The classic California beach town of Pismo Beach, situated on California’s celebrated Central Coast, offers 26 miles of uninterrupted, pristine ocean-side views. With a population under 8,000, Pismo Beach is one of San Luis Obispo County’s most sought-after vacation destinations and no stranger to warm weather, wine and waves.
Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and just west of the Edna Valley, Pismo Beach is renowned for its proximity to award-winning wineries and its vast outdoor recreation opportunities. At any time of the year, residents and visitors can surf waves at the beach, hike a myriad of trails across varied terrain while taking in breathtaking views, ride the thrilling coastal dunes of Pismo State Beach or visit the celebrated winemaking regions of Edna Valley, Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria Valley and Avila Valley. Pismo Beach is also close to some of the area’s well-known golf courses.
Visitors come to enjoy experiences that are unique to Pismo Beach, such as viewing the “butterfly trees” at the Monarch Butterfly Grove, home of the largest gathering of Monarch Butterflies in California during their migration from November through February, or sampling chowder at the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, a community tradition since 1946. Every year, Pismo Beach and nearby towns host over ten annual food and wine festivals that celebrate the bounty of the local region, bringing together food lovers of all kinds.
Excellent shopping opportunities are close by at the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, which boasts over 40 top retail brands such as Calvin Klein, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and Coach. Downtown Pismo Beach offers even more for visitors to see and do, with a diverse collection of boutiques, surf shops, gift and collectibles markets and wine tasting rooms, with all roads leading to the famous Pismo Beach Pier.
Our picks for dining …
Indulge in a classic Belgian waffle or French crepe while sipping on a freshly brewed vanilla latte in the early hours of the morning at Mon Ami Creperie on Pomeroy Ave. This classic French cafe offers authentic and savory treats to keep your taste buds craving for more.
Giuseppe’s Cucina Italia was founded by executive chef and winemaker, Joe DiFronzo, in 1988 and has dedicated 25 years to create a true Italian cuisine using only the freshest and local ingredients available. They take pride in serving their homemade breads, pizzas, and sauces each and every day.
Perched on a coastal bluff, Ventana Grill immerses guests an atmosphere that channels the four elements. This coastal fusion restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and Latin-inspired dishes.
Satisfy your cravings at Lido, inside Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, one of the most sought after restaurants in Pismo Beach. While dining at Lido, the ocean view creates perfect scenery to sample the many local produce and wines served. Executive chef Jacob Moss uses his philosophy of creating an innovative menu with locally cultivated, organic food.
Our Wine Picks…
Seems like everyone you meet in Pismo makes their own wine. Pismo’s City Manager, Mr. Jim Lewis is also a winemaker for Red Claw Wine Group. All proceeds from his wine sales go to charity. Red Claw Petite Syrah won a silver medal in home winemaking at the California State Fair in Paso Robles.
If you are looking for a wine tasting experience in Downtown Pismo Beach, you will love Tastes of the Valleys located at 911 Price Street. Owners Ash and Lissa Mehta have over 1,000 different types of wine to offer you, in their cozy wine bar and store. You may even be lucky to meet local winemakers Kevin Law – luminescewine.com and Chuck Carlson – carlsonwines.com relaxing at the bar. For a wealth of information about the two gentlemen and their wine, visit their websites for more information.
Tolosa Winery and Vineyards is located in Edna Valley, occupying 1,700 of the 2,500 acres in the area. Their goal is to create balanced wines that are true to varietal character and expressive of the cooling ocean breezes and long growing seasons that define their estate vineyards. Owner and winemaker Larry Brooks is proud of the diversity of the soil: “Chardonnay does really well here. Soil in this area creates lot of diversity in wine aroma. Lots and lots of variables; lots of aromatics and very complex aromatics, resulting in better wine.” Tolosa Winery is located at 4910 Edna Road San Luis Obispo.
Kynsi Winery is a family run operation focused on producing distinguished wines in limited production. Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and unique red blends are carefully sourced from highly regarded cool climate vineyards along with Pinot Noir from their Estate Stone Corral Vineyard in the Edna Valley. Winemaker and owner Don Offman credits the taste of the wine to the fruit, letting them speak: “The wine is only as good as the fruit out there on the vines.” Kynsi Winery is located 2212 Corbett Canyon Road Arroyo Grande.
Where to Stay
The Cliffs Resort
Acquaint yourself with the best of California’s Central Coast. Situated half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco on scenic highway 101, The Cliffs is a full-service oceanfront resort drenched in sunshine over 300 days each year. With breathtaking views and first-class amenities, this centrally located Pismo Beach California hotel dazzles its guests with more than just an alluring coastal setting. The Cliffs Resort is in the heart of San Luis Obispo County and is neighbors to some of the finest beaches in the state, over 200 world-class wineries, championship golf courses, countless fabulous restaurants, farms and fisheries and the famous Hearst Castle.
April 4: Easter Eggstravaganza
The City of Pismo Beach Parks & Recreation Department presents the annual Easter Eggstravaganza from 10am-1pm. Festivities will be held at Dinosaur Caves Park in Shell Beach, and the hunt is FREE! For more information call 805-773-7063.
April 10-12: Pismo Beach KiteXPO
The KiteXPO is the largest kite-boarding event in the country. Get the leading edge information from industry experts about new technology and techniques. Registration is free! For more information, please visit www.xtremebigair.com/KiteXpo.
April 25: 11th Annual Taste of Pismo
This outstanding event brings together delicious local food and superb central coast wineries – all in one exceptional location on the cliffs overlooking the sea in Pismo Beach. For more information, please contact the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce at 800-443-7778 or visit www.pismochamber.com.
April 29 & May 1-3: Wine, Waves & Beyond – This classic 4-day surf and wine event celebrates the best of San Luis Obispo County. Combining the fun, laid back atmosphere and unique surf culture, enjoy four days of unforgettable events evoking the magic of wine and waves. For more information contact Amanda Gill at 805-556-3306 or visit www.WineWavesandBeyond.com.
May 25: Memorial Day Ceremony on the Pier. This annual event is designed as a remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Join us at 11am on the Pismo Beach Pier with Colonel David Cramer and other special guest speakers to honor and remember those we have lost.
Tuesdays: Pismo Beach Farmers Market – Pismo Coast Shopping Plaza from 8:30 am – 11:30 am find the freshest produce directly from the growers, chat with local farmers and masters of cuisine. For more information, please visit www.55Fresh.com.
Wednesdays: Pismo Beach Farmers Market – Shop on Wednesdays from 2pm-5pm at the Pismo Beach Pier for fresh produce, food and handmade items. For more information, please contact the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce at 800-443-7778 or visit www.pismochamber.com.