Fish from the pier, hike over sand dunes or enjoy the watersports on offer you’ll find that most activities at Pismo Beach center around the sun, sand and waves.To see the main stretches of the coastline, take advantage of the free Avila Beach Trolley. This seasonal service operates a roundtrip from Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, a shopping center, to Port San Luis, stopping at beaches in between. Hop off the trolley and hit the sand to sunbathe, surf or swim. Kite flying and kite boarding are also popular in this area, because of the prevalent Pacific Ocean breeze. If you visit between late October and February, be sure to check out the migrating Monarch butterflies. Every year, tens of thousands of them fly to Pismo Beach seeking respite from the colder weather further north. The colony can be found on the branches of eucalyptus and Monterey pines in the Monarch Butterfly Grove, located just half a mile (800 meters) south of Pismo Beach.South of the township, hikers and thrill seekers have plenty of opportunities for fun at the towering sand dunes of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex. This natural landmark is 18 miles (29 kilometers) long and contains dunes that stand hundreds of feet above sea level. Go on a hike and discover the flora and fauna, such as the California red-legged frog and the California tiger salamander. Visit the Interpretative Center in Guadalupe, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Pismo Beach, for information on the area.If you prefer things a bit faster, get behind the wheel of a rented quad, dirt-bike or four-wheel drive and speed around the sand drifts of the Oceano State Vehicular Recreation Area, one of the only areas in California where it is legal to drive on the beach. There are ATV rental agencies in the town of Oceano. Pismo Beach is approximately halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The main street, Price Street, is just a short walk from the Pacific Ocean, and has many restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops.
Pismo Beach
Where to stay in Pismo Beach
Downtown Pismo Beach
If you're spending some time in Downtown Pismo Beach, Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach are top sights worth seeing.
Shell Beach
Visitors to Shell Beach enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Margo Dodd Park is worth a stop.
Sunset Palisades
While Sunset Palisades isn't home to many top sights, Avila Hot Springs and Pirates Cove are some notable places to visit nearby.
Pismo Heights
Though Pismo Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Price Anniversary House and Pismo Beach Pier.
South Palisades
While there might not be top attractions in South Palisades, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Spa at Dolphin Bay and Avila Hot Springs.
Saint Andrews
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Saint Andrews and surrounding area, you can visit The Spa at Dolphin Bay and Avila Hot Springs.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2024
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Reviewed on 15 Apr 2024
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Popular places to visit
Pismo Beach Pier
Watch whales from the benches that flank this long pier offering unobstructed vistas of the ocean and the hilly environs.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Monarch Butterfly Grove, a lovely green space in Pismo Beach. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Price Anniversary House
Learn about the local history of Pismo Beach when you take a trip to Price Anniversary House. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants.
Pismo Preserve
You can take time to visit Pismo Preserve during your travels to Pismo Beach. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area.
Pirates Cove
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Pirates Cove during your trip to Pismo Beach? Stroll along the seaside or discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area.
Margo Dodd Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Margo Dodd Park, a lovely green space in Pismo Beach. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Things to do
Big Sur Tour: Self-Guided Drive
Half-Day (4 Hours) Pedego Electric Bike Rental Pismo Beach
Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour: Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway
1-Hour Pedego Electric Bike Rental Pismo Beach
The Pismo Beach Prowl Scavenger Hunt
Private Pismo Beach Audio Driving Tour
Reviews of Pismo Beach
4/5 - Good
Boy spent a night there so only visited the hotels and the beach itself
4/5 - Good
Lovely place to stop off on a route 1 trip.
5/5 - Excellent
Excellent wee place beautiful surroundings Defo on my route for my next holiday in california
4/5 - Good
Loved Pismo just hotel over priced and badly run
2/5 - Disappointing
Bad choice for us
5/5 - Excellent
Cracked Crab is definitely worth a visit (and possibly a wait ). Ventana Grill also really good.