halfway between san francisco and los angeles
discover pismo beach, california
Return to a place where memories are made barefoot in the sand and each sunset feels like the ones you remember from childhood summers. Stroll through our downtown known for it’s iconic wooden pier, vintage surf shops, and famous eateries.
Find out why USA Today has named Pismo Beach as The Top Coastal Small Town in the USA!
halfway between san francisco and los angeles
discover pismo beach, california
Return to a place where memories are made barefoot in the sand and each sunset feels like the ones you remember from childhood summers. Stroll through our downtown known for it’s iconic wooden pier, vintage surf shops, and famous eateries.
Find out why USA Today has named Pismo Beach as The Top Coastal Small Town in the USA!
A Guide to Pismo Beach
The seaventure blog
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Things to do in pismo
We have partnered with our sister property, The Spa at The Cliffs, to bring SeaVenture guests a luxurious spa and pool day!
SeaVenture guests receive:
- Shuttle Service: A complimentary shuttle will whisk you from SeaVenture Hotel to The Spa at The Cliffs for your treatment. The spa is located an easy 10min drive from SeaVenture.
- All Day Pool Access: Relax by the pool all day before or after your treatment. Full bar and Marisol Restaurant service available poolside.
- Weekday Discount: Enjoy $30 Off any treatment Monday – Thursday. Mention at the time of booking or checkout. (Offer valid for hotel guests during the days of their stay only. Blackout days apply.)
Learn more about The Spa at The Cliffs here: https://cliffshotelandspa.com/spa/
Call to make reservations at: 805-773-5000 ext. 862
The Oceano Dunes is one of California’s last coastal off-roading destinations and is located just 5 minutes from SeaVenture. Feel the rush of adventure as you ride an ATV across the golden sands. This is a popular activity for many Pismo Beach visitors!
Make reservations ahead of time to secure your time and vehicle. See a list of companies here – https://www.slocal.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/atvs-off-roading/. We often recommend BJs ATV Rental.
SeaVenture is lucky to have over 20 wineries within a 20min drive. The San Luis Obispo Coast is home to a unique wine region known for its cool-climate varietals and boutique wine experiences.
Our local wineries here are often small, family-owned, and focused on sustainable practices, producing limited batches that highlight the character of the coastal terroir.
Did you know we have a local Wine Tasting Pass?
SLO Coast Wine represents wineries in our area and offer tasting passes to visit multiple wineries during your stay. Explore options here: https://slocoastwine.com/taste/
This destination is a shopping lover and bargain hunters paradise! The Pismo Beach Premium Outlets is a popular open-air shopping center featuring over 40 designer and name-brand stores such as Nike, Coach, Kate Spade, Levi’s, and Polo Ralph Lauren. It’s a favorite stop for both locals and travelers seeking quality shopping located a 5min drive and the next freeway exit from SeaVenture.
Learn more here: https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/pismo-beach
Whether you want to enjoy Pismo Beach from the sand or on the sea, there are endless free and bookable experiences right outside our door!
Free activities:
- Walk the 22-miles of sand! Find cave-like structures on the north end of our beach.
- DIY bonfires on the beach in Grover Beach (5min drive)
- Spot wildlife such as whales and sea birds along the shoreline or, even better, from SeaVenture Restaurant
- Swimming – The city hires lifeguards and are on watch from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
- Clamming – a historic local activity!
Bookable activities: See our friends at Pismo Beach Bike Rentals for:
- Rentals for the sea- surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding
- Rentals for land – tandem bikes, surrey bikes, fishing
Whether you’re a first-time rider or an experienced equestrian, exploring Pismo Beach on horseback is an unforgettable way to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning coastal landscape.
Riders start at the nearby Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve and wind through rolling dunes and coastal vegetation. They continue onto the sandy shoreline where they can feel the ocean breeze through their manes. This ride showcases the area’s natural beauty while connecting with a beautifully gentle creature.
Learn more here: https://experiencepismobeach.com/beach-and-outdoors/horseback-riding/
Our favorite locals are often in town and are spectacular to visit! Gray whales visit us typically December to April during their annual migration. Humpback whales, along with dolphins and sea otters, may be seen year round!
Enjoy sightings from our hotel rooms or join one of the local boat tours: https://thewhaletrail.org/sites/pismo-beach/
It is a lively, immersive experience that blends classic theater with interactive fun. From the moment you arrive, costumed actors greet you warmly, ushering you to your seat and even serving snacks during intermission (and singing when they get tips).
The performances feature a mix of melodramas, musical parodies, and vaudeville revues by incredibly talented artists! They encourage audience participation—cheer the hero, boo the villain, and sing along—making each show a memorable and engaging event for all ages and the whole family.
See their shows here: https://americanmelodrama.com/
The Monarch Butterfly Grove is located a 3min drive from SeaVenture!
Every year from late October through February, tens of thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in eucalyptus trees and create a stunning natural spectacle. The grove offers free admission and features docent-led talks during the migration season to provide visitors with insights into the butterflies’ migration path and conservation efforts.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30273
Ask any local, we love the beauty of Pismo Beach and all the opportunities to be with nature. Here are some of our favorite nearby trails:
- Pismo Preserve (5mins from SeaVenture):
- Spanning over 900 acres, the preserve features more than 10 miles of trails meandering through oak woodlands and coastal ridgelines, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- The Bob Jones Trail (12mins from SeaVenture):
- This is a local family friendly destination! This trail provides a paved, 5-mile path alongside San Luis Obispo Creek, connecting to Avila Beach and ideal for cyclists and walkers of all ages.
- Stop by our sister property at The Secret Garden located on the trail with woodfired pizzas and weekly live music.
- Sycamore Crest Trail (12mins from SeaVenture):
Annual Events & Festivals in pismo
We love celebrating the holidays!
- Valentine’s Day:
- Easter: Special brunch at SeaVenture Restaurant and many egg-citing local activities.
- Mother’s & Father’s Day: Brunch event & dinner specials at SeaVenture Restaurant with family-friendly beach activities nearby.
- Memorial Day: Brunch on the holiday Monday to cure the holiday hangover.
- 4th of July: The Annual Pismo Beach Fireworks Show is iconic! SeaVenture has front-row seats and an exciting dinner extravaganza in our Restaurant.
- Labor Day: Brunch on the holiday Monday to cure the holiday hangover.
- Thanksgiving: Skip cooking and clean up, and let us bring the turkey with all the fixings with our special holiday dinner.
- Christmas: The Christmas tree of lights glow on the Pismo Pier and we host a special holiday dinner with a classic menu!
- Holiday Hot tip: Attending the The Great American Melodrama‘s holiday show is a local tradition! Book your tickets and stay early to enjoy the holiday like a local.
- New Years Eve: At 9pm (when the clock strikes midnight on the East Coast New Year’s Eve), we celebrate the start of a new year! Join us for a fantastic dinner event at SeaVenture Restaurant.
This iconic annual event that transforms Downtown Pismo Beach into a haven for automotive enthusiasts!
Typically held at the end of May/early June, this free public show features over 800 restored classic cars and hot rods displayed across 18 city blocks, including the iconic Pismo Pier. Attendees can enjoy live music, a bustling beer garden, and a variety of local vendors throughout the weekend. Highlights include the Saturday evening Sunset Cruise Parade, where 200 classic cars roll through the streets and a live charity auction.
Important: Parking and freeway exits to Downtown Pismo Beach area is extremely limited. Ask our Front Desk team for their advice on access.
Learn more here: https://www.theclassicatpismobeach.com/
This cherished annual event that celebrates the city’s rich history and our unique coastal charm.
Held every October since 1946, the festival offers a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, including a lively parade, live music, local vendors, and a variety of clam-themed contests.
Highlights include the clam chowder cook-off where local restaurants (including SeaVenture!) compete for the title of “Best Local Clam Chowder”.
Learn more here: https://highway1roadtrip.com/events/pismo-beach-clam-festival/
This annual celebration that honors the vibrant traditions of our local Portuguese-American community!
Held each October at St. Anthony’s Event Center on Bello Street, the festival features an open-air market with traditional crafts, live Portuguese music and folk dancing, and a variety of authentic dishes. The festival is free and open to all, offering a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates community, heritage, and the enduring spirit of Portuguese culture in California .
Learn more here: https://phapismo.com/
Stop by this weekly summer event at the Pismo Pier Plaza located just a 5min WALK from SeaVenture!
Take in the stunning ocean views while listening to talented local musicians, browsing 20+ local artisans, and tasting delicious local food. This is a great opportunity to support small, local creators while spending a fun-filled day by the coast.
Everyone is welcome—so bring the whole family and enjoy a fantastic community experience.
Weekly on Wednesdays from 4-7pm from May – September.
Learn More: https://www.slocal.com/event/pismo-summer-market/13739/
This is a fun time to be in Pismo Beach and be a part of our amazing surf culture! Watch the action for free from our Oceanview Rooms, SeaVenture Restaurant (with a drink in hand!), on the beach, or from Pismo Pier!
The SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach is an annual World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 3000 event that draws top-tier surfers from across North America to compete for valuable points and prize money. Held each January at the iconic Pismo Beach Pier, the weeklong competition features both men’s and women’s divisions, as well as Pro Junior heats, showcasing emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike. Organized in partnership with the Surfing For Hope Foundation, the event not only highlights the region’s vibrant surf culture but also supports cancer-related causes through community engagement and fundraising efforts.
Learn more here: https://www.worldsurfleague.com/posts/538260/contenders-ready-for-opening-day-of-slo-cal-open-at-pismo-beach-qs-3000-and-pro-junior?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Explore towns Nearby
- Experience the famous Thursday Farmers Market
- Visit the historic Mission de Tolosa Church and the bustling Downtown San Luis Obispo
- Watch a live concert or show at the historic Fremont Theatre
- Stop into one of the local indoor markets with makers and amazing restaurants:
- SLO Ranch Famers and Marketplace celebrates our local agriculture and community! It offers farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, several dining options, and even a family-friendly corral with animals.
- SLO Public Market embodies the spirit of the Central Coast with a fantastic array of unique eateries.
- Rent a real mineral spring hot tub at our sister property Sycamore Mineral Springs and soak away your worries
- Explore the locals beach and quaint beachfront walk of Avila Beach
- Take the family and young at heart to Avila Valley Barn to meet farm animals and pick local produce
- Paso Robles Wine Country is a renowned with over 200 wineries – see a list here: https://pasowine.com/wineries/
- The Paso Robles Distillery Trail is California’s only designated distillery trail! It features 13 artisan distilleries across Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County, offering a diverse array of handcrafted spirits such as whiskey, brandy, gin, vodka, and liqueurs—all crafted with a distinct Central Coast flair.
- Sensorio is a mesmerizing, open-air art destination where light, music, and nature converge across more than 35 acres of rolling hills. You can stroll through immersive installations featuring over 100,000 solar-powered lights that shimmer in shifting colors.
- Bring your a-game to the Central Coast’s premiere golf course Hunter Ranch Golf Course
- Vina Robles Winery and Ampitheatre is well-known for its vibrant live events, hosting concerts and music festivals in its spacious outdoor amphitheater, where guests can enjoy world-class performances paired with exceptional wines.
Historic & Iconic
The Chumash Indians referred to this area as a place to find “pismu” or tar. In 1912, the coastal highway was established and gave automobile travelers an easy route to the beach. Pismo Beach has been a beach town destination ever since!
SeaVenture’s building was the first oceanfront hotel in downtown Pismo Beach. Our iconic structure was built in 1986.
