Pismo Pier
Pismo Pier
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The Newly Renovated Pismo Beach Pier and Promenade are open for business. We look forward to seeing you all very soon!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,652 reviews
Excellent
776
Very good
549
Average
250
Poor
52
Terrible
25
ProfCTF
20 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
It’s a mixed bag at the Pier...while stores have signs posted to wear masks and practice safe social distancing, I have to say MANY people were not following these guidelines. The Pier is under construction which will provide an update to this space once completed. It’s a fun spot to watch the sunset and surfers....just know it may be more crowded than you expected.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew M
San Carlos, CA262 contributions
Jul 2021
On a short trip to San Luis Obispo, we came to visit Pismo Pier and the surrounding neighborhood. We had visited several years ago and enjoyed relaxing on the sand, so we figured it was worth a day trip from San Luis Obispo. The drive from San Luis Obispo isn't more than 15 minutes, and the town is also accessible by bus (Route 10, from the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Agency), which we opted for on our most recent visit.
The pier itself is nice, stretching far enough into the ocean that we could get some good pictures and videos of the sandy shore, the waves, and the ocean. There is one restaurant, plus one or two shops, all set up in trailers along the pier. Although we didn't stop to browse any of these, they were all fairly crowded with other visitors, which we took as a good sign. The beach itself is large and fairly wide from the street down to the ocean — which isn't always the case at beaches closer to home in the Bay Area, so it made for a nice place to sit and play in the sand.
Surrounding the beach and pier, there are several blocks' worth of restaurants and shops, mostly seeming to cater to tourists visiting Pismo Pier. We walked about 20 minutes to the north end of the beach to dine at Ventana Grill, a Latin and seafood restaurant adjacent to some hotels. Including our meal, we spent about 4 hours at the beach; there is definitely plenty to do and see.
Overall, we enjoyed our return visit to the Pismo Pier. If you're looking for nice views, a chance to play or suntan in the sand, and a beach atmosphere, this area has it, and we'd definitely return again next time we're in the San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach area.
The pier itself is nice, stretching far enough into the ocean that we could get some good pictures and videos of the sandy shore, the waves, and the ocean. There is one restaurant, plus one or two shops, all set up in trailers along the pier. Although we didn't stop to browse any of these, they were all fairly crowded with other visitors, which we took as a good sign. The beach itself is large and fairly wide from the street down to the ocean — which isn't always the case at beaches closer to home in the Bay Area, so it made for a nice place to sit and play in the sand.
Surrounding the beach and pier, there are several blocks' worth of restaurants and shops, mostly seeming to cater to tourists visiting Pismo Pier. We walked about 20 minutes to the north end of the beach to dine at Ventana Grill, a Latin and seafood restaurant adjacent to some hotels. Including our meal, we spent about 4 hours at the beach; there is definitely plenty to do and see.
Overall, we enjoyed our return visit to the Pismo Pier. If you're looking for nice views, a chance to play or suntan in the sand, and a beach atmosphere, this area has it, and we'd definitely return again next time we're in the San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach area.
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
35745JohnK
Bakersfield, CA189 contributions
Feb 2020
OK, after coming here for more than 30 years I have to say something. We all know Pismo has a parking problem, that's a given. On busy weelends it's nearly impossible to find a place to park. On premium weekends like the Classic Car Show, it IS impossible. We had to park in the "Heights" at last years car show and walk two miles. I say this because they are currently undergoing a couple of improvement projects in Pismo and Shell Beach. In Pismo the Pier parking lot is being revamped with new bathrooms and more public space but less parking - WHAAAATTT! Shell beach road is undergoing an improvement project putting the power lines underground putting in a walking/bike path and, you guessed it, less parking on both sides of the road. What Einstein working for the city approved this? To rearrange the line from "Field of Dreams" - if you don't provide parking they CAN'T come. This parking problem is not new. They should have begun construction on a multi story parking structure 15-20 years ago. Come before 8am or after 8pm if you want any hope of finding parking. Follow me for other great destinations. Good Luck!!
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer W
8 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
If you are near Pismo Beach, then you have to take a walk along the pier! The new sign for the pier is fun and makes for a great photo op! Masks are currently required on the pier. Dogs are not allowed but not many people were following that particular rule when I visited. You can walk out to watch the surfers about midway along the pier or go all the way to the end and check out the recent catches of the fishermen. The view is gorgeous! Take a walk...
Written October 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4Renays
Hanford, CA2 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Pier is done beautifully with every age in mind for teens to pose with the glowing sign to kids well all ages on the slide. Couples and elderly plenty on seating along both sides without disturbing the fisherman. Memories from when I was a kid and thought I would slip thru the boards and feeling it swaying when hit by waves.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
too_few_trips_1
Irvine, CA937 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a great pier for a walk over the water. The parking lot that was formerly at the base of the pier is closed (its not clear if the construction that is currently going on is to build a new parking lot or a new hotel). Assuming that you can find street parking nearby, make sure that you take a walk on the pier.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Places Where We Go Podcast
Simi Valley, CA974 contributions
Aug 2020
On our list of things to do in Pismo, was to explore the Pier. However, the main pier was closed via chain link fence. The only life on the pier were dozens and dozens of birds who had the pier all to themselves.
The nearby downtown area was open for exploration, as was a bit of adjacent walking area just at the end of the stores and restaurants to get you down to the beach area.
In front of the chain link that blocked access to the main pier, are a series of restroom stalls, however, these too were blocked from any public access. On the other side of the chain link, were portapotties. So you couldn't go into a proper bathroom, which probably also would have had a sink to wash your hands. Instead, the portable toilets were available, overflowing with poo, and nothing available upon exit for cleaning hands.
While signs are plastered everywhere for mask requirements, we have heard that one of the most important things to do is wash your hands. Stunning that this part of health and hygiene is currently disregarded in the restroom offerings adjacent to the pier.
The nearby downtown area was open for exploration, as was a bit of adjacent walking area just at the end of the stores and restaurants to get you down to the beach area.
In front of the chain link that blocked access to the main pier, are a series of restroom stalls, however, these too were blocked from any public access. On the other side of the chain link, were portapotties. So you couldn't go into a proper bathroom, which probably also would have had a sink to wash your hands. Instead, the portable toilets were available, overflowing with poo, and nothing available upon exit for cleaning hands.
While signs are plastered everywhere for mask requirements, we have heard that one of the most important things to do is wash your hands. Stunning that this part of health and hygiene is currently disregarded in the restroom offerings adjacent to the pier.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BdgtTravel305
Miami, FL998 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Wonderful stroll to the end of the pier from where you can look back at the beach with the city and mountains in the background.
You'll find a couple of Airstream trailers on the pier -one houses the Visitors Bureau and the other a restaurant where you can enjoy food and drinks while looking out from the pier.
You can get a selfie next to the Pismo Beach sign on the pier plaza or the kids can enjoy the playground with the slide that goes down to the beach.
Nice stop on our trip up the Pacific Coast highway. Spent a couple of hours walking, watching the surfers and enjoying the view.
You'll find a couple of Airstream trailers on the pier -one houses the Visitors Bureau and the other a restaurant where you can enjoy food and drinks while looking out from the pier.
You can get a selfie next to the Pismo Beach sign on the pier plaza or the kids can enjoy the playground with the slide that goes down to the beach.
Nice stop on our trip up the Pacific Coast highway. Spent a couple of hours walking, watching the surfers and enjoying the view.
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie S
8 contributions
Jun 2021
I've wanted to visit here ever since my cousin (who lives here) started posting pictures of the pier and surrounding area. It did not disappoint. There was a marine layer the three days we were there, so I didn't get the spectacular sunset pictures that I wanted, but it was still a great place to go. There were some nice shops and restaurants/cafe's close by. Parking was spendy and hard to find, but if you park a couple of blocks away, it's free.
I stood on the pier and watched the surfers. That was fun. The waves weren't very high, but they were having a good time.
There were only two vendors on the pier itself, one was food, the other was gifts. They were in the silver airstream trailers. I think that in non-covid times there might be more vendors on the pier.
I stood on the pier and watched the surfers. That was fun. The waves weren't very high, but they were having a good time.
There were only two vendors on the pier itself, one was food, the other was gifts. They were in the silver airstream trailers. I think that in non-covid times there might be more vendors on the pier.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edrick R
Los Angeles, CA109 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Pismo itself is amazing but to walk this historic pier and sip on a cup of coffee is amazing.
It’s clean well maintained. If you plan in advance bring a fishing pool and enjoy a few more hours of free fishing 🎣. Yes no permit/ license is required on the pier that’s a rarity for California.
Keeping it simple take the time to walk, talk and smell the fresh ocean breeze on this wonderful land mark you won’t be disappointed.
It’s clean well maintained. If you plan in advance bring a fishing pool and enjoy a few more hours of free fishing 🎣. Yes no permit/ license is required on the pier that’s a rarity for California.
Keeping it simple take the time to walk, talk and smell the fresh ocean breeze on this wonderful land mark you won’t be disappointed.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's open now. Beautifully restored.
Written December 16, 2018
Hi, Martina. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Written August 16, 2018
I only see flight of stairs leading yjr pier. is there another flatter way on. I am handicapped and stirs are difficult for me
Written October 30, 2016
There are a couple of alternatives that will be perfect for you. So don't worry. And have a great time.
Written October 31, 2016
any specific spots recommended for chowder? will be in town for a family gathering, and will probably only get one quick chance to get to the Pier - wanna make it great - Thanks
Written June 18, 2016
Splash Cafe just one block up from the pier has the BEST clam chowder on the planet. They won the clam chowder cookoff 10 years in a row and stopped entering. Don't bother with the bread bowl...just order the next size down and enjoy some of their oyster crackers with it. There are 3 other locations for Splash Cafe too. The one is downtown San Luis Obispo on Monterey and California streets has a bakery upstairs and has wonderful danish pastries as well...ENJOY.
Written June 18, 2016
Are there any good places to go snorkeling in the Pismo area? Also can we get to the channel Islands from there?
Thank you all for your reviews and your help planning our trip.
Written June 15, 2016
The Pacific Ocean is very cold so there is very little snorkeling done...if any. Water is usually about 58 to 60 degrees. There is no reef system close in so not much to see anyway.
There is no transportation to the Channel Islands from Pismo Beach or nearby. The best bet is to go to Long Beach and take the fast ferry over. They go to Avalon Harbor on Catalina. There are some possibilities out of Santa Barbara...about 1 and 3/4 hours south of Pismo Beach and also from Ventura although most of those trips are scuba diving boat trips that never land on the islands. I hope I've helped.
By the way, if you like New England Clam Chowder...while you are in Pismo Beach go to Splash Cafe...near the pier...they have the very best clam chowder served in the USA and that's from a person who grew up in New England.
Written June 16, 2016
MARSHA J
Long Beach, California
When my children were little we drove on the beach road right next to the ocean. Would like to take my grandchildren - is there still an open road on the beach to drive - we had a mustang convertible and it was always so much fun for my kids! thank you
Written August 6, 2015
down in Grover beach you can drive on the beach - all the way to oceano. Be sure to have the proper car and tires- many people get stuck.
Written June 24, 2018
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