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    Pismo Beach

    4.3 (129 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Pismo Beach Photos

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    Beach

    Amazinggggggg beach with a beautiful view. Strong waves wouldn't recommend for little kids, but otherwise I would recommend it. Emma age 9

    Katherine

    Amazing beach with beautiful views, big waves and shells scattered across the sea shore!

    Greetings
    Irene K.

    This is my home away from home. The tree lighting event was just icing on the cake. Their pier is nice and the additions to the town are so cute. It really does have that CLASSIC CALIFORNIA VIBE. I walk everyday everywhere

    Chiquita G.

    I've been coming here since I was a child. Now I bring my boys and they love it. It's not far from our home town so we frequent this beach regularly. Parking is always scarce if you don't get there early. They have swings and volleyball nets set up. There is a play area at the top near the pismo sign for the kids. They have plenty of restrooms and a couple clean off spots. There are lots of restaurants and clothing shops in walking distance. The beach is always crazy packed during summer.if you come during winter you'll have the whole place to yourself. It's a beautiful beach to relax at.

    Patio dining
    Larry P.

    It's always great to stop here! The seafood in the local restaurants are great! The place was jumping a lot of people

    Beach
    Jessica C.

    Beautiful! Love the little park for the kiddos and close parking. The restrooms are right before the pier for easy access. Great restaurants nearby. The sand is soft.

    Karne N.

    We were extremely disappointed with Pismo Beach. The stores and the general area are rundown and quite unattractive. We had planned to have lunch here and instead turned around and went back to where we were staying instead. The pier is the one highlight. Fun to walk its length and read the historical plaques that are nicely exhibited and watch the folks fishing.

    Brian F.

    Pismo Beach is a small beach town located 20 minutes south of San Luis Obispo. It's on California's central coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast and 101 highways. The town offers wineries, restaurants, shops, and has activities like ATV riding, sand dunes, and horseback riding. The beach itself spans 17 miles along the coast and is a great family-friendly destination or a weekend trip.

    Anthony W.

    Beautiful Beach. Me and my girl stopped here around a week ago on the way to Solvang. If you haven't already seen my review for Splash Cafe, I highly recommend them if you want some good chowda. Might go with the experience heh. But yea not much that needs to be said. We got here before noon, got an early lunch and then just walked on the beach for an hour or so. There wasn't a lot of people there but you could tell they were coming in soon. Also did you know you can drive your car on the south side? You have to pay a fee but its kinda cool.

    Coco G.

    Pismo Beach is a fun little coastal town with the softest fine grain sand you've ever had the joy of walking on. Tonight's sunset was beautiful.

    David M.

    Beautiful beach, beautiful pier, beautiful boardwalk. Very nice little town nestled up on the beautiful surf and sand.

    Monica R.

    My husband and I loved this city. My friend has a friend who lives there. It is totally worth to stop and passa two hours walking in the middle your trip. We saw a whale in an unusual time. The vibe is incredible nice!

    Dee W.

    Pismo Beach, nestled in coastline of California's Central Coast is absolutely stunning! I love it's small-town charm and natural beauty. Whether you're there to relax or get in a game of volleyball, there's plenty to do over here! Honestly, I love walking on the pier, hearing the ocean waves, grabbing some fudge from the local shop and people-watching.

    Pier Rules!

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    Great location near plenty of restaraunts and shops. Kept relatively clean. Great place for pictures and taking the kids.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Pismo Beach

    Is it good for someone in a wheelchair to go?

    Probably not but that stops nobody!

    Is this beach closed?

    No, it's open and it's beautiful!

    Is there cell phone service here?

    Yes, but you should not be using it because this is a vacation destination and your focus should be on having fun!

    Is this a dog friendly beach?

    I've seen dogs here but I believe needs to be leashed.

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - Pismo Beach

    I watched guys trying to fish, surfers catching waves but more importantly the ocean and lovely sunset does not disappoint.

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Pirate's Cove - Cave where you can see the ocean and cliffs.

    Pirate's Cove

    4.2(107 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    Ended up taking the long route to Pirate's Cove (parked near homes and took the trail) which we…read morelater found out is the Shell Beach Bluff Trail. We enjoyed this scenic trail, which had multi-million dollar homes to our right, and the beautiful ocean to our left; and a somewhat steep incline up to the dirt parking lot and Cave Landing trailhead. Good thing the weather was perfect and there was a lovely breeze; otherwise I would've stopped walking and demanded to go back to the car. Once we got to the trail, it was a fairly easy short walk to get to the cave. After taking in the stunning views from the cave, we trekked to the cove. Be cautious going down, as it's a steep dirt path and a couple flights of stairs. Also note that clothing is optional, and you may run into people in their birthday suits on this secluded beach.

    While visiting SLO, I was looking for an ocean hike to complete and found this hike on All Trails…read moreso I went for it. I took the long way traversing through a million dollar neighborhood of gorgeous homes lining the street. Once I was in the dirt I could see the cove from above. The beach is beautiful and not crowded. Of course, clothing is optional but I didn't come for the beach. I came to see the cove. You have to hike down to the cove as it sits on the water, but no biggie. Hiking back up and out for some may be challenging for some so just go at your own pace. When I arrived there was a guy playing a guitar so that was nice, not too many peeps around which allowed me to take a couple of pics. The cove itself is picturesque but the graffiti sucks!! Why must people have to paint on rocks in nature?? I just don't get it!! Go paint on abandoned buildings etc. I stayed for a few minutes then I walked out on the rocks and took in the views of the mighty Pacific Ocean. So gorgeous! I could have sat there all day. You can also access this cove and beach by driving directly to it and then following the path down to it, but I preferred the mini hike instead. Remember to Leave No Trace always.

    Photos
    Pirate's Cove - Pirates Cove Beach in Avila.

    Pirates Cove Beach in Avila.

    Pirate's Cove
    Pirate's Cove

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    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve - Pismo Beach Sand Dunes

    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve

    4.9(12 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    One of the most beautiful and secluded areas I've been to. If you walk down to the dunes via…read moreStrand Street towards where the vehicles congregate you may see a tribune you have to cross. Head east from there as there is a gap between areas that are protected.

    I can only assume that Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve gets so little traffic because it's getting…read moreconfused for the more X-treme Oceano Dunes SRVA (which is awesome in its own right). While they are immediately adjacent, they are worlds apart. Making a pilgrimage through the dune grass, away from the ATVs and Jeeps whirling their wheels into sand pits, you'll be rewarded with quiet warmth and geographic perfection. Hours can be spent watching the wind blow miniature canyons into the silk-fine sand, or diving down the tallest dunes only to fall onto the natural pillows of pure beach. Completely protected from cars, traffic, and (frankly) assholes, the Natural Preserve is an arid oasis. I like to imagine that if I were a Chumash living in the area generations ago, I would have a pretty awesome home going in the Dunes. It shouldn't cost you anything to get there. In Oceano, drive to the end of Pier Ave. and park for free either on the street or in the lot, near all the ATV rentals. Walk south about half a mile along the beach, then veer east toward a natural lake. You'll see markers restricting motor vehicle access - go beyond them, and keep going until you hit a clearing...you'll know the Dunes when you see them - they'll make you feel like you've landed on the moon. By far one of my favorite places in SLO County - a definite must for someone looking to relax and soak in some unique, natural beauty. Enjoy.

    Photos
    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve - Made it to the clearing!

    Made it to the clearing!

    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve - Looking eastward toward the Dunes

    Looking eastward toward the Dunes

    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve

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    Pismo Beach - beaches - Updated May 2026

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