Located almost
halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California's
sparkling Central coast, Pismo Beach is a laid-back surfing town set
among jaw-dropping cliffs and rolling sand dunes.
Driving time to Pismo Beach CA is approximately three hours from LA and four hours from San Francisco.
If
you're looking for some great Pismo Beach hotels, you've gotta get a
room with a view. And the best views are found at Shell Beach— one of
the nicest sections of town with a secluded resort feeling.
One of the more affordable hotels in Pismo Beach with an ocean view is The Spyglass Inn. With its nautical motif, Spyglass Pismo Beach offers great vistas on a budget.
Another great Pismo Beach vacation spot is the more elegant Cliffs Resort, which serves up a tropical-style vibe
while also catering to pets. Dolphin Bay is the most upscale Pismo Beach resort, with its own spa and gourmet restaurant.
Just steps from the sand, all three Pismo Beach lodging properties share a nice walking path along the bluffs that's perfect for sunset strolls or whale watching.
For Pismo Beach camping, head to Oceana State Park, where you can stay in your RV right on the beach. The Pismo Beach dunes are great for ATV riding, sand rails and other off-road toys.
Dining
choices abound, but if you're looking for some great Pismo Beach
restaurants, don't miss The Cracked Crab, which almost always has lines
out the door. It's well worth the wait. Enjoy cold water crisp oysters, served with cocktail sauce, soft shell crab sandwiches with a 3-mustard mayonnaise, and open faced crab melts, served with fresh-cut fries. View Menu.
Another must-see restaurant in Pismo Beach is Splash Cafe, known for its creamy clam chowder, ahi tuna burgers and fish & chips. You can even take your food to go. View menu.
For great sunset views, the
Spyglass Inn Restaurant (805-773-1222) is an affordable spot for a surf-and-turf meal. Don't miss their "Hot Crab and Shell Beach" fish sandwiches
Nearby
Pismo Beach attractions include Mission San Juan Luis Obispo de Tolosa, established
in 1772; the 576-foot high Morro Rock in Morro Bay; and the magnificent
Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
My choice? Relaxing poolside to enjoy the sunset.
IF YOU GO
Spyglass Inn
2703 Spyglass Dr, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
800.824.2612
Cliffs Resort
2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
800.826.7827
Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa
2727 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach, CA 93449
805.773.4300
Cracked Crab
751 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
805805.773.2722