Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Oceano, California
Wide crescents of coastline, jagged cliffs, and all-terrain dune drives, are just a few of the reasons why Pismo Beach is primo ground for even the most jaded beach bums. Secluded tidal pools, a pirate cove, and a million-dollar pier, add to the charm of Pismo Beach, making it one of the worthiest wave hubs of the Central California Coast. When it comes to staggering good looks and rugged charm, Pismo Beach with its 23 miles of white sands, has been aptly dubbed "Beauty and the Beach."
Located on California's central coast, bend and turn with the highway past San Luis Obispo until Pismo Beach pops up on the horizon like a Hollywood backdrop. Seagulls soar over wide, open skies and ocean view hotels perch precariously at the edge of craggy bluffs. And Pismo Beach hotels are affordable. Unlike Central California's more expensive beachside communities, Pismo Beach is charmingly simple and understated. It is natural beauty without the show.
Pismo Beach is not only known for its seashore splendor, but what it under the sea is no less impressive. One of the clam capitals of the Central Coast, Pismo Beach greets visitors with a giant, sculpted clam and every October crowds gather on Pismo Beach for the famous annual clam festival. Dig for them if you have a license, but if you don't, you can head to one of the coastal restaurants to taste clam chowder and fresh catch.
Anglers can head to Pismo Beach Pier, one of the most popular fishing piers in Central California, to reel in lincod and red snapper. And there's a bait & tackle shop on the pier, no license required. If you want to return home a real hero, try your hand at shark fishing. This nighttime sport is a Pismo Beach Pier tradition. You'll find the shark-fishing "regulars" hanging out along the pier just after dark.
But Pismo Beach has captured more than just the hearts of fishermen and beach goers. Every year more than a million travelers make their way to the 1200-foot Pismo Beach Pier to view the sunset, visit the arcade, or catch a glimpse of the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Surfing contests are held regularly near Pismo Beach Pier and full-moon surf sessions are a regular event.
If you are more of a sand flea at heart, here's a brief lowdown on the lay of the land: The area north of Grand Avenue is the family, jogging section where lifeguards are generally on duty. For cliffy, craggy scenery, head north toward Shell Beach and Pirate's Cove. And for those who prefer to keep sand out of their shoes, this tidbit might be of interest: Pismo is the only beach in the region that permits all-terrain vehicles on the dunes. A mile south of Pier Avenue, you will find the Pismo Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, an eight-mile stretch of off-road bliss. If you prefer to explore the sands on four legs rather than four wheels, there are livery stables in the town of Oceano (a few miles south of Pismo Beach) that will rent you a horse to explore Pismo Beach like a true pioneer. Stunning scenery, pure white sands, riding and sunbathing, beach-going purists agree that Pismo Beach is quite simply, the real deal.