Pismo Beach, California Holidays

Pismo Beach Holidays

Don’t miss the historic 1,200-foot-long Pismo Beach Pier. Built in 1928, the pier is the closest thing to a town square for Pismo Beach. Take a walk out over the waves to watch the surfers, or maybe try your hand at fishing (no licence required) for red snapper, ling cod or even the occasional thresher shark. From the pier, stroll along the oceanfront boardwalk, or just hike along the hard-packed sands; the broad, flat expanses make this one of the most walkable beaches in all of California.

The broad, flat expanses at Pismo Beach make this one of the most walkable beaches in all of California.

Pismo Beach’s gorgeous setting means that there are all sorts of ways to connect to nature. Saddle up for horseback through the dunes just south of town and all the way to the surf on guided outings with Pacific Dunes Riding Ranch. Tours with Central Coast Kayaks take paddlers into dramatic sea caves tucked into the craggy coastline north of downtown. Or, rent a ‘dune buggy’ or an ATV to ride the dunes at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. And while you might spot 35-ton grey whales from the shores, tiny creatures that weigh less than a gram put on unforgettable displays when the thousands of monarch butterflies arrive at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove from late October to February.

An iconic beach town deserves some traditional beach food and in Pismo you’ll find all sorts of timeless favourites. Spoon up some of the silky, award-winning chowder at Splash Café. Or bite into the black Angus burgers at Wooly’s Beach Bar & Grill, where the deck overlooks the sand.

As the gateway to the nearby Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley wine regions, Pismo Beach also has a sophisticated side to its culinary scene. Discover an outstanding selection of local wines without leaving town at Tastes of the Valleys, which earned honours as one of the top 20 wine bars in America from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Pair gorgeous ocean views with fresh seafood at Oyster Loft (above Wooly’s) or Latin-inspired entrees at the Ventana Grill, two of the best sunset spots in town.