Take a Day Trip to Pismo Beach: Things to Do Around the Coastal Town

Just seven miles down the highway from Avila Beach, Pismo Beach is a must-visit destination. Shimmering waters and long stretches of white sand beaches are the hallmarks of this classic beach town, along with streets of quaint shops and seafood eateries.

It’s the perfect destination for a day trip during your stay in Avila. Check out our guide to all the amazing things Pismo Beach has to offer travelers.

Pismo Beach Pier

Smack in the middle of the town sits the historic 1,200-foot-long Pismo Beach Pier built in 1928. Visitors flock to the landmark for strolls over the waves as they take in the stunning views. The pier is also a popular fishing spot for red snapper and cod – no fishing license required. Newly renovated, the pier now hosts a trio of vintage Airstreams, each offering a different service: a food truck, visitors center and Sheldon’s Bait Shack. Make sure to stop at the plaza in front of the pier for a photo with the iconic, illuminated 7-foot-tall Pismo Beach letters.

Local Eateries

Visitors will find dozens of restaurants lining Pismo’s streets. From traditional beach food and alfresco settings to fine dining and award-winning cuisine, there’s something for everyone. While you’re downtown, spoon up the award-winning chowder at the Splash Café or cross the street to Brad’s Restaurant for a full-service dining experience known for its oak pit barbeque. Other popular casual eateries close to the beach include Wooley’s Beach Bar & Grill, Hoagies Sandwiches & Grill and Cool Cat Café. Seafood lovers will want to stop in the SeaVenture Restaurant for oceanfront dining or enjoy the inviting ambiance at the acclaimed Cracked Crab or upscale Oyster Loft. Diner’s craving cuisine other than fish, should check out Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana or the beachfront Latin-inspired eatery The Ventana Grill. If you’re really hungry, head over to F. McClintock’s Saloon & Dining House for a hearty steak.

Outdoor Recreation

Aside from the obvious activities of getting some sun at the beach or frolicking in the ocean, Pismo Beach offers all sorts of ways to connect with nature. Saddle up for a horseback ride through the dunes, paddle a kayak along the coastline’s sea caves, ride bikes around downtown or rent a dune buggy or ATV and tackle the sandy terrain at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.

Wine Tasting

Discover an outstanding selection of local wines in Pismo Beach at Tastes of the Valleys, named one of the top 20 wine bars in America from wine Enthusiast Magazine. The venue’s wine listing boasts close to 1,000 selections, most available by the glass. The Sans Liege Tasting Room located downtown offers wine enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the winery’s small production, sought-after wines. Visitors can taste or imbibe the wines crafted from some of the best vineyards on the Central Coast by the glass or the bottle.

Play at the Parks

If you’re traveling with children, you’ll want to check out the local parks. The Dinosaur Cave Park sits atop an ocean front bluff and is the site of a unique play area, which includes a whimsical tire swing, two concrete dolphins, a gentle dinosaur, three playful seals and more. Walkers, photographers and even fishing enthusiasts love this spot. Price Historical Park features the rancho home of city founder John Price. Trails and replica Chumash Village are open daily to the public for hiking and picnicking at this historic landmark. Whale Center Playground can be found in the newly updated Pier Plaza. Kids will have fun playing on the humpback whale, clam side and surfboards. Margo Dodd Park and Eldwayen Ocean Park are other popular spots.

Shopping

Browsing the shops in Pismo Beach is a must. Enjoy the quaint boutique stores downtown and find everything from beachwear and jewelry to Pismo Beach souvenirs and skateboards. Head up the road a few miles to shop at the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets. Home to more than 40 premium retail outlets, shoppers are sure to find a treasure or two.

Shell Beach Streetscape

The Shell Beach area is located north of downtown Pismo. It features an 18-block pedestrian-bike path that takes visitors along shops and cafes against the backdrop of incredible ocean views from atop the bluff. At low tide, you’ll find many locations for tide pooling at the base of the cliffs. View small sea creatures, such as sea anemones, snails and urchins. During medium and high tides, the water becomes a surfer’s paradise.

Only about a 10-minute drive away, Pismo Beach is the perfect addition to your vacation itinerary while staying at Cobbo’s Beach House. Plan your vacation today. View our calendar to reserve your trip dates.