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, CA
![Pismo Beach Pier showing fishing as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203235-Central-California.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Where to stay in Pismo Beach
![Pismo Beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/31000/31758-Pismo-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Downtown Pismo Beach
While visiting Downtown Pismo Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo Beach Surf Shop.
![Best avocado toast EVER! 2 people could probably share this 1/2 order, the basil aoli, feta and balsamic glaze are sooo good together with the bacon, acid and egg! Great service, friendly staff, and lots of other yummy menu items, fresh baked goodies and fresh brewed coffees. Make this a must try for breakfast/brunch or lunch!](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/874a9f9b301674e65d2edcc0c5a444ad.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Shell Beach
Visitors to Shell Beach enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Margo Dodd Park is worth a stop.
![View from above Pismo Beach. #PismoBeach](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/063e489db7c29f8331a077a2cb6959a9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Pismo Heights
While Pismo Heights isn't home to many top sights, Price Anniversary House and Pismo Beach Surf Shop are some notable places to visit nearby.
![Overlooking Shell Beach from the ridge.
Beautiful! A must if your looking for a good day hike. A bit strenuous but possible!](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/70b008e8be9cd45a33d69c2437502b5c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Sunset Palisades
While Sunset Palisades might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Avila Hot Springs and Pirates Cove.
![Rugged beach.](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/4757563d8883747d335082baf311d12e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
South Palisades
South Palisades might not have many top sights, but The Spa at Dolphin Bay and Avila Hot Springs are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
![Nice Flat Water - cool Breeze no people - it works.](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/1d15a247d6befc327df04727c30382f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
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 Pismo Preserve.
![Edgewater Inn And Suites](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/900000/894000/893902/b9bacae6_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024
![Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/41000/40915/436e958b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024
![Spyglass Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/41300/41235/6b758790_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024
![Great location! Easy beach access! Sleeps 12](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33570000/33563400/33563326/29ea9b1f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024
![The Beach Getaway for 2 - Rv site xtra](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/98000000/97290000/97288400/97288374/35c2e3ca_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 10, 2024
![Five minute walk to Pismo Beach!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/74000000/73280000/73271600/73271515/79917131_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 16, 2024
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.
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.
Price Anniversary House
Learn about the local history of Pismo Beach with a stop at Price Anniversary House. Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.
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 the beautiful beaches and seaside in this romantic area.
Things to do
Paso Robles: Wine Country Sightseeing Tour by Sidecar
Paso Robles: Cass Winery Tour with Wine Tasting
Reviews of Pismo Beach
3/5 - Okay
The city of Pismo should’ve completed the pier project a long time ago. They have overcrowded the small city even more by allowing additional large hotels to be added
4/5 - Good
Super packed. But I definitely expected that!
5/5 - Excellent
I had a great time.
3/5 - Okay
There was way to many people in the downtown area other than that was nice
5/5 - Excellent
beach is great!
5/5 - Excellent
First time there and is a Beautiful clean Beach
- Pismo Beach Pier
- Monarch Butterfly Grove
- Pismo State Beach
- Pismo Beach Premium Outlets
- The Spa at Dolphin Bay
- Pismo Preserve
- Price Anniversary House
- Pismo Beach Surf Shop
- North Beach Campground
- Margo Dodd Park
- Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve
- Yang Sheng Foot Spa
- Sans Liege Wines
- Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar & Shop
- California Polytechnic State University
- Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
- Avila Hot Springs
- Morro Bay State Park
- Avila Beach Golf Resort
- Morro Rock
- Avila Beach
- Morro Strand State Beach
- Montaña de Oro State Park
- Fremont Theater
- Edna Valley Vineyard
- Bubblegum Alley
- Cuesta College
- Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
- Morro Bay Golf Course
- Monarch Dunes Golf Club
- Lopez Lake Recreation Area