Pismo Beach: The Ultimate California Destination

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Pismo Beach California, is a rad town found on the stunning Central Coast off the beautiful 101 freeway. If you are looking for the ultimate family vacation, check out this laid back beach town, with a vibey feel and plenty to do, see, and experience. This should definitely be your next stop!

In our travels to Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea and other destinations found on California’s Central Coast, we had yet to make it to Pismo Beach. But, I can’t tell you how many times people have told us it is a must experience. So, we decided to discover it for ourselves over Spring Break this year. And, I’ll tell you quite honestly we were not disappointed. Our lodgings were incredible, every beach we visited was remarkable, and the food all over town was amazing. And like I said, the feel of the place is relaxed, yet there are ample destinations to explore making it the perfect Spring Break trip for any family. Far away enough to feel like a destination, close enough it is an easy weekend trip.

Accomodations

The Cliff Hotel and Spa

Address: 2757 Shell Beach Road

Pismo Beach, CA 93449

(805) 773-5000

For more information or to book your stay, follow this link https://cliffshotelandspa.com

The Cliffs Hotel and Spa comes with a high recommendation from our family! Located atop a bluff overlooking the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean as well as both Pismo and Avila Beach, the hotel provides views on views on views. From the moment you enter the lobby you will be impressed. Meticulously clean, decorated with a fresh modern look, and as I mentioned above dreamy ocean views, the hotel has it all! It is not only family and pet friendly (and boy, oh boy, there were a lot of cute pets enjoying their stay as well), this would make for an amazing couples or special occasion getaway. Staying at The Cliffs Hotel was the perfect place for a unique seaside stay.

Our family opted to get 2 adjoining signature rooms providing enough beds and space to accommodate our large family of 6. Each room boasted a bathroom, 1-2 beds, (or in the king size room) a couch, and my favorite, a private balcony overlooking both the pristine pool plus ocean views. We simply could not get enough of it and made every excuse to sit and enjoy the magnificence of the scenery. We ate our meals out there, lounged there, and came back often to simply watch the sun bounce off the water, the fairy lights twinkle over the patio below us, and breathe in the fresh ocean air. The rooms also come with a television plus cable, a mini fridge, in room safe, and free WIFI. The hotel offers complimentary airport shuttles, valet parking, and water bottle delivery upon request.

The pool is large, spacious, heated (a total win for our family) and has enough seating so that even if you are more interested in sipping a drink from the delicious on-site restaurant while lounging under the lights near the outdoor fire pit whilst taking in the ocean views- you are taken care of as well. The hot tub is currently open but requires a reservation to ensure safe distancing. Reservations can be made online… and I highly recommend taking advantage of it! Or check out the fitness center which is now open. And if I were to come without kids, you know you will find me taking advantage of the Dia Feliz Spa. It looks (and smells) so good and relaxing from the outside.

But perhaps my favorite aspect of the Cliffs Hotel and Spa located on Shell Beach in Pismo is the coastal access found right on the grounds of the hotel. A quick trip down a coastal stairway provides access to the gorgeous beach below. Here you can find shells (or dig in the beach which is far more shelly than sandy, ere the name Shell Beach), explore the sea caves found all over Pismo Beach, or discover the many sea creatures found in the many tide pools that become exposed during low tide. Truly, waking up and taking a walk on the beach is the best way to spend a vacation if you ask me.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Socalfunfamily (@socalfunfamily)

Safety Measures

All employees are provided with PPE and are required to wear a mask when in public areas or when interacting with guest
Employees have been trained on PPE usage, hand washing and respiratory etiquette
Decorative bedding has been removed from all rooms
Pool limitations
All surfaces throughout hotel and neighboring restaurant are sanitized frequently throughout the day and they have increased availability and accessibility of hand sanitizer throughout the property.
Guests are asked to wear masks when interacting with staff or in indoor common areas
Decorative bedding has been removed.

Food

I don’t know about you, but basically one of my favorite things to do while on vacation is try new food. Many times on vacation we try to save money by getting food, and snacks at the grocery store, BUT we always splurge on a couple of things and try something new and unique to the area.

Marisol at The Cliffs

You can’t stay at The Cliffs and not try Marisol at the Cliffs, which is the on-site restaurant. This is a more formal restaurant for dinner… not so kid friendly but it was super delicious although a bit expensive (glad we ditched the kids and had a nice adult only dinner there – no regrets). The location is amazing providing panoramic views of the ocean, and food to match the atmosphere. It makes a great option for breakfast, lunch, enjoy it in your room, or grab drinks to sip and food to eat while watching the sunset on the grassy area around the exterior or hanging poolside.

Beachin Biscuits

A delicious breakfast place we found near the pier was Beachin Biscuits. This small outdoor restaurant won over my whole family. The kids loved their eggs, toast and bacon, while my heart was so happy with my biscuits and gravy. I’m a HUGE fan of biscuits and gravy but sadly I only ate about 1/3 of my meal as the kids finished theirs off and decided they liked mine even more and devoured it in seconds too.

Old West Cinnamon Rolls

When you see good YELP reviews for cinnamon rolls you’re a fool if you don’t take advantage. We are no fools so we definitely tried out Old West Cinnamon Rolls.

“Old West Cinnamon Rolls is a true California original. Betty Clemens created the recipe over 40 years ago at the family home in Shell Beach, CA. Back then it was all about the bread. Every kid in our neighborhood would come by a few times a week asking; ‘Did your Mom make any more of that bread?’ To promote her new bread mix Betty took her portable oven and mixing bowls to the local fair and sold dinner rolls for .25¢ a piece.”

And it’s fame has grown since then, but the recipe must be equally delicious. Because these rolls were so good! They were decedent and delicious and I would go back and get the pecan one again in a heartbeat!

Giuseppe’s Pizza to Go Delivery

Our first night there dinner snuck up on us pretty fast. And since it’s hard to take a 2 year old to dinner after 8:30 pm we decided to bring dinner back to the hotel and eat on our balcony. So Giuseppe’s pizza and pasta it was. My kids will eat pasta for every meal, every day of the week if they had their choice. This was a happening spot with good authentic food that was perfect for bringing back to enjoy.

Pismo Pier

I feel like you can’t be on the pier and not eat quality seafood, specifically chowder, in Pismo Beach.

A highlight was definitely walking the Pismo Pier and grabbing fish tacos, loaded fries, and clam chowder right there to share as a family. The food was delicious, but the memories of sitting there eating together can’t be beat!

I’m sure there are many, many, MANY great places to eat in Pismo Beach… and if you have a favorite please leave a comment below so we can be sure to check it out next time we visit.

Activities

Dinosaur Cave Park (free)

On every Pismo Beach review I read or looked into it suggested checking out Dinosaur Cave Park… so of course we had to give it a try. I was excited about the prehistoric looking cliffs, remarkable flowers and plants, caves, and tide pools down the looooong staircase at the end of the walkway. My kids were ready to go the moment we parked and they saw the awesome dinosaur park… you know slides, swings, and fun play things. So, this was a destination that made every member of the family leave satisfied and happy. And good news, they had open bathrooms that were being actively cleaned while we visited. A big plus for this family of small bladders!

Pismo Pier (free)

I don’t suggest going to Pismo Beach and pass up spending some time on the pier. This place had tons of cute restaurants, kitschy shops for the tourist in you, and remember that vibe I mentioned above? It abounds here. It was the perfect vacation beach scene. A beautiful sandy beach, the hustle and bustle of people, a giant neon “Pismo Beach” sign and the best part was a faaaast slide taking you from the top of the pier down to the sand. Yes, we went on it, and yes, many of us wiped out and laughed and laughed the whole time. This scene perfectly captures Pismo Beach.

Recently the Pier Plaza also put in the Whale Surfing Playground, which was awesome! This is where the slide can be found, as well as other fun things to climb over, on and around. My kids LOVED this area!

You will also find a 60-acre sandy beach here, as well as volleyball courts, showers, and of course lots of water activities. This is the heart of Pismo Beach!

Other Things to See in Pismo Beach:

Monarch Butterfly Grove- Next time I will plan a trip around late October to February in order to take in this experience where hundreds of thousands monarch butterflies cluster together. It sounds amazing!

Downtown Pismo Beach