If you’re planning a trip to California, some of the top destinations that come to mind might be Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego. But don’t miss the incredible vacation spot of Pismo Beach! This community is one of the most gorgeous spots along the Central Coast, and it’s ideal for anyone looking for a unique place to spend their vacation.
Whether you want a relaxing trip or a getaway full of excitement, Pismo Beach has something to offer you. But what are the absolute best Pismo Beach things to do? What attractions should you be sure not to miss out on your trip? Here are a few of our favorite destinations near our Pismo Beach rentals!
Pier Plaza
The Pier Plaza is perhaps the most iconic of all the fun things to do in Pismo Beach. So many visitors come to this spot to take their pictures with the unique “Pismo Beach” sign! Pier Plaza has tons of fun activities going on all year round, and it’s a spot you have to visit while you’re in town. As the name suggests, the main attraction here is the Pier, which provides a phenomenal view of the ocean from every angle.
But the Pier itself isn’t the only thing to see here! If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to bring them over to the play area to run around. You can also head to the concession stand if you want a bite to eat; the renovated vintage Airstream serves up some of the best gourmet street food in town! Also at the Pier Plaza is a pedestrian bike path, a convenient visitors’ center, and Sheldon’s Bait Shack.
Pismo Preserve
The Pismo Preserve is one of the biggest and most popular attractions in the area, spanning more than 900 acres! If you enjoy the great outdoors, you won’t want to miss a trip to this Preserve. You can explore more than 10 miles of ranch roads and trails, which are great for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. As you explore, you’ll get amazing views of the Pacific as well as stunning woodlands.
It’s important to note that some trails are only open to specific activities; for instance, the Vamanos Trail is for hikers only. Some simple research can help you plan. Guests are welcome to explore the Preserve from dawn until dusk any day of the week (weather permitting). Visiting the Pismo Preserve is a great idea since the entrance is completely free for visitors traveling on a budget! You can find the Pismo Preserve just off of Highway 101.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Pismo Beach is well-known for its incredible population of monarch butterflies that visit the area from October through February. If you happen to be visiting the area during this time, the Monarch Butterfly Grove is a place you don’t want to miss! Volunteers and staff members are always providing informative and engaging discussions about the monarch butterfly population, allowing you to do something fun and learn something new all at the same time!
You can find the Monarch Butterfly Grove just off of Highway 1, about half a mile south of Pismo Beach itself. This attraction is only open during butterfly season, from late October through February. If you’re not in the area during this time, you can still get a taste of the monarchs! Head to the Oceano Dunes District CA State Parks YouTube channel to see excellent monarch content.
Dinosaur Caves Park
If you’re looking for a bit of a history lesson while you’re in town, you’ll want to head to the Dinosaur Caves Park. In the 1940s, H. Douglas Brown came to the area and constructed a giant brontosaurus sculpture. Unfortunately, a large portion of the local neighborhood wasn’t happy with the sculpture, and over time, it collapsed. Although H. Douglas Brown stopped building, the remains of the brontosaurus were eventually turned into Dinosaur Caves Park!
Today, Dinosaur Caves Park is one of the most popular places to gather in this area. You can enjoy an incredible view of the ocean as well as a dinosaur-themed playground, plenty of benches throughout the park, and amazing event space. All in all, this park features 11 acres of space for you to enjoy, which is great for getting outside even when you need a break from the beach.
Plan Your Stay
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Pismo State Beach
Another incredible destination in the area is Pismo State Beach, which stretches throughout Pismo Beach and Oceano and Grover Beach. This beach line is a stunning 17 miles long, giving you tons of room to explore! The weather is fantastic all year long, making this an attraction you can enjoy regardless of the season. Plus, you have the chance to explore three of the most incredible towns on California’s Central Coast!
No matter what kind of outdoor activities you enjoy, you can find them at Pismo State Beach. There are incredible opportunities for enjoying the water, such as surfing and swimming. You can even cast your line and try to catch a fish along the shore. If you’d rather stay on dry land, birdwatching is a great option to occupy your time here. Pismo State Beach is open every day of the week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Margo Dodd Park
There are plenty of places to get outside and enjoy nature while you’re in Pismo Beach, but when the sun starts to go down, you’ve got to head to Margo Dodd Park. This park is known for having some of the most picturesque sunsets in the whole town; you’ve got to see it to believe it! Of course, you can enjoy yourself at Margo Dodd Park, even if it’s not sunset. There are always locals and visitors strolling the shores and taking a dip in the water.
In addition to the beautiful beach, Margo Dodd Park also features a stunning gazebo where you can relax, as well as a recreation area for your family to get active. If you want to try snorkeling while you’re in the area, head to the end of the beach to find the tide pool! When you come, be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty for yourself.
Eldwayen Ocean Park
Speaking of parks with unbelievable ocean views, Eldwayen Ocean Park is one of the most popular options near our vacation rentals in Pismo Beach. This oceanfront park stretches out for a mile and a half, which is ideal for visitors of any age to explore all the attractions. There is, of course, an incredible view of the ocean, but you can also relax in the grassy recreational areas steps away from the shoreline.
If you’re planning to have a seaside picnic or want to spend some time playing outdoor games like cornhole, this is the place to do it! You can relax on a bench and enjoy a snack, walk along the shoreline at sunset, or explore the tide pools at the bottom of the stairs. On any given day, you can find whatever you’re looking for at Eldwayen Ocean Park, whether that be relaxation or adventure.
Book Your Pismo Beach Vacation Rentals with Beach Bum Holiday Rentals
Whether you want to explore just one of these attractions or all of them, you’re going to need a home base here in town. That’s where our Pismo Beach vacation rentals come in! Beach Bum is proud to offer tons of rental properties that suit the needs of any size group. Don’t wait to book your trip! Contact us today to learn more about our vacation homes.
