Pismo Beach Conservation and Local California Wildlife

Pismo Beach and the surrounding area is full of the most stunning wildlife in the country, and the locals know it, too. When you’re staying in one of our Pismo Beach vacation rentals, Oceano rentals, or rentals in Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, and more! Especially if you’re visiting for the first time, consider learning more about the unbelievable wildlife and the local conservation efforts.

There are tons of fun things to do in Pismo Beach, no matter what your interests are. Everyone from the foodie to the shopaholic to the adrenaline junkie will find a new favorite activity here. But perhaps the people that feel most at home are nature and animal lovers. 

About Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is located on the Central Coast of California near other popular tourist cities like San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Oceano, and more. The city has made a name for itself thanks to its diverse and exciting culture, welcoming atmosphere, and unique attractions that draw in locals and visitors like. Many of Pismo Beach’s most popular destinations are centered around the stunning wildlife of the area. 

What Animals Can You See?

Pismo Beach has a wide range of wildlife, including animals that live both on the land and in the sea. As far as marine animals, don’t be surprised to spot a fun pod of dolphins or spot a migrating whale out in the distance! If you’re really lucky, you might also see sea otters and elephant seals.

When it comes to land animals and insects, the possibilities are almost endless. The most sought-after creature is the monarch butterfly. Pismo Beach even has a whole Butterfly Grove dedicated to them! (Be sure to visit the Grove if you’re in town from October through February.) Bird watching is common as well, with species like California brown pelicans, herons, egrets, peregrine falcon, and many others making their appearance. You can also be on the lookout for wild turkeys, tule elk, deer, and more.

About Conservation Efforts

The people of Pismo Beach understand how important it is to ensure these wonderful creatures have safe homes. With more and more species losing their populations by the day, it’s up to us to make sure these animals have the homes they deserve. That’s why the Pismo Beach area is home to many valuable conservation efforts that help protect the local wildlife.

Pismo Beach has long been known for its abundance of clams. In the past, the city would see upwards of 5,000 people per day come out to the shores and take clams for themselves. While this practice wasn’t originally a problem, it quickly got out of hand and led to overconsumption. Conversation efforts were put in place, such as fines for illegally harvesting clams. Now, after more than 20 years, clams are almost back to the numbers they had previously seen. Today, many of the clams that appear on Pismo Beach are much smaller than they used to be, but responsible practices on our part may help solve this issue as well.

Another fantastic conservation effort comes from The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, which owns the Pismo Preserve. Here, you’ll find almost 900 acres of exceptional recreational opportunities that both entertain guests and protect the local environment. There are more than 11 miles of trail to discover, all taking you through the various ecosystems as they were intended to be.

In nearby Oceano, the Oceano Dunes District Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is helping to ensure local conservation efforts have what they need to be successful. The HCP works with State Parks to make sure they have sufficient conservation and avoidance measures to keep sensitive species safe while also providing exciting and entertaining spaces for the public to enjoy.

How Can You Help?

When you’re in Pismo Beach, you can do your part to make sure the local animals are happy and healthy for years to come. If you come across a group of seagulls or other birds, please refrain from feeding them, as this practice can cause overpopulation and can disrupt migrating patterns. 

In general, it’s best to admire any of the area’s bird species from a distance. In fact, this advice can be applied for almost any animal you encounter. We know it’s tempting to try to get close for that perfect picture or just to get a better look, but you run the risk of tampering with the animal’s home and potentially startling them, which could result in injury for both you and the animal. It’s best to just leave these majestic creatures alone and watch from afar.

One of the most important things you can do to help with conservation efforts is to visit the organizations that are responsible. The importance of your support truly cannot be overstated, and by visiting and patronizing these locations, you’re helping to fund future efforts to protect the animals and ecosystems of Pismo Beach.

Events

There are lots of incredible animal-centered events to attend while you’re in Pismo Beach, so you can truly get to see the beauty of these creatures and understand the importance of the conservation efforts surrounding them. 

If you’re visiting early in the year, you won’t want to miss out on the annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival. Held every January, this event brings together vendors and bird lovers from far and wide to celebrate the birds of the area. Morro Bay is the perfect location, as it is a designated State and National Estuary as well as a Globally Important Bird Area. You’ll find Nature Track events like tours, workshops, presentations, and more, as well as the opportunity to shop from local vendors. This event is family-friendly and is certainly not to be missed if you’re in town.

Later in the year, you can enjoy the annual Brew at the Zoo event at the Charles Paddock Zoo in nearby Atascadero. This event typically takes place in September and brings together two of life’s greatest pleasures: beer and wildlife! All proceeds go directly to benefit the zoo and ensure they can maintain healthy and comfortable environments for all their residents. You’ll get the chance to sample unique drinks from the area’s most well-loved breweries, and you. can get up close and personal with the animals at the zoo! The zoo does offer lots of other events throughout the year, so even if you can’t make it to this one, it’s worth checking out!

Book Your Pismo Beach Vacation Rentals with Beach Bum

The conservation efforts in Pismo Beach and the surrounding areas are helping to keep Central California as beautiful and ecologically diverse as it always has been. By supporting these efforts and doing your part while you’re in town, you can be part of the change! Once you’ve spent the day discovering wildlife and seeing the majesty of the area for yourself, you’re going to need a place to relax and unwind.