A day in Pismo Beach: Things to do and Itinerary
Pismo Beach is a small coastal town on California’s Central Coast popular for surfing, sunsets, and cliffside resorts. It has become quite touristy and crowded over the years, but I feel it has a happening vibe. It is always fun to walk around here, maybe because I like fun, touristy places.
Pismo Beach is located about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, each roughly a three-hour drive away. This makes it a convenient place for an overnight stay to break the drive.
Pismo Beach is also popular with us locals seeking a beach getaway. You can easily enjoy a full day here with nice beaches, coastal walks, stunning ocean views, a lively pier, plenty of restaurants, and nearby outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re stopping for a break on your SF to LA road trip or planning an overnight stay, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Pismo Beach.
Top things to do in Pismo Beach
The main thing to do in Pismo Beach is to chill at the beach, walk around the pier, and eat at one of many restaurants. Well, that is what I do mostly. So, you can totally spend the day just doing that!
But there are other cool things to do in the area, like learning how to surf, riding an ATV on the sand dunes, visiting the butterfly grove, or hiking.
Below are some of the best things to do in Pismo Beach.
Pismo State Beach
Pismo State Beach is the heart of Pismo Beach town. It is a wide sandy beach that goes on for miles and is ideal for lounging, walking, or catching a sunset. There is a huge Pismo Beach sign here, perfect for taking photos.
The waves at Pismo State Beach are a hit with surfers and bodyboarders, ranging from beginner-friendly breaks to more challenging swells. If you’re new to surfing, you can take surfing lessons on the beach.
➡️I recommend this beginner-friendly Surfing lesson at Pismo Beach
You can enjoy beach volleyball here or ride a bike or e-bike on the boardwalk. Take stunning photographs, explore tidepooling, or find an ideal spot and watch the sunset.
Pismo Beach Pier
The iconic Pismo Beach Pier is hard to miss. It is right next to the Pismo Beach sign. The wide pier is perfect for a leisurely walk, soaking in ocean views, and catching a sunset. It is also a popular spot for fishing.
I recommend walking all the way to the end of the pier if you have the time. You might happen to see some whales if you are lucky. There is an airstream visitor center on the pier which looked really cool.
Try the local restaurants
Pismo Beach has a thriving dining scene, offering everything from fresh seafood to burgers and pizzas and some really popular cinnamon rolls!
A must-visit spot is Splash Cafe, famous for its clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. It was very busy when we visited but we managed to get seating after some wait. We ordered burgers, and they were delicious. Another popular burger joint is Cool Cat Cafe, which is across the street.
Ventana Grill is a bit away from the main beach area but popular for seafood. If you are looking for a sweet snack, head to Old West Cinnamon Rolls. Their gooey cinnamon rolls are legendary and a perfect snack to enjoy while strolling the beach. We bought extras to take home with us!
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Monarch Butterfly Grove is a eucalyptus tree grove near Pismo Beach on Hwy 1. Visit from late October to February to witness thousands of monarch butterflies clustered in these eucalyptus trees.
I still have to see this, but I have heard from friends that it is really cool. If you are visiting during the winter months, make sure to stop here.
Dinosaur Caves Park
Dinosaur Caves Park is located to the north of Pismo Beach and is a family-friendly park with stunning ocean views, play areas, and walking trails.
This massive cliffside park is a great place for a morning walk or to watch the sunset in the evening while strolling on the walking paths that meander along the cliffs.
Families will appreciate the playful dinosaur-themed playground and wide open spaces for kids to run around. You must visit if you have little kiddos, but it’s great for grown-ups, too. There are benches to admire the ocean views, picnic tables and plenty of lawn area to have a picnic.
Oceano Dunes
Just south of Pismo Beach, the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve offers opportunities for off-roading, hiking, or simply enjoying the sand dunes.
It’s one of the few coastal dune systems where you can drive vehicles directly on the beach. You can rent ATVs or dune buggies for a thrilling adventure.
➡️I recommend this Dune Buggy, UTV, or ATV Experience at Pismo Beach
Wine Tasting
While not directly in Pismo Beach, the Edna Valley wine region is just a short drive away. This area is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and many of the wineries offer tastings with stunning views of rolling vineyards. It’s a great way to add a touch of wine-country getaway to your visit.
If you’re up for a longer adventure, consider heading to Paso Robles, about 45 minutes from Pismo Beach. This renowned wine region is home to over 200 wineries, often paired with beautiful vineyard settings and warm hospitality.
Many local tour operators provide wine tours from Pismo Beach to Paso Robles, making it easy to enjoy a day of wine tasting without worrying about the drive.
➡️I recommend this Paso Robles Wine Adventure with pickup from Pismo Beach – small group tour with lunch included.
Pismo Preserve
If you are looking for more strenuous hiking than just strolling on the beach, then head to the Pismo Preserve. The preserve offers over 11 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Pismo Beach, and surrounding hills.
Trails range from easy to challenging climbs, making it suitable for all levels. Open from sunrise to sunset, the preserve is perfect for a morning or afternoon hiking exercise with rest at scenic overlooks.
How to spend a day at Pismo Beach
While it is perfectly okay to just chill at the beach all day, below is a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time in Pismo Beach.
Morning
- Start your day with breakfast at Old West Cinnamon Rolls for a delicious treat.
- For your morning activity, you can visit the Oceano sand dunes for an ATV or dune buggy ride or hiking at Pismo Preserve.
Afternoon
- Have lunch at Splash Cafe. Their clam chowder in a bread bowl is popular, and they also have great burgers and fries. We were also able to find a vegetarian burger option, which was delicious.
- Visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove if it’s in season. Otherwise, head to Dinosaur Caves Park for beautiful ocean views and photo ops.
- Relax at the beach or try your hand at surfing.
Evening
- Get a photo at the giant Pismo Beach sign near the pier.
- Stroll the Pismo Beach Pier and downtown area and enjoy some souvenir shopping.
- Treat yourself to dinner with a view at The Oyster Loft or Ventana Grill, offering fresh seafood.
- End your day watching a spectacular sunset from the beach or pier.
Where to stay in Pismo Beach
If you’re staying overnight, Pismo Beach has a lot of great oceanfront resorts scattered along ocean bluffs. Many have stairs to go down to the beach. There are several right near the pier as well.
Here are some great options:
Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach is right on the beach with a rooftop terrace, restaurant, and cafe with ocean views and firepits in the evening.
SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel is at the northern end of Pismo Beach, with stairs providing beach access. It is a family-friendly resort with a pool and hot tubs, plus complimentary breakfast.
Inn at the Cove, a cliffside oceanfront resort, is a bit away from the main Pismo Beach area. It’s perfect for those looking for a secluded retreat that is still steps away from the busy pier and beach. It also has a complimentary breakfast, a pool, and hot tubs.
Vacation rentals – There are several cozy rentals in Pismo Beach, ideal for families or larger groups.
What else is nearby
If you have extra time, consider visiting these nearby attractions:
- Avila Beach (10-minute drive) – A small, laid-back beach town with a family-friendly vibe and natural hot springs.
- San Luis Obispo (20-minute drive) – Explore this lively college town, home to Mission San Luis Obispo, the quirky Bubblegum Alley, and a stroll-worthy downtown area with a creek trail.
- Paso Robles (45-minute drive) – Paso Robles offers fantastic wineries, dozens of tasting rooms, and beautiful countryside. Sensorio Field of Lights is a unique evening attraction and a must -see!
- Morro Bay (30-minute drive) – A small coastal town north of Pismo Beach, famous for the iconic Morro Rock, fresh seafood, and kayaking opportunities.
- Solvang – A Danish-inspired village about an hour south of Pismo Beach, known for its unique architecture, bakeries, and windmills.
Final Takeaways
Pismo Beach is a small but fun coastal town where you can expect to see crowds. Whether you are lounging on the beach, strolling on the pier, surfing the waves, or enjoying delicious food, it’s a happening place to be.
For California locals, Pismo is a great place for a beach getaway on the Central California Coast, and for tourists, a great break for a lunch stop or overnight stay on their road trip. Make sure to take a picture at the Pismo Beach sign!
⭐ Got questions about your trip?
Join my private Facebook group – California Travel Advice & Tips! It’s the perfect spot to connect with me and other California locals, as well as past visitors. It’s a great growing community and the quickest way to get answers for your visit!
