Going to Pismo Beach

What to do in Pismo Beach

by Cameron Walker

Pismo Beach is that old-school San Luis Obispo beach town you dream about in the dark cold of winter—wide sands that call out for bare feet, clams for digging, and a boardwalk for strolling with ice cream cones in hand. The pier draws surfers from near and far for contests on its south side, though good waves for surfing, bodyboarding, and stand-up paddling crash all along the beach. Out of the water, cruise on bikes and explore the dunes on foot or, in designated areas, by ATV. Even the food here is a throwback to classic comfort cuisine: The best-known spots have things like barbecue, clam chowder, and fish-and-chips. Blue skies are on the menu year-round, but if they're fresh out for a day, drop into the bowling alley that's just a block off the beach.

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