🌊 Things to Do in Pismo Beach 2026
Discover beaches, ATV adventures, whale watching, hiking trails, and family-friendly activities along California’s Central Coast.
Beaches & Coastal Attractions
5Pismo Beach Pier
Historic 1,200-foot pier offering panoramic ocean views, fishing, and whale watching
Learn More →Pismo State Beach
Wide sandy beach perfect for swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and beach bonfires
Learn More →Shell Beach
Dramatic cliffside beach with tide pools, sea caves, and stunning coastal views
Learn More →Pier Plaza & Promenade
Family-friendly plaza with iconic PISMO BEACH letters, playground, and oceanfront activities
Learn More →Avila Beach
Sheltered cove beach with warmer waters, fishing pier, and family-friendly downtown just 10 minutes from Pismo
Learn More →Adventure & Outdoor Recreation
5Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
California’s only beach where you can legally drive ATVs on 1,600 acres of sand dunes
Learn More →Pismo Beach Kayaking & Sea Cave Tours
Guided kayak tours into dramatic sea caves and along the rugged Shell Beach coastline
Learn More →Pismo Beach Surf Lessons & Surf School
Learn to surf with professional instructors at one of California’s best beginner surf beaches
Learn More →Pismo Beach Horseback Riding on the Sand
Guided horseback rides along the beach and through dunes with ocean views
Learn More →Pismo Beach Sunset Wine Cruises
Relaxing coastal boat cruises with wine tasting, appetizers, and stunning Pacific sunset views
Learn More →Wildlife & Nature
3Monarch Butterfly Grove
Winter sanctuary for thousands of monarch butterflies migrating along the California coast
Learn More →Shell Beach Tide Pools & Rocky Shores
Explore tide pools teeming with starfish, anemones, crabs, and sea life at low tide
Learn More →Monarch Butterfly Grove Guided Nature Tours
Docent-led educational tours of the Monarch Butterfly Grove with expert naturalists (October-February migration season)
Learn More →Parks & Playgrounds
1Dinosaur Caves Park
Bluff-top park with ocean views, playground, picnic areas, and stunning sunsets
Learn More →Hiking & Trails
1Bob Jones Trail
Easy 5.5-mile paved trail along Avila Beach Creek, perfect for walking, biking, and wildlife viewing
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