Planning a California vacation but only get to spend 48 hours in Pismo Beach? No problem! It might seem like you won’t have enough time to do much, but there’s plenty you can explore in just two days! We’ve got your complete guide to making the most out of your weekend getaway to Pismo Beach.
Your Pismo Beach Accommodations
Your trip all starts at our Pismo Beach vacation rentals. Get checked in and set your bags down, freshen up a bit, and make sure you’ve got some comfy shoes on! Your beach house will have everything you need for a great stay, so get to know your property a bit before embarking on your first adventure.
Day 1 – Morning
The morning of your first day has to start off with a great breakfast, which is why you should head to Huckleberry’s to start your day. This restaurant proclaims its offerings as “Southern cookin’ with a California twist!” They serve up everything from stuffed French toast to chicken and waffles to sweet crepes, omelets, skillets, breakfast sandwiches, and so much more. You can also get a delicious hot or iced coffee or even a mimosa or Bloody Mary to start your day!
Now that breakfast is taken care of, you’re just seconds away from the beach, so go ahead and dip your toes in the sand! A Pismo Beach vacation simply isn’t complete without a trip to the beach, and the morning is the best time to do it. You’ll be able to avoid the majority of the crowds and enjoy the sand while it’s not scorching hot.
Day 1 – Afternoon
Spend as long as you like at the beach, but when you start getting hungry for lunch, there’s a wonderful restaurant right nearby: Somerset Grill. This restaurant is actually located in the Vespera On Ocean hotel. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a guest here to dine at the restaurant. Experience regionally inspired cuisine that they dub “Oceanside Americana” with offerings like Pacific salmon, Prime Filet Steak Frites, and BBQ Smoked Half Chicken. Their “all day” menu is served from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., so you can have lunch whenever you please.
Once you’re done eating, head to one of the quintessential Pismo Beach experiences: the Monarch Butterfly Grove, just down the road from Somerset Grill. More than 10,000 stunning monarch butterflies are here every year (monarch season is from late October through February). Not only will you be able to see these amazing creatures, but you can also learn a bit more about them from the friendly staff.
Day 1 – Evening
Now it’s time for dinner, and after a long day of sightseeing so far, you’ll probably want to dine somewhere casual. Head to the Cracked Crab for the freshest seafood around in a welcoming, no-frills environment. The menu changes every day depending on what’s available, so you can rest assured you’re always getting what’s fresh. Enjoy fish tacos, sandwiches, crab dinners, fresh fish offerings, and so much more! They’re open until 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, so you can dine late if you choose.
But there’s one more stop you should make on your first day in Pismo Beach. Make your way to Hot Shots Billiards and Family Entertainment Center to relax with your friends, grab a beer, and get a little competitive. They’ve got 14 pool tables along with air hockey tables and a full arcade! Hot Shots also has more than 30 beers on tap, so there’s sure to be something for every palate. They stay open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, so you can make the most of your evening.
Day 2 – Morning
Ready to start your second day exploring all the fun Pismo Beach things to do? Start off with breakfast at Steaming Bean, open early at 6 a.m. They’ve got all kinds of mouthwatering dishes like Mediterranean bagels, fruit bowls, housemade pastries, and so much more. You can also get your caffeine kick with a delicious mocha or other coffee drink, or they also have smoothies and teas for something a bit lighter.
Done with breakfast? Head just 3 minutes down the road to Dinosaur Caves Park. This 11-acre park has a stunning view of the ocean, perfect for an early morning walk or jog or letting your kids get some exercise on the dinosaur-themed playground! This is an absolutely stunning location that never feels too crowded. Being able to experience it first thing in the morning is a great way to start the day.
Day 2 – Afternoon
When it’s time for lunch, move on to Brad’s Restaurant downtown. The tagline here says it all: “Fresh Seafood & Oak Pit BBQ!” You might be looking for a break from seafood for one meal, so Brad’s is the best place to switch it up and try some delicious barbecue or other options like sandwiches and burgers. If you are still in the mood for seafood, though, they’ve got plenty; popular options include the fish and chips and the award-winning clam chowder.
Ready to get some shopping done? Pay a visit to the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets. You’ll find all your favorite national brands like Calvin Klein, Coach, Journey’s, Kate Spade, and more! Whether you want a new item for your closet, jewelry box, or home, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Day 2 – Evening
For your last evening in Pismo Beach, treat yourself to a special dinner at Ventana Grill. Here, you can get mouthwatering Latin-inspired cuisine with an absolutely unmatched view of the ocean. Indulgent dishes on the menu include lobster mac & cheese stuffed pepper, coconut halibut, seafood penne pasta, and many others. Finish off with a sweet treat like the strawberry banana cheesecake wrap or the mango sorbet. What better way to celebrate your last night in Pismo Beach?
But wait! There’s one more destination you shouldn’t miss out on during your time here. Head to Oceano, just 10 minutes away, to experience a one-of-a-kind show at The Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville. This isn’t your everyday theatre show! Since 1976, this establishment has been showing fun musicals, comedies, and, of course, melodramas and vaudeville acts. No matter what the main show is, there’s always a vaudeville performance afterward, giving you two shows for the price of one! We guarantee you’ll have a laugh-out-loud time no matter what’s playing.
Plan Your Vacation
And there you have it! There are so many fun Pismo Beach things to do that you simply can’t hit them all in one weekend, but we hope that this itinerary has shown you just how much you can fit into just 48 hours! The good news, though, is that you can always plan a return trip to one of our Pismo Beach vacation rentals to experience another weekend full of new activities! Ready to plan your trip or learn more about any of the attractions we’ve mentioned here? Contact us today to learn more about all of our properties!
