Magical Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach...There are so many things to love. What's your favorite?

Is it the weather? The long never ending sandy beach? Maybe it’s the cool ocean water?  Or is it the dunes?  OH, never mind, I know...It’s the fresh clam chowder and the fish and chips!

Whatever your favorite thing about travel to Pismo is, I'm sure you’ll find the info you need for your next trip here on our site.

After all, I’m a vacationer, talking to you, a vacationer. So, I have a good idea what kind of tips you need to get the most out of your Pismo vacation.

I get you. Get me?

Pismo Beach SunsetPismo Beach Sunset

Things To Do In Pismo Beach

I mean, I’ve done just about everything Pismo has to offer…

I’ve surfed the waves, rode the dunes, and got the sunburn on the beach.

I’ve camped on the beach and I’ve stayed in the most luxurious Pismo Hotels (and lodged in everything that falls in between those two extremes...motels, RVs, and I’ve even slept in my car a few times).

I’ve browsed, shopped, and bought at the stores and outlets.

I’ve eaten the chowder, the fish and chips, the BBQ, and the cinnamon rolls. I’ve drank the coffee, the beer, and smoked the cigars.

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, “I’VE BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT” and I want to help you “BE THERE AND DO THAT” too!

I LOVE PISMO BEACH!

Early Morning Pismo BeachEarly Morning Pismo Beach

AND...Not only can I give you helpful tips on what to do, where to stay, and what to eat…

I’LL ALSO SHOW YOU HOW TO SAVE MONEY DOING IT. (Shhhh...I have secrets)

I started coming here way back in the 1970s with my family...my Grandparents, parents, and my siblings. And now, in the 2020s, I come here with my daughters.  Eventually, I’ll be coming here with my Grandkids...and maybe even Great Grandkids.  That will be a total TRIP!


UPCOMING EVENTS IN PISMO BEACH

Party On Price

September 4, 2022 - December 4, 2022

Recurring monthly on the 1st Sunday

Art in the Park @ Dinosaur Caves in Shell Beach is a once-a-month event taking place on the first Sunday of every month from 10am-4pm, May through December.!

Over 100 local artists and craftsmen sell and display their work, including paintings, sculpture, pottery, glass, textiles, jewelry, wood and metal furniture, and more. The event also features live music, hands-on children’s activities. For more information, please visit www.artintheparkshellbeach.com.

Farmers Market

August 31, 2022 - October 26, 2022

Recurring weekly on Wednesday

Join us each Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on the Pier Promenade for our weekly Farmers' Market. Meet our local vendors while enjoying the scenic views of Pismo Beach.

Purchase your local vegetables, berries and more. Stop by each week to see the new offerings and special treats.

The market will run from March to October every year.

Art In The Park

September 15, 2022

This fun event is a mixer/social to promote local businesses along Price Street. Businesses will provide light appetizers and specials to guests visiting their shops! Visit https://www.pismochamber.com/ for further information.

Clam Festival

October 14, 2022 - October 16, 2022 --Daily

This community tradition since 1946, the 76th annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, attracts generations of families and visitors from all around, who look forward to spending three days overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Pismo Beach.


Pismo on the Central Coast

It really is hard to pick one favorite thing, isn't it?

The entire California Central Coast is just magic...or "MOJO" if you prefer. Because, let's face it, "Pismo" is MORE than just Pismo Beach. 

There's Shell Beach next door, hidden Avila, the shoppers paradise of Arroyo Grande, beautiful Morro Bay, and Cayucos way up north.  San Luis Obispo County on the central coast is full of fun, foods, and frolics. And everything is just a short distance from each other.

I've been coming to Pismo Beach since I was about 5 years old.  I remember the fun of digging holes in the sand and building sand castles. And the time my cousin taught me how to dig for sand crabs.  Exciting stuff for a 5 year old.

As I got older I became more interested in surfing, going to the arcade, and trying to meet girls.

And now, as an adult, it's the incredible restaurants, wineries, and coffee houses in all the different locations in SLO County. 

Don't get me wrong I still love the beach and the ocean but it's hard to beat a fresh hot clam chowder bread bowl at a cafe I'm trying for the first time. Good stuff.

Pismo's Fresh Clam ChowderPismo's Fresh Clam Chowder

And speaking of clam chowder, how about those restaurants?!

Pismo Beach Restaurants

There's way more than chowder and fish'n'chips here.

The barbecue is incredible. You have several places to choose from. You can find several places to get delicious hand tossed pizza, big juicy burgers, and grilled steaks to die for.

And let's not forget the amazing sweets. I'm sure you've tried those fresh baked cinnamon rolls by now (my favorite is the pecan roll with the frosting, WOW!). Plus, there's some great fudge, designer donuts, and of course, salt water taffy that melts in your mouth.

Some Fun Shopping Too...

My daughters' favorite. 

Right there by the pier there's lot's of cool shops to find unique gifts and clothing items.  Plus, the Pismo Beach Outlet stores demand a required visit as well.

And like I said, Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo are favorite places to shop for unique items.

Pismo ShoppingPismo Shopping

Pismo Beach Lodging

The Pismo area offers pretty much any kind of lodging you need for your overnight stays.

Some are happy as a clam while roughing it in a tent.  Others MUST have the comforts of a 5-Star resort. That's fine. We all have a preference.

I've done both...and loved every minute of it.

There are also plenty of mid-range options as well. How about renting an RV? Or bring your own and camp on the dunes.

Pismo Beach hotels and motels range anywhere from 2-Star to 5-Star.  And they're at price ranges that will fit almost any budget.

Pismo BeachPismo Beach

Let Us Show You Around Pismo Beach...

Let's get going.

You came here probably looking for something specific regarding Pismo Beach, CA. 

Welcome. Click around and find what you need. And if you can't find it, let us know so we can help.

Let us share with you...

  • our favorite beach and ocean activities
  • places to get the best savory dishes and sweet treats
  • our favorite attractions for the whole family (and some only for the adults)
  • affordable family lodging...and some that only a few wallets can handle
  • free things to do that your bank account will appreciate
  • fun stuff that'll cost you few bucks but are so worth it
  • where to find the best shopping
  • how to access and play on the dunes
  • unique spots that only Pismo Beach offers
  • introduce you to real estate experts that can help you move here permanently (we're working on that one too)
  • and many other things that I consider "The Best of Pismo"


Pismo Family VacationPismo Family Vacation