Summary
Why Should You Vacation in Pismo Beach?
Pismo Beach, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, is the quintessential California beach town. This smaller town features a short main drag leading to a pier that extends into the sea, creating an atmosphere perfect for beach volleyball, kite flying, and enjoying local seafood dishes.
The wide sandy beaches offer ample space for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or digging for Pismo clams. Moreover, the sand dunes on the west side of town provide exciting opportunities to ride ATVs or take guided tours in Hummer vehicles with Pacific Adventure Tours or Xtreme Hummer Adventures. Additionally, passenger vehicles can access the beach, making it possible to camp right by the ocean.
If the beach isn’t enough, the nearby San Luis Obispo wine country is an excellent alternative for exploration.
Best Time to Take a Pismo Beach Vacation
Interestingly, summer is not always the best beach season in California. Visitors from other locations should note the phenomenon known as “June gloom,” which occurs when an offshore fog layer rolls in and lingers along the shore. This weather pattern can start as early as “May Gray” and may occasionally extend into “No Sky July.”
Consequently, planning a trip in April or August could yield better weather. The ideal times for a Pismo Beach vacation to enjoy clear skies and fewer crowds are during the Spring and Fall seasons.
Things to Do on a Pismo Beach Vacation
While riding the dunes is a popular activity at Pismo Beach, there are various other attractions to enjoy.
You can relax on the beach, take a thrilling biplane ride, visit a picturesque lighthouse, or take a scenic drive along the coast.
Events for Your Pismo Beach Vacation
- Monarch butterflies winter at Pismo State Beach from November through February.
- The Pismo Beach Classic car show showcases an impressive collection of automobiles in the third weekend of June.
- The Pismo Beach Clam Festival takes place in October, celebrating the town’s culinary delights.
Where to Eat on Your Pismo Beach Vacation
Pismo Beach boasts a variety of dining options, including several excellent oceanfront establishments. For delectable clam chowder, visit Splash Cafe at 197 Pomeroy Ave, which has been recognized by AAA’s Via magazine as one of the best clam chowder spots on the West Coast. This popular eatery is known for serving over 40,000 gallons of clam chowder annually.
Just a short walk away, Brad’s Restaurant offers delicious clams and chips (or fish and chips) in addition to a sunny outdoor patio for enjoyable dining experiences.
Where to Stay on Your Pismo Beach Vacation
Pismo Beach offers a range of hotel accommodations, many of which are perched on bluffs overlooking the ocean, providing stunning views. Visitors can compare prices and read reviews via popular travel sites.
Moreover, many guests opt to spend their Pismo Beach vacation in recreational vehicles. Some campgrounds in the area even offer RV rentals and delivery services to your campsite, making it easy for those without an RV to enjoy the experience.
Side Trips and Nearby Towns
A few miles north of Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo is one of California’s oldest towns, featuring an old Spanish mission to explore along with a vibrant downtown shopping area.
Avila Beach lies just north of Pismo, and offers a smaller, charming atmosphere with its fishing harbor and a few quaint dining options. Additionally, tours to visit the scenic Point San Luis Lighthouse also depart from Avila.
