Pismo Beach, California
For the best trails and outdoor activities, Pismo Beach, California is a must-visit. The city offers top outdoor adventures like the Pismo Preserve, a 900-acre area with over 11 miles of trail for hiking and mountain biking. Its scenic beauty includes panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, oak woodlands, and wildlife sightings. For a more relaxed activity, stroll along the Pismo Beach Pier, perfect for fishing and bird watching. Close by is the Monarch Butterfly Grove, home to thousands of Monarch butterflies from late October through February. For the adventurous, the Oceano Dunes SVRA offers off-roading opportunities on the sand dunes. Whether it's hiking, biking, fishing, or off-roading, Pismo Beach has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Pismo Beach
-
Oceano, California
Camp at Pismo State Beach
4.5Hiking along nature trails, swimming, and surf fishing are all possible here, including wheelchair accessible fishing at Ocean Lagoon. Facilities consist of fire rings, restrooms, and showers. Restaurants are not far from the campground, as well. Make your reservation here.Read more -
Pismo Beach, California
Surf Shell Beach
5.0Shell Beach is north of downtown Pismo Beach. This is a fun wave that works best during the fall and winter months. It's a beach break with both lefts and rights. The wave is rippable and is less popular than waves at the pier or at Morro Bay. However, the wave is much less consistent than the ot...Read more -
Oceano, California
Catch a sunset at the Oceano Dunes
Driving on the beach is fun, and there are few places in California where you can legally do it. Just south of Pismo Beach you'll find Oceano Dunes. Pay the $4.00 entrance fee and drive your car right onto the beach. Keep an eye on tides and watch out for deep sand and sneaker waves! You won't be...Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop
4.02.79 mi / 679 ft gainOntario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Avila Beach, California.Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Catch the Sunset at the Avila Sea Caves
4.0When I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I would come out to this place to watch the sunset. It was my favorite spot to sit on a rock and take in the beautiful scenery as the sun went down. You don't really have to hike to get a nice view, you can park the car and walk out to the rock cliffs and...Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Bike or Run the Bob Jones Trail
5 miThe Bob Jones Trail provides a variety of activities -- running, walking, biking, skateboarding/rollerblading, and some exploring by the creek. You can choose where you would like to start, across the street from the Central Coast Aquarium off Avila Beach Dr. or from the parking lot off Ontario R...Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Point San Luis Lighthouse via Pecho Coast Trail
3.4 mi / 879 ft gainThis guided roundtrip hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse has one of the best views of the central coast coastline. You will get a chance to see the Avila Beach, Avila Pier, Call Poly Pier, and Harford Pier from a high point. The trail crosses through a land owned by PG&E; therefore, the hike...Read more -
Arroyo Grande, California
Explore the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes and nearby Lake Oso Flaco are home to many endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. A beautiful, short boardwalk takes you from the parking lot, over Lake Oso Flaco, and through the dunes before arriving at the ocean. Enjoy the local wildlife and abundan...Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Bowden Ranch Trail
4.03.34 mi / 1286 ft gainThis short but intense hike on the north east side of San Luis Obispo, offers an amazing view of the town. This hike is roughly 3 miles with 1300 ft of elevation gain. It provides a great cardio workout! It is also a very popular spot to hike but is less crowded than Bishop Peak. It's a dog frie...Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Bishop's Peak Trail
4.83.17 mi / 928 ft gainBishop's Peak is one of the most frequented hikes of the San Luis Obispo Area. With a 950ft elevation gain in an estimated 3 mile trek, the summit's peak rests at 1,559 feet. The hike is both demanding and rewarding - the panoramic views at the top of the nearby volcanic morros and San Luis Obisp...Read more -
Santa Margarita, California
Rinconada Mineral Mines
1.32 mi / 472 ft gainMy friends and I recently visited this abandoned mercury mine. The site was cleaned-up by the EPA many years ago, but much of the old equipment remains. Up the hill from the equipment are several deep cuts in the earth and a humongous hole in the ground. The sediment at edges of this hole are VER...Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Mountain Bike Cuesta Ridge
5.07 mi / -1600 ft gainStart at the parking lot directly off of Highway 101, head up TV tower Road for 2.8 Miles and a 900' climb from 1500' to 2400'. The trail is an old fire road that has degraded over the years and is full of potholes. Starting October 2015, the road has been closed to vehicles as its being repaved ...Read more -
San Luis Obispo, California
Eagle Rock Nature Trail
4.01.66 mi / 430 ft gainEagle Rock Nature Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.Read more -
San Luis Obispo County, California
Camp at Montaña de Oro State Park
5.0Located about 7 miles south of Morrow Bay, follow Los Osos Valley Rd into the state park. Watch for the signs to park, as you will be cited after 10pm.The campground is located just across the road from the famous Spooner's cove, but there are any number of trails and hikes you can enjoy (check ...Read more -
San Luis Obispo County, California
Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail
4.02 mi / 302 ft gainThe Bluff Trail is a simple walk that takes you along the coast in Montaña de Oro. The trailhead is located just past Spooner's Cove and has parking on both sides of the road. The path is paved, making it easily accessible for anyone who wants to enjoy these incredible views. If you're feeling a...Read more -
San Luis Obispo County, California
Spooner's Cove
5.0Spooner’s cove is one of those small hidden beaches where you can watch stunning sunsets in a peaceful environment. Located in Montana De Oro State Park, the small gem is surrounded by countless hikes and camping spot. It is also one of the only areas of the park that is dog friendly. If you are ...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Pismo Beach
Santa Margarita, California
Santa Margarita KOA Holiday
The best-kept secret on California's Central Coast lets you unplug, unwind and leave the city lights behind. Carved into the hills of 69 ...
