Pismo Beach blends coastal charm, outdoor adventure, and laidback California vibes.

San Luis Obispo is one of California’s prettiest counties. With 80 miles of coastline, mountain trails, and parkland, it’s the perfect destination for all sorts of adventures. At the southern end of the county, one quintessential beach town has recently been voted America’s favorite coastal getaway: Pismo Beach. 

Known for clams, surfing, and the iconic pier, Pismo’s laidback charm draws visitors who appreciate nature, good food and wine, and a destination reminiscent of a simpler time. You won’t find high-rise buildings or chain restaurants here. 

Things to do in Pismo Beach

Depending on what you want to do, a Pismo Beach getaway could be completely walkable, especially if you stay near the boardwalk. You could even hire a bike as your mode of transportation. Or rent a car to visit the surrounding towns. Surf, cycle, hike or wine and dine; it’s all within easy reach.

The Pismo Beach Preserve is over 900 acres laced with trails and shady groves. Cycling and horseback riding are popular here, too. If you plan to hit the trails, don’t forget your water bottle and watch out for wildlife, including cougars and rattlesnakes. 

Prefer to catch a wave? Take a surf lesson with the Central Coast Surf School. No matter your age, you’re never too old to learn to surf. My instructor gave me a lot of confidence that my worst case scenario wouldn’t come to pass, and he was right. Even if you only stand up on the board, that’s a huge first step.

Are you more of a land lover? Rent an e-bike and take a ride on the trails or surface roads. An easy ride would be around Shell Beach, which offers stunning coastal views. Bike rentals are plentiful on Dolliver Street. The techs at Pedego Electric Bikes can give you itinerary suggestions. Or rent a cruiser, surrey, mountain bike, or surfboard at Pismo Beach Bike Rentals and Surf Shop.

If a relaxing spa day is more your style, check out Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spas, a unique property about five miles away in Avila. Soak in an outdoor hot tub filled with healing thermal waters that occur naturally underground.

Food and drink in Pismo Beach

Whether you choose to dine with a view of the Pacific Ocean or sample the local wines in Edna Valley, food and drink options abound. 

​For a small city,  Pismo Beach has an abundance of coffee bars: try Scorpion Bay Coffee, the only place I found with good options for other hot drinks in addition to coffees. Old West Cinnamon Rolls makes a good cappuccino, and is the spot for freshly baked, old-fashioned rolls. If your diet doesn’t allow such decadence, it’s still fun to see them being made and it smells heavenly. Penny’s All American Cafe is good for a classic American breakfast with eggs, bacon, and biscuits, or pancakes and waffles. No fancy coffees here. 

Beachin’ Biscuits is a casual eatery offering takeaway breakfast with some outdoor tables. While they have more than biscuits on the menu, the biscuits are the real deal and the reason to go there. 

The Cracked Crab serves delicious seasonal seafood and locally sourced produce in a casual environment. I had a delicious and filling Crab Louie. I noticed a lot of people eating crab claws with the works – all dumped onto the paper-covered table. 

Locals love Giuseppe’s, an Italian favorite in Pismo since 1988. Pizza is the star here, but there are also classic dishes like lasagna and seasonal delicacies like sand dabs, a tender white fish.

Wooly’s Beach Bar & Grill is a casual place with good seafood tacos, creative drinks, oysters, and clam chowder. 

The best place to watch the sunset while enjoying a cocktail and happy hour is Ventana Grill. They have a wrap-around balcony on two levels, although you don’t need to go outside; you can enjoy the views from your window seat indoors. 

Another great sunset spot is the outdoor seating at Vespera Resort, located on the boardwalk and a stone’s throw from the pier.

For excellent boutique wines, head to the Sinor-LaVallee tasting room in Avila Beach. Founder Mike Sinor crafts organic wines that are perfect on their own or paired with local bites and oysters. 

Shops in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach has an abundance of small, independent shops.  A couple of my favorites are  Esteem Surf and Pancho’s Surf Shop.  Esteem has board rentals in addition to selling clothing and other surf essentials. Aesthetically pleasing, the shop is a bit like walking through an art gallery. 

Across the street, Pancho’s Surf Shop has an excellent selection of clothing and surf gear, plus options for great gifts. The shops along the boardwalk are perfect for classic mementos, like hoodies, hats, and coastal inspired decor.

To get to Pismo Beach, fly to San Luis Obispo County airport. From there, you’re only 15 minutes from Pismo Beach. Optional airports include Santa Barbara, which is only an hour and a half drive. For more flight options, you can fly into LAX. 

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Cover photo Penny Sadler

Penny Sadler is a Dallas-based writer covering travel, food and drink, and lifestyle, with bylines in CNBC Travel, Culture Magazine, Inside Hook, and Cheese Professor. When she’s not traveling she puts her camera ready makeup skills to work on commercials, films, and events. Follow her on Instagram @adventuresofacarryon and her website.