Pismo Beach

Perhaps the most popular beach destination on the Central Coast is Pismo Beach. The title, however, can be a bit ambiguous as it is used to refer to both the city of Pismo Beach as well as Pismo Beach State Park.

From San Luis, it's a straight shot south on the 101 that only takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, if you head south on the 227 (Broad St) to Price Canyon Rd, you get a chance to drive by a few of the wineries located on the south end of SLO. It's actually marginally shorter this way, but it still takes longer.

There are two main thoroughfares: Dolliver St (aka Cabrillo Hwy aka Hwy 1) and Price St. The blocks between Dolliver and the beach are tight and this is where you can find most gift shops, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Price is a wider street that runs parallel a block east and serves as the frontage road for the 101 as well as a business corridor.

Dolliver St

Price St

I've been fortunate enough to find free (three hour) parking on Dolliver St in each of my visits, but if all else fails, there are a number of pay-per-hour lots.

I've begun many of my visits to Pismo the same way: with a visit to Old West Cinnamon Rolls (on Dolliver between Pismo and Main) whose reputation is known throughout the state. They have a number of tasty varieties: plain, walnut, pecan, raisin, almond, etc (as well as a host of other pastries). The place definitely has a locally-owned, mom-and-pop feel.

 
It's also a great place to start because from there, it's only a few short blocks to the pier and there are a multitude of souvenir shops along the way. Pomeroy Ave dead ends into a parking lot which leads directly to the pier.

Pomeroy Ave south of Dolliver

Arriving at the pier

Walking the 1200-plus feet that the pier spans, you can observe seabirds on the railing, people fishing (rods are available to rent at the end of the pier), surfers below, as well as panoramic beach views in both directions. Bi-planes are a common sight overhead.

Looking back at the beach from the end of the pier

Looking north from the pier

Looking south from the pier

There's a multitude of activities to stay occupied at Pismo. Local shops rent surfboards and wetsuits (and offer lessons) as well as bikes and pedal carts. There's a playground for kids and volleyball nets on both sides of the pier. A farmers market takes place on Wednesdays evenings on the pier. Fishing off the pier is also popular (no license is required). In recognition of its former clamming glory days, there's also an annual clam festival that provides a street fair-like atmosphere. A campsite is located about a mile south of the downtown, and another two miles or so past that, vehicles are allowed on the beach (with permit) and there's also ATVs available for rent.