If you find yourself on the central coast of California, make sure to stop by Pismo Beach.
From terrific wineries to idyllic beaches, you won’t run out of the best things to do in Pismo Beach for sure.
It even has a cool oceanside dino park.
Build a list of the best beaches in Pismo Beach, CA, that you want to check out. Read the suggestions below.
1. Dinosaur Caves Park
2701 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
Dinosaur Caves Park is an 11-acre park atop the bluffs in Shell Beach.
Cars can enter the park’s parking lot on Cliff Avenue.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Dinosaur Caves Park is probably the safest beach for kids on this list.
It’s part of Shell Beach but is situated on top of bluffs overlooking the ocean.
What makes it safe is that you can’t access the shores and swim here.
It’s all about staying dry while having fun.
There are tons of animal and dinosaur-themed toys and play areas in the park that your young ones are sure to enjoy.
Expert Tip
Dinosaur Caves Park is the perfect place for picnicking and taking photos.
But when you’re ready for something more exciting, the other parks are good access points for kayaking (and they’re only a short walk away).
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Inn at the Pier
Related: Fun Things to Do in Pismo Beach with Kids
2. Eldwayen Ocean Park
Ocean Boulevard & Morro Avenue
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
Eldwayen Ocean Park is a grassy park near the waters with fantastic ocean views.
It has stairway access to the sandy shorefront below.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Another lovely park in Shell Beach is the Eldwayen Ocean Park, considered one of the top beaches in Pismo.
Its grassy area is perfect for day picnics, while its narrow beach is an excellent place to start kayaking from.
Expert Tip
Parking is relatively easy to find for the park.
You can park your car along Ocean Boulevard.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa
3. Elmer Ross Beach
2651 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
Elmer Ross Beach is located in Shell Beach near Dinosaur Caves Park.
It’s absolutely among the nice beaches in the area.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Elmer Ross Beach is also known as Shelter Cove because the waves don’t crash roughly here because of the bluffs.
It has pretty amazing views of the waters, and you can even stay at a gazebo near the beach’s stairway.
Expert Tip
Try to visit Elmer Ross Beach when the tide is low so that you can explore the tide pools and caves nearby.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Vespera ON OCEAN, Autograph Collection
Also See:
Best Beaches in San DiegoBest Beaches in Santa CruzSan Francisco, California Beaches
4. Pier Beach — Pismo Beach
100 Pomeroy Avenue
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
Pismo Beach Pier looks out to the Pacific Ocean and is located in the central part of Pismo Beach’s waterfront.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The area near the pier is probably the best beach for swimming in Pismo Beach.
Though it’s more known for sunbathing and surfing, the shorefront near the pier is the easiest to access among the beaches in Pismo Beach.
As for the waters, wading in is okay, but always be careful and on the outlook for possible danger.
Also, be wary of surfers when taking a dip to avoid crashing into them.
You should also stay a bit on the beach at night.
The views are stunning when the pier lights turn on.
Expert Tip
The shorefront near the pier is flat and fun to play on, so it’s best to stay here or venture down south.
Going further north might reveal a bit rockier terrain.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach
5. South Palisades Park
194 Beachcomber Drive
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
South Palisades Park is a grassy park in Shell Beach that runs along the bluffs.
Why We Recommend This Beach
For more unique views during your outing to Pismo Beach, head on over to South Palisades Park.
The rocky terrain and fun tide pools near the stairway leading to the waterfront are fun to explore.
They also make for amazing selfie backdrops.
Expert Tip
If you love to go tide pooling and aren’t tired yet, venture down south to Ebb Tide Park for more tide pools.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: San Luis Bay Inn by Diamond Resorts
6. Margo Dodd Park Beach
Ocean Boulevard & Seaview Avenue
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
Margo Dodd Park is a small park atop the bluffs along Shell Beach.
It is near Dinosaur Caves Park.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Margo Dodd Park has access to one of the prettiest beaches in the neighborhood during the low tide.
There are a few rock arches and caves on the beach that you’re sure to enjoy exploring.
You can even take stunning photos while you’re here.
Expert Tip
If you’re bringing a car, you can choose to look for nearby street parking or head on over to Dinosaur Caves Park’s public parking lot.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cottage Inn by the Sea
7. North Beach — Pismo State Beach
399 S Dolliver Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 473-7220
North Beach is located a bit further up from the Pismo Beach Pier.
It is near the Monarch Butterfly Colony.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Feel like going camping?
North Beach has a campground that’s beside the spot where Pismo Creek meets the Pacific Ocean.
You can spend the day surfing and fishing while you’re here.
The campground here makes North Beach among the popular beaches in Pismo Beach.
Expert Tip
If you brought a car and only want to spend a few hours on the beach, you can use the parking spots along the highway.
Parking for campers has a different designation; just follow the signs.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Casa Grande Inn
Also See:
Beaches in Santa BarbaraSan Luis Obispo County BeachesSouth Lake Tahoe Beaches
8. Memory Park
Seacliff Drive & Paddock Avenue
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
Memory Park is connected to a tiny beachfront in Shell Beach. It is located along Seacliff Drive.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you’re just after the picturesque ocean views you can find in Pismo Beach, Memory Park is a great place to hang out.
While it does have a nice sandy shorefront, it can’t be accessed because the cliffs are too steep.
However, it does complete the view.
Expert Tip
Make sure to bring your lunch or a few snacks.
Besides looking out at the beautiful vista, picnicking is the next best activity to do here.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel
9. Spiral Staircase Beach Access
2575 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
Spiral Staircase Beach is a small beach found below Ventana Grill.
Its name comes from the old spiral staircase structure standing there.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Once upon a time, it was super easy to access the tiny beach in this area through the spiral staircase.
But a storm damaged the connecting bridge so the stairs were left unused and the beach is almost inaccessible.
If you’re up for an adventure, the only way to reach this beach is by kayaking from its neighboring beaches.
Expert Tip
You can go nearer to the spiral staircase access via kayak during high tide but wouldn’t see the beach because it disappears.
Don’t be disappointed. Make sure to bring your waterproof camera to take spectacular photos.
If you’d rather do something else, go to Avila Beach (it’s among the best beaches near Pismo Beach) for swimming and sunbathing.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Pismo Lighthouse Suites
10. Wilmar Stairs Access — Pismo Beach
305 Wilmar Avenue
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
Wilmar Stairs Access is located farther north of Pismo Beach. Going south will take you to Pismo Beach Pier.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The wooden stairway on this side of the shorefront leads to a vast coast with powdery white sand.
It’s among the best beach spots in Pismo Beach for beach walking and sunbathing.
Expert Tip
Another great thing about Wilmar Stairs Access is that it’s near free public parking spaces.
You can find a few on Wilmar Avenue.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Spyglass Inn
11. Spyglass Park
2549 Spyglass Drive
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
Spyglass Park is another oceanside park atop a bluff in Shell Beach.
It is located near downtown Pismo Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
When it comes to Pismo Beach beaches, tide pooling is a great pastime.
You can explore tide pools at the small sandy beach below Spyglass Park during low tide.
And if you get hungry
Have a picnic or a barbecue on the grassy grounds of the park.
Expert Tip
Thinking of bringing your furry friend?
Dogs are allowed inside the park as long as you keep them on a leash.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: SeaVenture Beach Hotel
Related: Best Beaches in California
12. Silver Shoals Park
Shell Beach Road & N Silver Shoals Drive
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-7039
Silver Shoals Park is a grassy park that has beach access to the shores of Shell Beach.
It is near South Palisades Park.
Why We Recommend This Beach
For peaceful short walks on the beach, the shorefront below Silver Shoals Park is a fantastic area.
Here is among the best beaches in Pismo Beach, CA, for relaxing strolls.
You can choose to take in the ocean breeze and simply stroll along the shore.
Or you can also go tide pooling during the low tide.
Expert Tip
There are picnic tables and barbecues located in the grassy grounds of the park.
Make sure to bring lunch or snacks when you visit.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Cliffs Hotel and Spa
Related: Best Beaches in Southern California
Map of Beaches in Pismo Beach, CA
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List of image sources
12 Best Pismo Beach Beaches for 2023
- Dinosaur Caves Park
- Eldwayen Ocean Park
- Elmer Ross Beach
- Pier Beach — Pismo Beach
- South Palisades Park
- Margo Dodd Park Beach
- North Beach — Pismo State Beach
- Memory Park
- Spiral Staircase Beach Access
- Wilmar Stairs Access — Pismo Beach
- Spyglass Park
- Silver Shoals Park
FAQs
What is the number 1 beach in California? ›
1. Zuma Beach, Malibu. Some of the state's most perfect beaches are found in the city of Malibu in Southern California. It's about 10 miles north of Santa Monica and has a few different beach environments.
Which is nicer Avila Beach or Pismo Beach? ›Avila tends to be sunnier and warmer (especially in summer months) and the drive through a wooded area to get there is lovely. Pismo, however, has more options for accommodations. If you love being able to walk a long stretch of white sand beach, go to Pismo. If you are a real sunlover, go to Avila.
What is the #1 beach in the world? ›And you've got the No. 1 beach in the world for 2022, according to Tripadvisor users. The travel platform has just released the second of its annual Travelers' Choice Awards for 2022: The Best of the Best Beaches. Coming out on top is Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos islands.
What is the number 1 beach in the US? ›1: Manele Bay, Hawaii
For most of the year Hulopoe Bay is the best place for kayaking, swimming and snorkeling on the island. In fact, snorkeling and diving spots here are considered some of the finest in Hawaii, making a swim in the 70-degree water all the more tempting.
Pismo Beach is a quaint beachside city with incredible, expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Popularly known as the Clam Capital of the World, Pismo Beach is particularly known for its clam digging spots and phenomenal Clam Festival, and wherever there are clams, wildlife like otters abound!
Which is better Cambria or Pismo Beach? ›Cambria has alot of charm with the quaint shops, great restaurants and beautiful Moonstone Beach and is close to Hearst Castle in nearby San Simoen. Pismo is great for watching the surfers, strolling the pier and relaxing, it is a classic CA beach town. http://www.centralcoast.com is a nice website for you to explore.
Is Santa Barbara or Pismo Beach better? ›So--if you want a beach environment where you can totally relax and rarely put shoes on, go to Pismo. If you love history, culture, architecture, art and fine dining, stay in Santa Barbara. It's still relatively casual there, but you'll wear shoes a lot more often than if you stay in Pismo!
How many days do you need in Pismo Beach? ›If you're looking for a beach getaway, Pismo Beach is the perfect 2-day travel destination. Full of amazing food, oceanside views, and adrenaline-pumping adventures, Pismo Beach will leave you feeling as if you've traveled across the globe.
What is the prettiest beach ever? ›- GRACE BAY, TURKS & CAICOS.
- WHITEHAVEN BEACH, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA.
- BAIA DO SANCHO, FERNANDO DE NORONHO, BRAZIL.
- LONG BEACH, VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA.
- MAYA BAY, KOH PHI PHI, THAILAND.
- CAMPS BAY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA.
- POLIHALE BEACH, HAWAII, USA.
- ANSE SOURCE D'ARGENT, SEYCHELLES.
- Saud Beach, Luzon, Philippines.
- Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece.
- Nungwi Beach, Tanzania.
- Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii.
- Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia.
- Clearwater Beach, Florida.
- Sotavento Beach, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands.
What is the most visited beach? ›
- Venice Beach, California. Each year Venice attracts approximately 16 million visitors. ...
- Miami Beach, Florida. ...
- Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. ...
- Hollywood, Florida. ...
- Waikiki, Oahu. ...
- Ocean City, Maryland. ...
- Huntington Beach, California. ...
- Daytona Beach, Florida.
- Bondi Beach, Australia (445.8 million views)
- Pattaya Beach, Thailand (128.5 million views)
- Nha Trang Beach, Vietnam (64.6 million views)
- Vũng Tàu Beach, Vietnam (61.9 million views)
- Waikiki Beach, U.S. (43.7 million views)
- JBR Beach, Dubai (30.3 million views)
1. The Maldives. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon with crystal clear water encircles all the islands, which are protected by a reef structure that is home to an array of underwater life.
What is the clearest beach in California? ›What beach in California has the clearest water? La Jolla Cove is widely known to have some of the clearest water anywhere.
What's the cleanest beach in California? ›- Playa Blanca (Baja California, Mexico)
- Erckenbrack Park (San Mateo County)
- Marlin Park (San Mateo County)
- Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles County)
- Marina del Rey Mother's Beach, at lifeguard tower (Los Angeles County)
- Moonstone County Park (Humboldt County)
- Rainbow Beach - Queensland, Australia. ...
- Porto Ferro - Sardinia, Italy. ...
- Red Sand Beach - Prince Edward Island, Canada. ...
- Crescent Beach - Siesta Key, Florida. ...
- Kaihalulu Beach - Maui, Hawaii. ...
- Ramla Bay Beach, Malta. ...
- Rockaway Beach, Pacifica. ...
- Vik Beach, Iceland. Credit: Bigstock.com.
In the 1920s, Cecil B. DeMille famously transformed the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes into an ancient Egyptian city for his silent film The Ten Commandments.
Why is Pismo Beach closing? ›In addition to harming endangered species like the snowy plover and California least tern, the impact of 1.5 million annual visitors (according to State Parks) whomping around the dunes and beach tears up the habitat and prevents people from using the beach for nearly any other purpose.
Why is Pismo Beach water red? ›Not all phytoplankton species produce visible blooms. Red tides are caused by a particular group of phytoplankton called dinoflagellates, which seem to prefer warmer and calmer waters.
Which is better to visit Morro Bay or Pismo Beach? ›Morro Bay is more of a bay-side fishing village and Pismo Beach is more of a California beach town. Both are convinient to SLO. Morro Bay is closer to Cambria and I think Pismo Beach is closer to the Santa Ynez valley where there are supposed to be some good wineries.
Is Moonstone Beach crowded? ›
Moonstone Beach in Cambria typifies all that is good about Central California – great beauty of the natural surroundings with ample amenities and while popular, no large crowds. Tucked into a stretch of coastline no more than 1000 feet wide from Highway 1 to the surf, you never feel crowded.
Can you swim in the ocean at Pismo Beach? ›Pismo Beach is one of California's most popular beach towns, and it's easy to see why. The beautiful sandy beach stretches for miles and is perfect for relaxing, swimming, surfing, and much more.
Is it worth going to Pismo Beach? ›It's a truly beautiful place and there's no better haven for lovers of the ocean than this. Great food and wine, stunning parks and beaches, and relaxing water attractions make up much of the local scene. Pismo Beach sits in San Luis Obispo County.
Is it worth visiting Pismo Beach? ›Whether you want to dig for the famous Pismo clams, do a thrilling hummer tour over the Oceano dunes, look for overwintering monarch butterflies, or simply laze the days away on the beach, Pismo Beach is well worth visiting!
Can you walk on Pismo Beach at night? ›Pedestrian Day Use hours are from 6:00am-10:00pm. Vehicle Day Use hours are from 7:00am - One Hour Past Sunset.
How cold is the ocean in Pismo Beach? ›Average annual water temperature on the coast in Pismo Beach is 57°F, by the seasons: in winter 56°F, in spring 55°F, in summer 57°F, in autumn 59°F. Minimum water temperature (52°F) in Pismo Beach it happens in March, maximum (62°F) in September.
How long is the Pismo Beach Boardwalk? ›Pismo Beach walk is a 2 mile (4,500-step) route located near Pismo Beach, California, USA.
What is the richest beach? ›- America's richest beach towns. ...
- Sagaponack, New York. ...
- Vaughn, Washington. ...
- Shelter Island Heights, New York. ...
- Del Mar, California. ...
- Tiki Island, Texas. ...
- Laguna Beach, California. ...
- Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina.
- Egremnoi, Greece. ...
- Crater Lake, Oregon. ...
- Devil's Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. ...
- Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia. ...
- Ambergris Caye, Belize. ...
- Five-Flower Lake, Jiuzhaigou National Park, China. ...
- Swaraj Dweep, India. ...
- Islas de Rosario, Colombia.
- Nungwi Beach — Zanzibar, Tanzania. ...
- Perivolos Beach — Santorini, Greece. ...
- El Nido — Palawan, The Philippines. ...
- Lizard Island — Queensland, Australia. ...
- Anse d'Est Beach — North Island (Ile du Nord), Seychelles. ...
- Cable Beach — New Providence, the Bahamas.
What are the top 3 dirtiest beaches? ›
- World's Dirtiest Beaches. ...
- Freedom Island - Manila, Philippines. ...
- Guanabara Bay - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ...
- Fujiazhuang Beach - Dalian, China. ...
- Darwin - Northern Territory, Australia. ...
- Kamilo Beach - Naalehu, Hawaii.
- Jellyfish. These squishy critters injure beach-goers far more often than any other type of sea life. ...
- Sea Urchins. Step on one of these spiny round invertebrates and you'll be sorry! ...
- Lionfish. ...
- Stingray.
If you want to experience the clearest water in California, where you can snorkel, kayak, swim, and have a crystal clear view of the marine life in the water, then you're going to fall in love La Jolla Cove Beach, the clearest beach in California.
What beach has the softest sand? ›Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet.
Where is the best beach to vacation? ›- Puerto Rico.
- Belize.
- Dominican Republic.
- St. Lucia.
- Cancun.
- Playa del Carmen.
- Tulum.
- Cape Cod.
- Playa Blanca (Baja California, Mexico)
- Erckenbrack Park (San Mateo County)
- Marlin Park (San Mateo County)
- Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles County)
- Marina del Rey Mother's Beach, at lifeguard tower (Los Angeles County)
- Moonstone County Park (Humboldt County)
Laguna Beach has been home to many famous Hollywood stars over the years.
What is the most expensive beach in California? ›San Diego: Pacific Beach Most Expensive Beach Destination in California. LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pacific Beach, a neighborhood of San Diego, is the most expensive beach destination in California.
What is the richest beach in California? ›Laguna Beach, California, is the largest, with 23,000 residents. America's richest beach town is Belvedere, California.
What beach in California has purple sand? ›Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is famous as the “purple sand beach.” But that's not its only claim to fame: beautiful Keyhole Arch, which sits just offshore at Pfeiffer Beach, is one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur.
What beach in California has blue water? ›
Coronado Beach is considered by many to be the prettiest Southern California beach. The clear blue waters, white sand shoreline, and iconic sunsets make Coronado Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California.
Where is like Hawaii in California? ›With its balmy weather and gorgeous beaches, San Diego is often called “the Hawaii of Southern California.” in addition to its many beach towns—like La Jolla, Del Mar, and Coronado. San Diego also has a bustling downtown area with great shopping and restaurants.
What is the nicest beach? ›- Saud Beach, Luzon, Philippines.
- Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece.
- Nungwi Beach, Tanzania.
- Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii.
- Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia.
- Clearwater Beach, Florida.
- Sotavento Beach, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands.
Located in Del Norte County, Hidden Beach is literally off the beaten path. Nestled into a tree-covered hillside, this secluded beach is only accessible via hike, making it a great option for visitors looking to spend a day immersed in nature.
Where in California do the most celebrities live? ›While plenty of celebrities can be found in other parts of the city, or even elsewhere in California, the highest concentration of famous people is in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and the surrounding neighborhoods in the Hollywood Hills.
How do paparazzi find celebrities? ›2. How do paparazzi know where to find celebrities? Many get information from tipsters regarding celebrity whereabouts, such as airport arrivals or restaurant reservations. Others memorize license plate numbers of celebrities' cars, while some stake stars' homes and hangouts.