Pismo State Beach
High Traffic Alert
This park experiences heavy crowds, especially on weekends.
Check out the similar parks below for a better experience
Very crowded, parking fills up early
Best: Visit in off-season or try alternatives
Miles of wide sandy beach perfect for strolling, surfing, and beach camping. Pismo Beach is famous for its clams, sand dunes, and classic California beach town vibe. The Oceano Dunes allow street-legal vehicles on the beach - one of the few remaining places to drive on California beaches. Excellent bird watching in the dunes. The Monarch Butterfly Grove (part of the park) hosts thousands of overwintering monarchs from October to February. Family-friendly with numerous activities.
Accepted Passes
Try These Instead
These parks offer similar experiences with fewer crowds
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Beach and wetlands combination - surfing, RV camping, and premier birdwatching.
Why go: Similar coastal scenery, swimming, surfing experience
Around 179 miles away
