Things to do in Pismo Beach

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Pismo Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Pismo Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau
Pismo Beach Pier showing fishing as well as a small group of people
Pismo Beach which includes general coastal views and surf
Pismo Beach which includes a beach as well as a couple
Pismo Beach showing a lake or waterhole

Pismo Beach Attractions

Smaller cities have a charisma about them you just don't find in their larger counterparts. Make a list of all the exciting things to do in Pismo Beach before you get there so you can see as much as possible during your stay. You'll soon learn that bigger isn't always better!

Discover what makes Pismo Beach tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Browse through our top {24 fun activities in Pismo Beach fun activities in Pismo Beach}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Recommended things to do in Pismo Beach

Number of things to do
24
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Essential Downtown SLO: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Pismo Beach

Free Things to Do in Pismo Beach

Traveling on a lean budget in Pismo Beach? Spend time instead of cash on awesome experiences.

Pismo Beach Pier - Chat to a local resident and find out why many tourists visit this place.

Monarch Butterfly Grove - Revitalize your mind and body by spending some time with Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Pismo Beach with Kids

There's no shortage of fun things to do in Pismo Beach with the youngsters. Make some new memories together with these family friendly experiences:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Pismo Beach? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach Pier showing fishing as well as a small group of people

Pismo Beach Pier

4.5/5(1,360 reviews)

Watch whales from the benches that flank this long pier offering unobstructed vistas of the ocean and the hilly environs.

Pismo Beach Pier
Abundance of sand dollars today! We made sure none were alive, of course. :)

Monarch Butterfly Grove

4.5/5(446 reviews)

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.

Monarch Butterfly Grove
Good, long hike with pretty stations to view landscapes of Pismo

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.

Pismo Preserve
Lovely cliffs

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.

Pirates Cove
Price Anniversary House

Price Anniversary House

5/5(1 review)

Learn about the local history of Pismo Beach with a stop at Price Anniversary House. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Price Anniversary House
Another beautiful overlook along the Pacific coastline.

Margo Dodd Park

After visiting Margo Dodd Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Pismo Beach. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Margo Dodd Park
Panoramic views are the Shell Beach, California

Eldwayen Ocean Park

Learn about the local history of Pismo Beach with a stop at Eldwayen Ocean Park. Wander the beaches and seaside in the area.

Eldwayen Ocean Park

Pismo Beach Premium Outlets

4/5(329 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Pismo Beach Premium Outlets during your trip to Pismo Beach. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.

Pismo Beach Premium Outlets

The Spa at Dolphin Bay

4.5/5(6 reviews)

You can take time to visit The Spa at Dolphin Bay during your travels to Pismo Beach. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.

The Spa at Dolphin Bay

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach

Downtown Pismo Beach

4.5/5(396 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Pismo Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo Beach Surf Shop.

Downtown Pismo Beach
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!

Shell Beach

4/5(19 area reviews)

Visitors to Shell Beach enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Eldwayen Ocean Park is worth a stop.

Shell Beach
View from above Pismo Beach. #PismoBeach

Pismo Heights

While Pismo Heights isn't home to many top sights, Pismo Beach Pier and Price Anniversary House are some notable places to visit nearby.

Pismo Heights
Overlooking Shell Beach from the ridge. Beautiful! A must if your looking for a good day hike. A bit strenuous but possible!

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.

Sunset Palisades
Rugged beach.

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.

South Palisades
Nice Flat Water - cool Breeze no people - it works.

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.

Saint Andrews
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Pismo Beach

Photo by Aimee Bollinger

Arroyo Grande

Avila Beach

Avila Beach

Grover Beach

Grover Beach

Photo by Isabel Diaz

Oceano

Morro Bay

San Luis Obispo

Frequently asked questions

Is Pismo Beach worth visiting?
Providing a blend of coastal beaches and watersports, there are many things to do in Pismo Beach. When you're here, visit Pismo Beach Pier, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Pismo Beach?
Pismo Beach Pier and Avila Hot Springs are two great places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Pismo Beach while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Pismo Beach?
Pismo Beach Pier is one of the top tourist attractions in Pismo Beach and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Pismo Beach?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Pismo Beach Pier, Avila Hot Springs and Avila Beach with a three-day getaway in Pismo Beach. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out San Luis Obispo.
Is Pismo Beach a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Pismo Beach is a good place to explore on foot. Have fun wandering between Pismo Beach Pier and Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar & Shop. Then take a stroll around Downtown Pismo Beach, located 0.1 miles from the center, and Shell Beach, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Pismo Beach with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Pismo Beach with kids.

What to do in Pismo Beach for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there are loads of things to do in Pismo Beach for adults including Edna Valley Vineyard and Talley Vineyards.
Are there free things to do in Pismo Beach?
In Pismo Beach, Pismo Beach Pier is a popular spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Pismo Beach.