A small town known for its stunning beaches and dunes, and a lively community that offers excellent outdoor activities, Pismo Beach lies between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the central coast of California. The beautiful Central Coast is highly underrated and has the prettiest landscapes you have ever seen. While the golden and soft sands attract most visitors, you will find many other activities like surfing, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching to participate in. There are numerous Pismo Beach things to do whether you choose to chill on the beach or go on a wild adventure—this destination is a fit for all.
Pismo Beach Things to Do
1. Pismo Beach and Pier
Originally built in 1923, the Pismo Pier is a must-see beach attraction. It is a great spot for strolling, fishing or watching surfers catch a wave. Opposite the pier is a lively district which is a great spot abuzz with shops, restaurants, play areas, picnic tables, and some quaint beachside hotels. You can enjoy volleyball or go kiteboarding if you are in a sporty mood.
2. Dinosaur Caves
This wonderful place is located in the Shell Beach neighborhood. This 11-acre public park is a great option for families with kids. Featuring a theatre and reception area, it is an oceanfront bluff making it a hit for everyone. A crown jewel park with a stunning shoreline, you will find yourself strolling through the grassy lawn in a dinosaur and ocean-themed playground. If you are in the mood, hike up the paved paths to reach atop a high rugged bluff revealing many sea caves below.
3. Monarch Butterfly Grove
You would have never seen so many butterflies in one place before, and that’s true for Monarch Butterfly Grove home to one of California’s largest butterflies’ groves. It’s best to visit during the season which is in the winter months from October to February. Located next to North Beach Campground, and free to visit, this amazing place should be on your bucket list while visiting Pismo Beach.
4. Avila Hot Springs
Kick back and relax at the Avila Hot Springs in the shade of palm trees and soothing ocean waves. Near Avila Beach, it offers a lot of appeal to the public and is situated atop a mineral hot spring offering the health benefit of the water. There is a large freshwater heated pool and a 400-square-foot mineral pool that will calm down your nerves. It is open seven days a week and you can do an overnight stay or long visits at long-term cabin rentals.
5. Ebb Tide Park
A charming coastal park with a long, skinny beach is located near the Shell Beach neighborhood. A modest open grassy space and a beautiful view across the ocean accompany you at every vantage point. You can lay down a blanket and enjoy the warm sun or hike to the south end where tide pools are revealed when the ocean ebbs.
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6. Morro Bay
A top destination known for its most defining feature, Morro Rock, it is less than a 30-minute drive from Pismo Beach. The rock is home to some nesting peregrine falcons and major attractions are the sprawling Morro Strand State Beach. This tiny town is distinctly beachy and you can enjoy kayaking, boating, surfing, or stand-up padding boarding.
7. Central Coast Aquarium
A small-town quaint aquarium is a must-visit if you are with your children. There are educational exhibits where you can learn interesting facts about the animals. It is pretty small so you won’t have to spend a lot of time here but it is near the beach with a boardwalk and pirate playground so it can become a fun-filled time spent with your family.
8. Margo Dodd Park
A small cutesy park located north of Dinosaur Caves Park features a covered gazebo and an impressive coastline in both directions. Dedicated to Margo Dodd in 1983 for her community work, it has one of the largest bird congregations in Pismo Beach. Sometimes you will see weddings being celebrated and if that’s not romantic enough, you can visit the beach in the park where some of the best tide pools are at low tide.
9. Meadow Creek Trail
This out-and-back trail of nearly 1.5 miles is a great place for a quick stroll. You will travel along a wooden boardwalk between ocean dunes and a gold course. You will enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, wildflowers, and eucalyptus trees. The trail ends at the Monarch Butterfly Grove but you can take sidewalks to downtown.
Book Hotels Near Meadow Creek Trail in Pismo Beach
10. Bob Jones Trail
This wonderful paved trail starts near Avila Hot Springs where you can take bicycles for rent and enjoy riding the 3-mile path that lives up to its nickname, City to the Sea Trail. You will cross scenic bridges and go through the gold course before ending near the Avila Beach Pier.
11. Eldwayen Ocean Park
Offering one of the best places to enjoy shoreline views, Eldwayen Ocean Park is a pretty oceanfront park where you can explore unique rock formations and tide pools. You can spend quality time picnicking with your family and create memorable experiences.
12. Cave Kayaking Tour
If you want to explore the hidden areas, ocean caves, arches, and rock gardens, a guided kayaking tour will allow you to enjoy this exciting adventure. Central Coast Kayaks offer guided tours that are nearly three hours long and you can just have fun and enjoy the experience.
13. Charles Paddock Zoo
Home to hundreds of animal species from around the world, this small 5-acre zoo is the only zoo on the Central Coast. You should take your children there as they have educational exhibits like a walk-through aviary, petting zoo, and discovery area. The children will enjoy spending time here as you go slowly and not miss anything.
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14. Palisades Park
A playground yet again popular with young children, it is a charming seaside park north of downtown. Palisades Park is a popular place to go for a picnic or a stroll and you will get impressive views of the shoreline. There are public tennis courts for those who want to do something sporty.
15. Avila Beach
North of Pismo Beach, this scenic place is situated along the San Luis Obispo Bay shoreline providing many places to enjoy the view. There is a lively environment and you can visit the Central Coast Aquarium when there is extra time. Adjacent to the beach is a shopping and restaurant district and to the west, Old Porte and Fisherman’s Beach. You can stop at Smuggler’s Cave and Pirate’s Cove on the way to this beautiful spot.
Summary
You have loads of fun activities to do and can choose your adventure to experience there. From water activities to exploring the parks, there is no dearth of things that you can do while visiting Pismo Beach this weekend. If you are not for adventures, then you can laze the day away at the beach getting tanned in the warm sun.
