
The wide sandy expanse of Pismo State Beach Trails meander through beautiful oak woodlands or run along coastal ridges, offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline. You can hike, bike, or go horseback riding in the preserve. The preserve currently boasts over 11 miles of trails and ranch roads. Located above Pismo Beach, the almost 900-acre Pismo Preserve is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is located about 0.5 mile south of the Pismo Beach city limit, and is open from late October through February. The Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove can be easily accessed from California Highway 1. You’ll see the butterflies clustered along the tree branches when it’s cool, but when the temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you may see the butterflies in flight as well. The eucalyptus grove here lines a riparian estuary that flows into the ocean south of town. You can see monarchs in Pacific Grove, for example, or in Los Osos, but Pismo Beach is a prime monarch overwintering location. Monarchs at the Butterfly Grove in Pismo BeachĮach year, gorgeous orange and black monarch butterflies in the western US migrate to the California coast, where they spend the winter on eucalyptus trees along the coast. If you visit Pismo Beach between late October and February, be sure to stop by the Monarch Butterfly Grove to admire the overwintering monarch butterflies! Margo Dodd Park is a great spot to visit at sunset on a nice weather day! There are benches where you can hang out and enjoy the colors in the sky after the sun goes down over the ocean. You can snorkel as well, or launch a kayak. If you enjoy beachcombing, you will find lots of seashells here.

Also be sure to look carefully out to the ocean: you may see migrating whales!įrom the end of Pier Avenue, you have beach access, and there are lots of tide pools and a couple of small sea caves to explore down at water level. You may also see sea lions on the rocks, basking in the sun. With the naked eye, you can still enjoy the antics of the hundreds of pelicans!
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If you enjoy birdwatching, bring binoculars or a zoom lens to photograph the many birds you’ll see on the rocks. There are beautiful rock formations off shore, if you fancy a spot of landscape photography. Margo Dodd Park has a picturesque gazebo, rented out for weddings and other photo shoots. Allow enough time and you can enjoy both parks. Stop by Margo Dodd ParkĪdjacent to Dinosaur Caves Park is Margo Dodd Park, also a bluff-top park with spectacular ocean views. You’ll find plenty of parking, and there are restrooms. If you are visiting with young kids, they will love the play area, which features a dinosaur, dinosaur eggs, seals, and a whale, all made of concrete. you will see lots of wildflowers in season. There are benches where you can sit and savor the views, and picnic tables if you bring along a meal to enjoy. Look for beautiful rock formations, coves, sea lions on the rocks, and lots of birds. The park, located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, features a walking path that capitalizes on the stunning views with several overlooks. The dinosaur was eventually taken down, and today there is no access from land to the remnants of the sea caves and the cove, but you can check them out on a kayak tour. A giant concrete dinosaur was built here in the 1940s, with access to a large underground sea cave through a tunnel in its tail. They are lit up at night.ĭinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach, Californiaĭinosaur Caves Park is located in the Shell Beach area.

The seven-foot tall letters that spell out Pismo Beach make for a great Instagram photo backdrop.

The Pismo Pier Plaza is home to the iconic Pismo Beach sign. Many hotels and resorts have steps going down to the city beach. There are three Airstreams on the pier: one serves food and drinks, another offers fishing gear and supplies, and the third is a visitor center, where you can pick up maps or obtain information on area attractions, accommodations, and dining.Īlso take the time to go down a flight of steps to the beach to get up close to the underside of the pier for great photos. Another great time to stroll the pier is at sunset: stay until after it’s lit up! We walked the pier really early in the morning, when we only encountered a couple of locals out for their morning jogs. From the end of the pier, look back at the city, the hills behind, and the beach for more views! You can also fish at Pismo Beach Pier. Walking along the pier, you get fabulous views of the ocean, and you can look for surfers in the water and sea birds.
