.01% other races.

Does Pismo have a nightlife?

Harry's Night Club & Beach Bar "If you're going to Pismo Beach, and you want a bit of nightlife action than Harry's is a must. And pretty much the only place to hang out. It's a pretty fun bar, gets really busy.

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Pismo Beach - Tripadvisor

Things to Do in Pismo Beach, California: See Tripadvisor's 57,662 traveler reviews and photos of Pismo Beach tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in September. We have reviews of the best places to see in Pismo Beach. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

24 Best & Fun Things To Do In Pismo Beach (California) - Busy Tourist

If you’re looking for good vacation spots, you can’t go wrong with the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove.. The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is yet another option among free things to do in Pismo Beach. This stunning spot is the site where thousands of monarch butterflies cluster as they migrate for the winter.

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Pismo Beach - Tripadvisor

Things to Do in Pismo Beach, California: See Tripadvisor's 57,598 traveler reviews and photos of Pismo Beach tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in September. We have reviews of the best places to see in Pismo Beach. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

Roadtripping California - 27 Best Things to Do in Pismo Beach ...

If you are looking for things to do in Pismo Beach, prepare to be spoiled for choice! With miles of sandy beach perfect for taking in the colorful sunsets, and an abundance of fun things to do, Pismo Beach makes for an enticing vacation spot.

What to see in Pismo Beach?

While visiting Downtown Pismo Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach.

What are the best places to visit in South Palisades?

South Palisades might not have many top sights, but Avila Hot Springs and Margo Dodd Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Where is Montana De Oro State Park?

Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Montana De Oro State Park, a lovely green space in San Luis Obispo. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Is there a free cancellation fee for Pismo Beach?

Browse through our top { fun activities in Pismo Beach fun activities in Pismo Beach }, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Do you need a wallet to go to Pismo Beach?

An escape to Pismo Beach doesn't have to break the bank. You won't even need your wallet if you check out: Pismo Beach Pier - If you're eager to check out some of the more important or interesting places in the community, it's worth visiting this place.

What to do in Pismo Beach?

Really, one of the best things you can do in Pismo Beach is to just relax, people watch and wander along the beach. Whether that means soaking in some rays with your toes in the sand or taking a long walk, beach time is always a great time!

Why is kayaking so popular in Pismo Beach?

Why not take advantage of that beautiful, massive ocean by hitting the open water? Kayaking is a popular activity because there are so many amazing spots for it in Pismo Beach.

What is the biggest event in SLO?

If you time your visit for October, be sure to catch the famous Pismo Beach Clam Festival! It’s the town’s largest annual event with clam digs, live music, surf competitions, parades, and one of the best fall events in the SLO area.

How many acres are there in Pismo Preserve?

With 880 acres of open space, the Pismo Preserve is a coastal paradise for nature lovers.

Where to surf in California?

In California, where there are waves, there are surfers! If you know how to surf, grab a board and ride some waves by the Pismo Beach pier, the most popular spot in the area.

How long is the California beach?

It’s 13,700 feet long and gives visitors the perfect opportunity to stroll, watch surfers catching waves, take some scenic selfies, and meander along the promenade—definitely check out a beach surf shop for those classic California vibes.

Is Pismo Beach a good place to live?

Pismo Beach is a small town, but they have a thriving bar scene and plenty of good places to eat and drink. Central California is renowned for its excellent vineyards and wineries, so sipping on some wine is almost a must when you’re visiting the area!

What to do in Pismo State Beach?

Stretching for miles along the coastline south of downtown, Pismo State Beach offers a wide variety of seaside activity. Surfing, swimming, suntanning, and all the usual beachside attractions are easily accommodated, as well as more unique things to do like clam digging, freshwater fishing, and sand dune exploring.

What is the Pismo Beach promenade?

Connected to the pier, the Pismo Beach Promenade provides a great vehicle-free pathway to navigate the beach. To access the quieter north end of the beach, a large wooden staircase owned by the city is found on Wilmar Avenue stretching down to the sand.

How big is Pismo Beach?

The crown-jewel natural space of Pismo Beach, this 11-acre public park has an interesting history regarding a large concrete dinosaur that could be seen from the highway. The novelty dinosaur no longer exists at this city-owned space, and the stunning shoreline and natural features make this one of the most popular oceanfront parks in the county. Atop a high rugged bluff with generous views, a paved path makes its way around the perimeter of the park to reveal the many sea caves below.

What stores are open in Pismo Beach?

Parking is plentiful at Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, and most stores are open seven days a week.

How far is Pismo Beach Pier?

The historic Pismo Beach Pier is a central gathering spot for the community and tourists alike, extending 1,200 feet into the ocean, and connecting to a downtown district lightly scented with the aroma of locally sourced seafood specialties.

Where to go to see monarch butterflies?

On the southern edge of town, Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes are popular places to visit. A habitat for thousands of migrating monarch butterflies each year, the state beach also offers two campgrounds for migrating tourists to spend the night. Oceano Dunes is one of few Special Vehicle Recreation Areas operated by the state, allowing for the unique opportunity to drive ATVs and off-road vehicles onto the sand dunes.

Where to bike in San Luis Obispo County?

Also known as the City to the Sea Trail, this paved bike path offers a great way to spend the afternoon exploring San Luis Obispo County. Starting near Avila Hot Springs, where bicycles are available to rent, the three-mile path lives up to its nickname as it heads to Avila Beach following San Luis Obispo Creek. Crossing scenic pedestrian bridges and escaping the sound of motor vehicles, the trail passes through a golf course before ending near the Avila Beach Pier.

What is the best thing about Pismo Beach?

One of the main attractions in Pismo Beach is undoubtedly the pier. This 1,370-foot-long wooden structure stretches into the Pacific and acts as a community gathering point where visitors can fish, attend seasonal events or simply admire the views. Some of the pier's annual events include Pumpkins on the Pier and the Tree Lighting and Celebration, which kids are sure to enjoy.

When is Pismo Beach open?

This area is a surfer's paradise and hosts the annual World Surf League's Pismo Beach Open in January and February. The pier is even lit up at night, so nighttime surfers can navigate the waves.

How big is Pismo Preserve?

The 900-acre Pismo Preserve stretches from Irish Hills Nature Reserve in the north to Point Sal State Beach in the south. Irish Hills is a mountainous area popular among equestrians, while Point Sal is a great place for fishing, hiking, bird-watching or just relaxing on the sand. (However, the waves here can be strong, so swimming isn't recommended.)

How many acres are there in Pismo Preserve?

The 900-acre Pismo Preserve stretches from Irish Hills Nature Reserve in the north to Point Sal State Beach in the south. Irish Hills is a mountainous area popular among equestrians, while Point Sal is a great place for fishing, hiking, bird-watching or just relaxing on the sand.

How to drive along the Oceano Dunes?

Previous visitors said driving along the dunes in a four-wheeled vehicle makes for an unforgettable experience. You can start off-roading at the Post 2 checkpoint, which is 1 mile south of Pier Avenue. It costs just $5 to register your vehicle for off-roading. While many people opt to simply drive their car onto the beach, another popular way to explore the dunes is on an ATV.

Where is Pismo State Beach?

Beyond the pier is Pismo State Beach, which stretches along the California coast for about 17 miles. In the beach area near the pier, you'll find many people trying their hands at water sports, including surfing.

Where to surf in California?

Beyond the pier is Pismo State Beach, which stretches along the California coast for about 17 miles. In the beach area near the pier, you'll find many people trying their hands at water sports, including surfing. This area is a surfer's paradise and hosts the annual World Surf League's Pismo Beach Open in January and February. The pier is even lit up at night, so nighttime surfers can navigate the waves. If you'd like to rent surfboards or other equipment, you'll find multiple surf shops near the pier, including the popular Pismo Beach Surf Shop.