Things to do in Pismo Beach
Outdoor adventure on California’s Central Coast
Welcome to a classic California beach town, complete with wide-open beaches, fun family restaurants, and plenty of possibilities for paddling, surfing, and other sorts of water play. If wildlife is your thing, gray whales can be spotted in winter, just as a sizable monarch butterfly population migrates along the Western Monarch Trail. A nearby elephant seal rookery is also accessible year-round. Other things to do in Pismo Beach include wine tasting, visiting the Oceano Dunes, and digging for clams.
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When to visit
Although it may seem like a great summer destination, Pismo Beach tends to be foggy May through July. Instead, plan your trip for fall, between September and November, when the average high is 72°F (22°C). You can also enjoy the beloved Pismo Beach Clam Festival if you visit in October. Winter months are cooler but sunny, and you can find deals on accommodations and fewer crowds.
Getting around
The nearest airport to Pismo Beach is the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), although this might be pricier than bigger hubs located further afield. Once you get to Pismo Beach, needing a car depends on where you plan to explore. Several main bus routes can take you throughout town as well as to the beaches and Pismo Beach Premium Outlets. Alternatively, the Avila-Pismo Beach Trolley is a free service that operates seasonally and connects Pismo Beach to neighboring Avila Beach.
Traveler tips
In the know travelers love a little secret: Central California produces some great wines, thanks to a temperate climate that’s ideal for growing riesling, cabernet franc, sauvignon blanc, and pinot noir grape varietals. You can explore the local offerings at a few local tasting rooms, including Monarch Grove Winery Tasting Room, Tastes of the Valleys, and Edna Valley Vineyard, located in San Luis Obispo.