For many in the Central Valley, Pismo Beach is the classic coastal escape — close enough for a day trip, familiar enough to feel like tradition. Chic, timeless and a little quirky, this Central Coast favorite just earned a new honor: USA TODAY readers and travel experts named it the best beach in California.
Known for its clam chowder, wide‑open white‑sand beaches and historic pier, Pismo has long been a go‑to stop for Valley families heading west on Highway 41 or 46. It’s even a Hollywood favorite, with decades of shout‑outs — from Bugs Bunny’s “Pismo Beach and all the clams you can eat” to a memorable moment in 1990s “Clueless” — SF Gate reports on movie and TV references that span decades.
The small town, with a population of just over 8,000 people in 2020, offers amenities for an interesting day trip or excursion without the crowds. ATV riding directly on the sand dunes, exploring California’s first new national marine sanctuary in 25 years, and surfing at the famous break at Pismo Beach Pier. The options for a unique coastal getaway are many.
Whether you want to enjoy the sounds of the crashing waves during an early morning stroll, end the evening with a bonfire on the sand, watch whales pass within sight of the historic pier during winter migration or catch monarch butterflies as they overwinter high above in the eucalyptus groves at Pismo State Beach.
There are also family-run restaurants, surf shops, and tasting rooms, offering an experience that hints of nostalgia as it evolves to appeal to the tastes and interests of new visitors. In addition to having the largest pool in Pismo, the new Pacific Point Resort, opening in July, will offer Whale Watch Dispatch, real-time alerts of whale and dolphin sightings.
Explore new national marine sanctuary
Not only is the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS), the state’s first new sanctuary in more than 25 years, it is one of the largest in nation. The underwater national park was federally designated in 2024 and is the country’s 17th national marine sanctuary. It consists of 4,543 square miles along 116 miles of California’s central coast and is the site of ancient submerged Chumash villages over 10,000 years old.
Visitors are expected to explore responsibly while enjoying activities such as surfing, kayaking, tide pooling, and observing marine life, including sea otters, blue whales, and leatherback sea turtles.
ATV riding on Pismo Beach dunes
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is one of the only places where you can ride an ATV directly on the beach, making Pismo Beach a destination for off-road thrill-seekers for decades. One of the most extensive coastal dunes in California, with ocean views and vast open spaces, makes spending an afternoon zipping along the sand an unforgettable trip.
A number of ATV rental companies offer a variety of off-road vehicles and the knowledge and gear to make the experience safe and fun, whether you are going solo, with a partner, or the entire crew. Camping, surfing, and other recreational activities are available at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.
Fish off the historic pier
The 1,200-foot wooden pier at the heart of Pismo Beach is one of the oldest in the state, built in 1881. Visitors can fish off the pier; there are fish-cleaning stations, and common catches include surf perch, jacksmelt, and halibut. The pier forms part of the 60-acre regional park, along with the beach and promenade.
Fishing can be done year-round, with peak times in spring and summer, according to Purely Pismo. Folks can also linger for a chance to spot Bottlenose and common dolphins, as well as sea otters and harbor seals. The blog also notes that the end of the pier is the best free spot to catch the sunset in Pismo Beach.
The park includes public restrooms, sand showers, volleyball courts, children’s play equipment, benches, drinking fountains, and other ocean recreation activities in addition to fishing. The Pismo Pier Plaza pop-up market, featuring artisan booths and live music, returns for the summer on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 2.
Eat a bowl of clam chowder from the best in the state
People have been stopping at Splash Cafe for a bowl of their famous clam chowder since 1989. The viral spot offers serious eats like fish and chips, steamed clams, burgers, wraps, lobster roll, and other sandwiches, tacos, and other sundries.
The main event: its chowder regularly comes in 1st place at the Pismo Beach Clam Festival and is also available in a sourdough bowl if you’d like. And if you have a hankering for some chowder when you get home, Splash Cafe also does delivery.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Why Central Valley travelers love this ‘best’ California beach
Reporting by Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian / Salinas Californian
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
