The Central Coast’s Recreation
Pismo Beach is a central California beachside community where bathers may swim and surf all year. It takes 3 hours to get there from either Los Angeles or San Francisco; it’s an ocean experience for those who want to escape the heat. Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, and Oceano Beach are the only three beaches in the Five Cities region. Pismo Beach is well renowned for its 8.5 miles of beaches, but it also connects with paths between cities for cyclists, hikers, and adrenaline seekers looking to enjoy everything the Pacific Ocean has to offer!
A day at the beach would never be complete without checking out the tides. They’re different from anywhere else in California and make for an even better adventure because you don’t know what you’ll find each time you go. But it’s not just the tides that make this particular area so great – after all, there are plenty of places with good wine nearby! What makes this place stand out is how much space there is; there’s no other California beach where cars can drive on the sand.
Babito and I came from Orange County early in the afternoon, thirsty and hungry to take in the view. We drove directly to Marisol’s room at the Cliffs Hotel and Spa.
Drink in the fabulous views, service and a bowl of their famous clam chowder.
Enjoy the spectacular views, service, and a cup of their famous clam chowder.
Our reservation on the dunes is next on the program, and it should be on everyone’s Pismo Beach soundtrack.
WATCH OUR PISMO BEACH VACATION
For a heart-pounding adventure, head to Oceano Beach for some fun in the sand. Explore its many nooks and crannies using ATVs, UTVs, or Dune Buggies from Sunbuggy Fun Rentals. This rental company has excellent customer service and rides are safe for all ages – they’ll even make accommodations to meet your needs!
328 Pier Ave
Oceano, CA 93445
(866) 728-4443
If you want to take in the scenery on foot, head to Grover Beach. It has pathways that will transport you back to the 1800s when Don Gaspar De Portola and his party camped there.
Visit Monarch Butterfly Grove Nature Preserve. A natural reserve where the eucalyptus trees are filled with thousands of monarch butterflies from late October to early February. Explore Dinosaur Caves Park in Shell Beach for its tide pools and caves; it used to be an amusement park, but now there’s nothing more representative of Pismo Beach than the famous Pismo Beach Pier. Unlike other piers throughout California, this one was created primarily as a way to save on trucking costs for South County products – today, it’s considered one of the longest and widest piers in America. This is also one of the most popular spots to take a selfie!
I have to admit, we are the same; after a half-hour of sand trailing, we gazed at each other with a look of amazing experience; it was time to enjoy the town! Before settling into our accommodations, we sipped one of the finest, San Liege Wines.
San Liege is Paso Robles’ Maverik, creating Rhone Valley-style wines. Curt Schalchin, a nonconformist winemaker, creates wines that cast spells on the taste with no restraint.
870 Price Street
Pismo Beach, Ca 93449
805-773-2770
It’s time to check in, and The Cottage Inn By The Sea has the best deal and the nicest views. As you stroll into the welcome waves of our space, you will be amazed. What a breathtaking vista!
The rooms are big, tidy, and nicely decorated with the classic charm of a Cape Cod home. I’m a sucker for fireplaces and every room has one. Despite not having any formal dining facilities on the premises, they do serve breakfast (though they call it Bed and Breakfast). And before you leave in the morning, don’t forget to stop by their enchanting wishing well–you’ll want to come back!
2351 Price Street
Pismo Beach Ca, 93449
805-773-4617
It’s an incredible temptation to give in and let the hours pass without anything but this moment – and yet, The Taste of the Valley is not to be missed. Here, you can buy bottles from all around their parts of the world – wines for every occasion are just waiting for their turn at being tasted. At one point, take a step into someone else’s home, where a close friend has set up a mini-bar with wine samples available on tap. Take your time tasting them or settle for just one – either way, they’ll offer that bottle back so you can keep sampling until you’re happy with what you’ve tried.
911 Price Street
Pismo Beach, Ca 93449
805-773-8466
As with many Central Coast communities, I refer to them as “Lullaby Towns,” because your only option after 9 p.m. is a watering hole you’ll never recall. As a result, dining at Ventana Grill is certainly a Pismo Beach must.
The view from our table is nothing short of this beautiful picture. Wonderful sight words do not seem to vividly explain. Simply put, it’s nature’s work of art. If I must boast, despite conducting our reviews, it was here that my babito asked me to marry him again – as we were also celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary that evening – naturally, I said yes to my best friend after he surprised me with the ring!
Ventana Grill is perched on a coastal bluff specializing in Latin-inspired dishes & fresh seafood.
Most restaurants with such a captivating ambiance are overpriced and of poor quality.
The service is prompt and diligent, the food is carefully curated with care. Homemade tortillas are served alongside a tequila list worth multiple flights (seriously). It’s hard to find an empty seat here – so feel free to sit at one of the open seats near the main entrance with 180-degree sea cliff views.
There’s a nice selection of wine options by the glass, but I like bringing my bottle every time I come in for dinner. Even though they also have an excellent wine selection, they accept to charge a very fair price per person (corkage fee) if you’re interested in bringing your drink inside
Merguez Sausage With Colossal Camaron
My girl C NAGY … The Central Coast Pinot Noir queen
2575 Price St
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
805-773-0000
I enjoy cigars, and this lounge, La Aroma De Havana Cigar Bar & Lounge
is a dream come true…
Premium cigars in their humidor make my night. I can buy one and bring one of my own or order a drink at the bar while sitting in Homer Simpson’s favorite chair. There isn’t anywhere quite like this place – when you want to end your night with some indulgence, don’t forget Smokey Joe’s! They’ve got two spacious smoking lounges – both equipped with TVs so you never miss what’s happening out there! You’re welcome to play pool if you want, but don’t forget about their six domino tables, four poker tables, and even two chess boards for all those strategy enthusiasts out there!
600 Dolliver St.
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 295-6872
I appreciate coming back to our playard of fun in the sun for families and adults alike. The Chumash Indians valued their natural tar resource (PISMO). Despite this, it is difficult to imagine that it was home to the majority of saloons in California, famed brothels, and the best supplier of liquor during Prohibition. This location has come a long way since its days as a notorious gambling den and unsavory bar; instead, we now provide a getaway from the outside world with stylish restaurants and hotels nearby. Those who are brave enough to investigate at their peril will be rewarded with a blast from the past!
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