Welcome to Pismo Beach
Sunshine and surf culture in a classic California beach town
A swath of turquoise water sparkles up the coastline of California, landing on the vintage seaside village of Pismo Beach. This breezy, laid-back beach town is one of the nation’s most sought-after surfing destinations, and those who love to ride the waves come from all over to experience the sweet swells and impressive breaks. Located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Pismo Beach is a hot spot for denizens of those cosmopolitan places, as well as a beloved holiday choice for San Joaquin Valley residents.
With a fun atmosphere and lively approach to life, Pismo Beach is an idyllic oasis of outdoor recreation and spectacular ocean views. This is the stuff of California dreams, where sandy feet and surfboards are the hottest accessories, and neighbors gather at the pier for festivals and fresh seafood. Homes in Pismo Beach are made to capture the setting sun — wide windows let in the soft light, outdoor entertaining spaces feature fire pits and ocean views, and lush landscaping includes towering palms.
What to Love
- World-class surfing
- Sunshine and balmy weather
- Classic beach town vibes
- Full calendar of community festivals and events
Local Lifestyle
Life in Pismo Beach is made up of salty ocean air and bright California sunshine. The whisper of waves lapping the shore and the faraway caw of seagulls make up the soundtrack of this seaside village, while surfing, waterside strolls, and horseback riding along the beach give residents a chance to connect with nature.
Locals can be found lounging on the soft sand, exploring the stunning surroundings, or tapping into their adventurous side with a host of outdoor activities like dune buggy riding. From the great gray whale migration along the west coast to the vivid technicolor wings of Monarch butterflies, Pismo Beach is home to an incredible array of wildlife. The popular Pismo Beach Pier serves as a prime viewing spot.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Old-world style and authentic Italian cuisine shine at
Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana. This local favorite is renowned for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and decadent dishes, with impeccably prepared specialties like carbonara, linguini with clams, and pizza. In Pismo Beach, cinnamon rolls are the new donut, and there’s no better place to enjoy this celebrated confection than
Old West Cinnamon Rolls. Locals line up around the block for a taste of the freshly baked rolls with cream cheese frosting, as well as a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. In a surf haven like Pismo Beach, good gear is essential.
Esteem Surf Co. has surfers covered with a wide selection of surfboards, wetsuits, beach attire, and everything you need for a day at the beach.
Harry’s Night Club & Beach Bar perfectly captures the breezy, seaside atmosphere that makes Pismo Beach a coveted California destination. Laid-back and friendly, this neighborhood gathering place features pool tables and live music, as well as a dance floor, and keeps the party going long after the sun and moon have traded places.
Things to Do
From the glittering views of the Pacific to the iconic retro-style Pismo Beach sign, the
Pismo Beach Pier Plaza is the heartbeat of this coastal community. Built in 1881, this landmark is where locals go for an alfresco oceanfront lunch, playdates at the whale surfing playground, or simply to take in the blazing sunset. This breezy backdrop hosts the Classic Father’s Day Car Show, an annual weekend event kicking off the summer season. The streets fill with the bold reds, lemony yellows, and sweet baby blues of vintage and classic cars. The pier is also home to the annual Pismo Beach 4th of July Fireworks event, a dramatic celebration of Independence Day. The party starts at noon with a DJ, games, food trucks, vendors, and themed activities, then culminates with a dazzling fireworks finale.
The
St. Anthony of Lisbon Portuguese Celebration has been a Pismo Beach tradition since the 1950s. Every August, residents come out for the festive parade honoring St. Anthony and Queen Isabelle of Portugal, whose commitment to helping those in need continues to inspire the town today. For over 75 years, the
Pismo Beach Clam Festival has brought locals together for music, fresh ocean air, and clam-centric cuisine. The parade kicks off a weekend full of fun — participants vie for victory in the clam chowder cook-off, kids go wild in the Kid Zone, and you can even try your hand at clam digging.
Schools
Pismo Beach families benefit from access to several excellent public schools through the
Lucia Mar Unified School District, as well as prestigious private academies, including:
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