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The pismo playbook
The Pismo Playbook is your inspiration board for making the most of your time in Pismo Beach. This curated collection of the best is yours to discover local favorites, find hidden gems, and plan a Pismo perfect escape that fits your mood.

Greetings from Pismo Beach mural moment
Colorful Pismo Beach graffiti mural art on California's central coast- captures the beach-town spirit on the side of Old West Cinnamon Roll's building

Beach cruising Pismo style
Cruising with your person on gold flecked sand for miles is a Pismo perfect day

Joy comes in waves
Jumping the rush of waves under the Pismo Pier

Trotting through the Pismo surf
Horseback riding along the shoreline at Pismo Beach—a bucket-list Central Coast experience with ocean spray and wide-open sand.

Freshly cut cinnamon rolls at Old West
Fresh hot and doughy every day at Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo Beach, a beloved local stop for warm, sweet goodness on the Central Coast.

Steamy coffee at Esteem Surf Shop
A good day starts with good coffee. Barista-crafted drinks are comforting on a pier walk or sunset stroll.

Hanging out at the Sandcastle Cafe firepits
Hot coffee enjoyed by a glowing fire elevates chilly Pismo mornings and golden-hour wind-downs.

Everybody's gone surfing
Pismo Beach sees surfers of all ages and skill levels attracted to the sport

Sounds of sunshine
Sunset glows over the Pacific at Pismo Beach as surfers soak up soft surf and warm light.

Tidepools hold teal jewels like this one
A vivid teal anemone brings a pop of color and quiet wonder to the tidepools along California’s Central Coast.

Freedom of wonder and exploration at the cliffs
As clam capital of the world, Pismo offers a vibrant ecosystem along its' shoreline, dotted with clams, tidepools and cliffs for endless hours of awe, discovery and natural beauty

Two words: Chowder heaven
Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach, CA is a local must-stop for visitors. Splash sells 40,000 gallons of its award-winning chowder a year!

Do it for the 'gram
The Pismo Beach landmark sign glowing at sunset near the pier is an iconic 'Insta' spot on California’s Central Coast. The 7 ft. 'P' features a ruler for measuring height

Chasing sunsets by the pier
Golden hour sunsets are a sight to behold and bring everyone out for the show. The magic stays with you long after the sun goes down.

Local favorite Hoagies wrap enjoyed from the Pier
Grab Hoagies to-go and plant yourself along an open table on the Pismo Pier.
Pro-tip: Ask for any salad as a wrap
Pro-tip: Ask for any salad as a wrap

Oysters and wave watching
Fresh, briny oysters on the half shell taste like the beach. Central Coast seafood paired with sweeping Pismo Beach coastline views steps from Villa Cortez vacation rental

Golden hour from the iconic Pismo Beach Pier
The Pismo Beach Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks on California’s Central Coast and a favorite place for evening walks and ocean sunsets.

Exploring the rocky coves along the Pismo coastline
The rugged coastline around Pismo Beach is full of hidden coves, tide pools, and dramatic rock formations shaped by the Pacific Ocean

The sculpted sea cliffs of the Central Coast
Wind and waves have carved the sandstone cliffs along the Pismo Beach coastline, creating one of the most scenic landscapes on California’s Central Coast.

Watching the slow roll of waves doesn't get old
Pismo Beach is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the California sunshine, ocean breeze, and peaceful rhythm of the waves.

S'mores on the beach in Oceano
Beach bonfires are a warm tradition in Pismo Beach to enjoy the evening ocean air.

You're not peddling hard enough!
Renting surrey bikes from the Pismo Surf Shop is a fun way for families and friends to explore the Pismo Beach boardwalk and nearby downtown streets

A chance visit from Miley Cyrus at Pismo's 2nd Chances Home Decor shop
Second Chances Home Decor of Pismo Beach is filled with upcycled treasures and gets the occasional celeb visitor from time to time

Pirate's booty at 2nd Chances Home Decor
Pismo vibes are all about old and new, grit and polish. 2nd Chances Home Decor boutique features coastal décor, handmade goods, and beach-inspired treasures that embody the Pismo aesthetic to a 'P'

Hearts forged in salt and stone
Hearts forged in rock formations rise up from the sea in Shell Beach.

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