Pismo Beach, California is one of those quintessential Central California beach towns. Not only are there breathtaking beaches and a charmingly laid-back downtown, Pismo's proximity to the more bustling San Luis Obispo and growing number of picturesque wineries makes it an ideal family-friendly destination.
Being based in Los Angeles, our family of five — with kids ages 4, 8 and 10 — made the just under 3-hour trek for a weekend of fun and relaxation. And with only 36ish hours to spend there, we were able to do a surprising number of things that everyone loved. Which, combined in family travel time, is basically priceless.
Here are all of our Pismo Beach family-friendly finds…
Where to Stay
The Cliffs Hotel and Spa
If the name doesn’t give it away, the location of this beachfront hotel can’t be beat, as it sits literally on the cliffs of Pismo Beach. This means incredible ocean views and evening sunsets to enjoy by the fire — or from the pool/hot tub. It also has direct beach access which the kids loved. Depending on the tides, families can slip down for some tide pool exploring and then back again for a sunset — or sunrise — picnic all in a matter of minutes. They thoughtfully provide sand buckets and shovels in each room for the kids as well as bottled water.
The two queen room was generously sized and more than enough space for our family. The onsite restaurant, Marisol, has excellent breakfast and dinner options that one person can easily run down to grab and bring back to the room — including seasonal chai-spiced pancakes that were to die for. There's also a luxurious spa on site that parents could take turns enjoying servies at. One of the best parts is that despite being a beach hotel, it's centrally located and is a 10-minute or less drive to everything we did over the weekend.
What to Do
Avila Valley Barn
Goats, chickens, llamas and ponies, oh my! Avila Valley Barn has got it all — not to mention some truly delicious BBQ and fried chicken sandwiches on the weekends and fresh-pressed apple cider (or the adults kind if you prefer) in the autumn months. There’s a massive on-site farmers market, ice cream and candy shop And don’t forget to take home one of their famous fresh baked fruit pies. This was a quick 5-minute drive from the aforementioned hotel.
Downtown Pismo Beach
Make sure to grab a bread bowl of the world-famous clam chowder at the iconic Splash Cafe. Tip: there's usually lines out the door for lunch and dinner, but if you go at breakfast, there's not much of a wait — and breakfast burritos and bowls along with the chowder. Then spend some time wandering around the shops, playing at the Pismo Beach Pier Playground and taking a stroll down the pier.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
We went with low expectations then all had our minds blown at the hundreds of monarch butterflies that were flying around overheard or resting on the trees. Apparently the microclimate of the Butterfly Grove makes it ideal for monarchs migrate to in order to ride out the cold winter months elsewhere. You can see them there from around August-December. There are also telescopes set up so kids and adults can really get a close-up view of the groups of monarchs resting in the trees.
Dinosaur Park
Every traveling family knows you have to scope out and hit up at least one playground to let the littles get their energy out. Grab a coffee and some pastries and hang out at this super fun oceanside park that has enough super cool play structures to keep everyone from a 4-year-old to an 11-year-old entertained.
Family-Friendly Wine Tasting
Yes, it exists, and yes, it’s possible. The Baileyana Tasting Room had ample outdoor seating, a grassy lawn and bocce ball. While we parents enjoyed a lovely wine tasting with a view, we set up a picnic blanket with lunch and snacks for the kids. Talk about a win-win. Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards also has outdoor seating, corn hole and peacocks for the kids to marvel at, so pack a picnic and go enjoy some fresh air! We did make reservations beforehand, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Downtown San Luis Obispo
This nearby college town is a short 10-minute drive from Pismo and well worth the outing. One would be remiss not to stop at the iconic Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab for a sweet treat or the beautifully curated Scout Coffee for some caffeinated pick-me-ups and cute home goods for the adults. There’s also tons of fun shops and restaurants to walk around to… if the kids let you. Stop by the Mission San Luis Obispo de Telosa for a little bit of Central California history. And don't forget the awe-inspiring (and gross) Bubblegum Alley.
Disclosure: Partial press accommodations were provided. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
