Located along California’s stunning Central Coast, Pismo Beach is a picturesque seaside town that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and laid-back beach vibes. So whether you’re a surf enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie looking for culinary delights, Pismo Beach has something for everyone. Join ViewCation as we journey through some of the best things to do in Pismo Beach, California.
Go for a walk on Pismo Preserve’s trails.
Pismo Beach is a beautiful location with an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. One such destination worth checking out is the Pismo Preserve, an 880-acre (356-hectare) nature preserve that offers stunning views and diverse recreational activities for nature lovers.
The preserve features an 11-mile (17.7-kilometer) trail that takes you through oak woodland and coastal ridgelines, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Hiking, biking, and birdwatching are popular activities here, and you can even bring your horse along for a ride.
Some of the trail options available include the Discovery Trail, Spring to Spring, Lone Oak, Panhandle, and Vamanos Canyon. The Spring to Spring Trail, in particular, is highly recommended for beginner hikers and families with kids and dogs.
Visitors can also bring their furry friends along for the adventure, provided they are leashed at all times. Managed by The Land Conservancy, Pismo Preserve is an important site for nature conservation and outdoor recreation.
The trails at Pismo Preserve offer a fantastic opportunity for individuals of all levels of experience in hiking to enjoy the outdoors and marvel at the scenic beauty of the Central Coast.
Buy some produce at Pismo Beach Farmers Market.
Pismo Beach Farmers Market is a must-visit destination for anyone who enjoys shopping for fresh produce. The market is a bustling hub of local farmers and vendors selling a wide variety of goods, such as fresh vegetables, berries, honey, and more. These vendors are passionate about their products and are committed to bringing the freshest, highest-quality products to their customers.
The market is set in a beautiful location overlooking the scenic views of Pismo Beach, which only adds to the delightful shopping experience. Each vendor has their own stall where they showcase their locally grown produce, allowing customers to browse and select the best quality items for their needs.
It is worth noting that the market is only open from March to October each year. So if you are planning to visit, be sure to plan your trip during these months to experience the best of what the market has to offer. Be it that you’re a local resident or a tourist, a visit to Pismo Beach Farmers Market is an experience not to be missed.
Explore Pismo Beach Pier & Plaza
If you’re visiting Pismo Beach, make sure to stop by the Pismo Beach Pier & Plaza. This attraction is a popular spot for taking a leisurely stroll, fishing, and observing the local surfers catch waves. The pier was built in 1923 and has undergone a lot of changes and damages over the last 100 years.
At the beginning of the pier, you’ll find a large plaza where you can take a photo with the iconic Pismo Beach sign. If you’re feeling hungry, be sure to visit the Sunsets at Pismo food truck that serves breakfast, lunch, appetizers, and drinks including wine, beer, and margaritas.
Aside from swimming, the area is also ideal for surfing, hiking, and camping. Birdwatchers will love seeing birds like brown pelicans, great blue herons, ivory gulls, and Nuttall’s woodpeckers.
The Pismo Pier is the “crown” of Pismo Beach, spanning 1,370 feet, and is the region’s most photographed location. At night, the pier is beautifully lit up, creating a perfect ambiance for nighttime surfers.
Seasonal events like Tree Lighting and Pumpkins on the Pier are also held here. The pier also features the Whale Surfing Playground, the a new play area for kids featuring a Humpback whale, surfboards and a Clam Slide, which tells the story of these magnificent creatures.
Rent an ATV
Renting an ATV is a fantastic way to explore the Pismo Beach dunes. If you don’t want to drive your car on the beach, ATV rentals are an option to consider. During your visit, you can experience the thrill of zooming across the sandy landscape with the wind in your hair. There are a variety of ATV rental companies located near the Oceano Dunes entrance, and it’s advisable to book your reservation in advance, particularly on weekends when there’s high demand.
One option for ATV rental is Steve’s ATV Rentals, which has a storefront located along Pier Avenue. When you arrive, you’ll check in and take a shuttle ride over to the rental location on the beach. Before you hit the sand, you’ll watch a safety video to ensure you’re fully informed about how to operate the ATV. Once you’re ready, you’ll embark on a thrilling ride across the dunes on your UTV, with an endless expanse of sand before you.
Relax in a cozy oceanfront hotel
Nothing compares to the SeaCrest Beachfront Hotel when it comes to lodging options in Pismo Beach. This hotel sits in a prime location right on the beach, offering guests stunning views of the ocean that can be enjoyed from the comfort of their rooms.
Each room at the SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel is designed with comfort and elegance in mind. Bright and modern touches make each space feel cozy and inviting. But the real draw of this hotel is its amenities. There are three hot tubs on the property, making it easy to relax and unwind after a day spent exploring the area. The hotel also features a beautiful pool, perfect for swimming laps or lounging in the sun.
If you’re looking for a place to gather with friends or family, the patios with fire pits are an ideal spot. There’s nothing quite like sitting around a fire with the ocean as your backdrop. And for those who really want to take in the beauty of the area, the rooftop terrace is a must-visit spot. It’s the perfect place to sit back and relax while taking in the stunning views of Pismo Beach.
Take a surfing lesson
If it’s your first time traveling to the Central Coast, trying out surfing is a must-do activity. Pismo Beach is a surfing hot spot so don’t miss out on this fun beach sport!
Surfing is an activity that you must not miss when visiting Pismo Beach, particularly if you’re traveling to the Central Coast for the first time. Pismo Beach is a popular destination for surfers, making it an ideal place to try your hand at this exhilarating beach sport.
For first-time surfers, it’s recommended to sign up for beginner surfing lessons. In these lessons, experienced instructors will guide you through the basics of surfing in an encouraging and exciting way. The lessons will include all the necessary gear, so all you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to learn and have fun.
Not only will you have a great time riding the waves, but you’ll also enjoy the stunning scenery of Pismo Beach from a unique perspective. Don’t miss the chance to catch some waves and experience the thrill of surfing in one of California’s most iconic beach destinations!
Indulge in fresh seafood
When it comes to food, Pismo Beach has a lot to offer, particularly fresh and delicious seafood that you can savor at local restaurants. While the iconic Pismo Clams can no longer be harvested due to unsustainable practices, you can still enjoy other scrumptious seafood options in Pismo Beach. The downtown area has a wide range of seafood restaurants, offering something for everyone.
Some of the most popular seafood eateries in the area include Cracked Crab, Wooly’s, Splash Café, Pismo Fish and Chips, and Oyster Loft. These restaurants serve up delectable seafood dishes that are sure to please your taste buds.
If you happen to visit in October, don’t miss the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival. The festival features a parade, live music, various activities, and of course, plenty of clam chowder to enjoy. It’s a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine of Pismo Beach!
Watch a sunset on the beach
One of the most relaxing activities you can do in Pismo Beach is to spend a peaceful evening watching the sunset on the beach. The Central Coast boasts some truly magnificent sunsets that are sure to take your breath away. To make the most of this experience, it’s important to arrive about an hour before sunset to catch the “Golden Hour,” when the setting sun illuminates everything in a beautiful golden light. This time of day is particularly perfect for photography, so don’t forget to bring your camera along.
To fully immerse yourself in the experience, pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and drinks and find a comfortable spot on the beach to settle in for the evening. Pismo Beach is known for its stunning sunsets, especially when there are clouds in the sky but not too much wind. The colorful display of the sky as the sun dips below the horizon is an unforgettable sight.
Take the time to relax, unwind, and take in the breathtaking view. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or that special someone, watching a sunset on the beach is a memorable experience that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Visit Eldwayen Ocean Park
Located on Ocean Boulevard, Eldwayen Ocean Park is a peaceful and stunning spot nestled against the cliffs of Shell Beach. Stretching for a mile along the beautiful California coastline, the park offers breathtaking ocean views that contrast beautifully with the lush green grass. With its serene ambiance, the park is never overcrowded, making it an ideal location for walking, having a relaxing picnic, lounging on the grass, or indulging in other leisure activities.
Eldwayen Ocean Park is an excellent choice for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet escape in Pismo Beach. During low tide, the beach becomes accessible, revealing the diverse sea creatures that call it home. Visitors can witness an array of marine life, including sea stars, limpets, sea anemones, urchins, and crabs, as they make their way through the sand and surf. Whether you seek to take a peaceful stroll or explore the diverse marine life, Eldwayen Ocean Park is a must-visit attraction in Pismo Beach.
Have fun at Pismo Bowl.
If the weather isn’t cooperating with your outdoor plans, Pismo Bowl is a great indoor activity option that offers fun for all ages. This family-owned establishment has been around since 1939 and exudes a retro vibe that adds to its charm.
With eight lanes, Pismo Bowl offers public bowling as well as league bowling for all skill levels. You can even reserve all eight lanes for a private party or just for a more exclusive experience. In addition to bowling, there is also an arcade on-site to keep you entertained.
One of the best parts of Pismo Bowl is its diner, which serves up delicious pizza that is perfect for refueling between games. For adults, there is a selection of local beers to enjoy while you play.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you. Which of the activities above piqued your interest the most?