Wine Country Meets Ocean Waves in This California Beach Town Where You Can Drive on the Sand

Pismo Beach, California

Think of Pismo Beach as California’s chiller answer to the crowded shores down south. This Central Coast standout brings the goods without the fuss: drive-on beaches, consistent surf breaks, and some of the best clam chowder in the state. It’s where SLO County locals go when they want a proper beach day without fighting for parking.

The Town’s Named After Ancient Tar Springs

Pismo comes from the Chumash word for tar, which they collected from natural springs to waterproof their canoes.

In 1840, the area became Rancho Pismo when given to Jose Ortega. Later, John Michael Price got the land in 1850, reportedly for just $1.

He built the town starting with a hotel in 1875, moving it beachside in 1884.

The first wharf went up in 1881, and they started a school in 1888. Price lived there until he died in 1902, and his home is now a historical park.

Once Known as the Clam Capital of the World

This town has gotten lots of recognition for its beachy charm. Back in the 1950s, people called the place the “Clam Capital of the World” because Pismo clams were so common they used plows to collect them.

Today, Pismo clams are protected. You need a fishing license to dig for them, can only keep clams at least 4.5 inches long, and are limited to 10 per person.

Despite fewer clams from too much harvesting and hungry sea otters, the annual Clam Festival keeps the tradition going.

7 Miles of Perfect White Sand Beaches

Pismo Beach’s white sand beaches stretch across 7 miles of gorgeous coastline, perfect for walking, surfing, or just relaxing.

Drop by the historic 1,200-foot Pismo Beach Pier from 1928, which feels like the town center. Head north to find volleyball courts and cool white cliffs with sea caves.

Drive your car on certain parts of the beach (one of the few places in California that allows this) or fish without a license from the pier for red snapper and thresher sharks.

A Historic Pier That Survived Major Storms

The historic 1,200-foot Pismo Beach Pier serves as the town center where you can fish without a license, watch surfers, or just enjoy ocean views.

From here, you can walk the oceanfront boardwalk. The original pier was built in 1881, followed by a longer one in 1924 big enough for Navy ships.

Storms have damaged it over the years, with major rebuilding done in 1985-86 after a 1983 storm washed away most of it. The promenade also has a kids’ play area and is where everyone hangs out.

The Only Place in California to Drive on Sand Dunes

The Oceano Dunes area has the best coastal dunes left in California. Many people set up fire pits for sunset after riding all day. Drive on the sand at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area for just $5.

Whether it’s a four-wheeler, a rental ATV, or a dune buggy, there’s something for every age group to enjoy. The dunes were home to the Chumash and an artists’ group called the Dunites, and have shown up in movies like “The Ten Commandments”.

Thousands of Monarchs Migrate Here Each Winter

From October through February, thousands of monarch butterflies fly 2,500 miles to spend winter at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove.

This spot has a perfect mini-climate that keeps them safe from cold and wind.

Sadly, monarch numbers have dropped, with western populations falling by over 95% since the 1980s. As of December 2024, only 197 monarchs were counted at the grove. You can visit at 400 S. Dolliver St., open 24 hours, though daytime is best for viewing with Monday mornings being the least crowded.

Great Wine Regions Just Minutes Away

Check out the historic wine areas of Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, and Avila Valley all within 30 minutes of downtown. The famous Paso Robles Wine Country is only 40 miles north, while Santa Maria Valley is just 15 miles away.

The area hosts the yearly Taste of Pismo event, celebrating local wines, beers, and food with the ocean as a backdrop (2025 marks the 20th annual event).

A Park Where a Giant Dinosaur Once Stood

This beautiful green space is popular for weddings and family trips. It offers stunning ocean views and makes a perfect spot to relax along the coast.

The park got its name from a giant dinosaur sculpture built in the 1940s. While the original dino is gone, new dinosaur sculptures keep the theme alive.

Today, the park hosts a monthly market with local artists from April through December (check the website for updates). Located next to Margo Dodd Park, it connects to a walkway on top of the bluff leading to the main beach.

Surfing to Horseback Riding on the Beach

Pismo Beach offers tons of active options beyond just lying on the beach. You can try surfing, body boarding, windsurfing, fishing, or golfing at nearby courses. For something different, try horseback riding through the dunes with Pacific Dunes Ranch or explore sea caves tucked into the coastline with Central Coast Kayaks.

If you like surfing, check out the World Surf League’s SLO CAL Open at nearby Morro Bay and Pismo Beach every winter, with top surfing talent.

Award-Winning Clam Chowder and Ocean Views

The California Welcome Center gives you plenty of options to explore. Shopping at Pismo Beach Premium Outlets will save you 25% to 65% at 40 brand-name stores.

Downtown Pismo, especially near the boardwalk and along Price Street, has lots of cool restaurants and shops. Try award-winning clam chowder at Splash Café or enjoy Angus burgers with beach views at Wooly’s Beach Bar & Grill.

For fancier meals, Cypress Beach House at the Inn at the Pier offers amazing coastline views and California seafood paired with local wines and craft beers.