A Playground of
Coastal Possibilities

Our slice of classic Central California shoreline is where natural wonders of land and sea coexist like nowhere else. Welcome to your playground for exploration and relaxation, a place where you can choose your adventure and set your own pace.

A group of people stand near a tree in a grassy field at sunset, with the sun low on the horizon, casting a warm golden light over the scene.

Hike & Bike

Pismo Preserve

Escape into 880 acres of oak woodlands, coastal ridgelines, and sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific. The Prismo Preserve is a protected habitat that puts the natural beauty of the Central Coast on full display for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. You’ll enjoy convenient access to the 11-mile trail system, located right across the street.
A large cluster of monarch butterflies with orange and black wings gather on tree branches and leaves, with sunlight filtering through, highlighting their vibrant colors.

A Natural Wonder

Monarch Butterfly Grove

Pismo Beach hosts one of the largest overwintering Western Monarch Butterfly populations. Late fall through early spring, the bright, patterned wings of this threatened species bring travelers to the grove, where butterflies cluster in the tall eucalyptus trees beside the coastal estuary. It’s a scene that feels a little like magic, no matter how old you are.
A lone person walks across vast, golden sand dunes at sunset, casting a long shadow. The landscape is filled with rolling dunes and the sun is low on the horizon, bathing the scene in warm light.

Coastal Adventure

Oceano Dunes

Sun and sand are in no short supply at one of the largest coastal dunes left in California. A paradise for off-roading, kite surfing, and fishing, Oceano Dunes is the only State Park that allows four- and all-wheel drive vehicles to drive right on the beach. If this sounds like your sort of adventure, local shops rent ATVs close to the dunes.

Activities as Dynamic
as the Backdrop