Pismo Beach, CA, formerly known as the "Clam Capital of the World" and now known as "Classic California," preserves the spirit of early California with 23 miles of unspoiled sandy beaches including Pismo State Beach Park, dramatic rugged coastlines, and the 1,200 foot Pismo Pier lined with fishing enthusiasts.
Take a horseback ride along the surf line, explore pebbled coves and tide pools beneath steep rocky bluffs, or experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean by kayak. The white, sandy, uncrowded coastline offers a perfect landscape for kite flying, shell gathering and sand castle building, all close by your Pismo Beach hotel, motel or beach vacation rental. Pismo Beach hotels offer an array of accommodations and amenities to make your next beach vacation enjoyable and memorable.
Pismo Beach CA Interactive Area Map - An interactive map of all listings in this town.
Now, when planning your next visit to Pismo Beach, California, don't miss the sight of the regal, orange and black Monarch butterflies. From November through February, tens of thousands of migrating Monarchs cluster in the eucalyptus grove at the Pismo State Beach Park, located on Highway 1 at the south entrance of town. Whether you prefer a Pismo Beach hotel, Pismo State Beach Park camping, or a longer-stay Pismo Beach vacation rental, you will find wonderful lodging close to the action.
Pismo Beach California is a focal point for festive, entertaining events and celebrations every year. Reserve one of our outstanding Pismo Beach hotels to enjoy the annual Clam Festival, or choose the Mardi Gras Jazz Festival or Independence Day Fireworks; also you won't want to miss the Veteran's Day celebration in November.
Check out the Pismo Beach Car Show - held mid June every year.
Major events
- Easter Egg Hunt - March / April
- Pismo Beach Classic Car Show - 3rd FULL weekend in June
- 4th of July Fireworks on the Pier - July
- St. Anthony's Celebration - August
- Jubilee by the Sea Jazz Concerts - October
- Annual Clam Festival - October / November
- Marching Band Review - November
- Monarch Butterflies Return for the Winter - November to February
- Veterans Day Celebration - November
The Kiteboarding Expo occurs in the spring. Even if you're not a kiteboarder, it is beautiful and fun to watch.
Upcoming Pismo Beach Activities & Events (including events in nearby Oceano)
Pismo Beach, CA is located on Highway 101 / California Highway 1 between the Pacific Ocean and the palisades east of the highway. It is about 12 miles south of the city of San Luis Obispo and is part of the Five Cities area, a cluster of ocean-side communities in San Luis Obispo County.
"Pismo" is a word that sounds a bit like Spanish, but it actually derives from the ancient Chumash Indian word "pismu" which means"‘tar". Pismo Beach is on land that was once part of the Rancho Pismo, a grant of over 8,800 acres belonging to Jose Ortega in 1840. The land changed hands several times and was divided into portions over the years. Between 1840 and 1875, it was primarily used for ranching and trading by sea.
In 1881, John Michael Price leased land to a company to build a wharf and warehouse, and he moved a hotel onto a spot adjacent to it. With the success of these businesses, Price was able to survey and plan the first subdivisions of Pismo in 1886, and in 1888 the first school and post office were established.
Throughout its history, Pismo Beach, CA, has attracted visitors seeking a moderate climate, fresh ocean air and clean, extensive beach. Visitors from the San Joaquin Valley were among the first investors in the area as land between the highway and the sea was subdivided, and every year thousands of people from the Valley still travel to Pismo.
In the early years, Pismo Beach had a reputation as a rowdy place where you might find a drink during Prohibition or perhaps some other kind of entertainment. Today the town is definitely family friendly with a focus on the natural pleasures of the beach and ocean. The Pismo Pier is the biggest in San Luis Obispo County, and it is a place where residents and visitors mingle to fish, watch the surfers, or just take a stroll enjoying the refreshing sea air.
The residents of Pismo Beach are completely dedicated to making the city welcoming for visitors, and they are investing in improvements to make sure it is. A new beachside promenade and lighting improvements are already in place. Plans include improving streetscapes with benches, tables and viewpoints; more and better public restrooms; more and better parking; pier enhancements; and down the road even more ambitious improvements.
Today, there is an amazing supply of Pismo Beach hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, long-term vacation rentals, restaurants, shops and boutiques aiming to provide visitors a completely satisfying experience.
Pismo Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau
www.classiccalifornia.com
805-773-7034
Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce
www.pismochamber.com
805-773-4382
More about Pismo Beach, CA
Population (2003): 8,683
65+ (2000): 24.5%
Founded: 1886
Incorporated: 1946
