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Pismo Beach is a highly sought out location for family vacations and beach getaways. Located in the central part of California, this beach offers the perfect summer weather for ocean fun. It’s a quiet area that offers lots of amenities for everyone. This area has everything ranging from relaxing on the beach, world-class wine tasting, Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Laboratory, and the Monarch Butterfly Grove. There are enough things to do in this area for any length of stay. That’s why we put a list of some of the best things to do in Pismo Beach you won’t want to miss.
Avila Hot Springs
Avila Hot Springs is a natural hot springs spa. They offer a hot mineral swimming pool, a private soak session in a tub, and massages. Starting at just $12 for the day to use the swimming pool this is a great time for all ages. Mineral hot springs have been known to hold healing powers and you will know why the moment you step into the water.
Pirates Cove & Avila Sea Caves
Pirates Cove and Avila Sea Caves are a fun place to walk around and explore. After years of erosion, caves have formed in the rock formations making a unique landscape.
It’s a great place to spend the day exploring or to watch the sunset and pull out the camera for some incredible photos.
Dinosaur Caves Park
Dinosaur Caves Park which once boasted a very large dinosaur statue which soon burned down after being erected still holds the name.
Today, this park offers beautiful views of the ocean bluffs. You can also take kayak tours of the caves that have been carved out by the crashing waves. This is a great place to watch the sunset.
Bubblegum Alley
Bubblegum Alley is located in downtown San Luis Obispo. Similar to the gum wall in Seattle, WA, this is a place that has been turned into community art.
Make sure to take a piece of gum with you and add your mark to the wall. Just remember from the wise words of Santa Claus in the 2003 movie Elf, “First off, if you see gum on the street, leave it there. It’s not free candy.“
Madonna Inn
For a more unique experience, you will want to visit the Madonna Inn. Not named after Madonna the singer but Alex Madonna who designed it.
The outside boasts a swiss-alps style while the inside is full of color. You can stay at the hotel starting at $200 a night or walk around and tour the grounds at no cost. It’s a fun experience that will open the imagination to creativity.
Sunset Drive-In
The Sunset Drive-In movie theater is a must experience. The once dying industry of drive-ins has started to make a resurgence.
It makes for a fun family outing or romantic date night. Make sure to check ahead to see what is playing and try to reserve your spot so you don’t miss out.
Pismo / Oceano Dunes
The Oceano Dunes in Pismo Beach are one of the most popular attractions in the area. People will come from all over with their off-roading vehicles to ride around the dunes at fast speeds.
It’s also a place to bring your snowboard and have your hand at riding down one of the large dunes. It can get crowded and hot so arrive early and be safe.
Make sure to check out our other stops along the coast on our Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
yes Avila and Pirates Cove caves and land scape are great, but be very careful there. Pirates Cove is a very popular nudist Beach and can be very embarrassing for someone to stumble upon it. I live here on the Central Coast and agree with your 7 and I could add more but hey! It’s your page.