Set halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Pismo Beach is a cracking coastal spot for a road trip break or a few days of Californian sunshine and surfing. The additional draw of excellent nearby wineries has made the town increasingly popular with visitors, and there is a good range of accommodation available. With gorgeous Pacific Ocean sunsets to savour, most of the best places to stay in Pismo Beach are right on the seafront.

If you’re dreaming of long days spent surfing, bodyboarding and building sandcastles, Pismo Beach is a wonderfully laid-back base with an appealing retro vibe. Hire boards from one of the many beachfront surf shops and ride the waves as a family, or have a lesson to help you nail the basics. The town's iconic pier is a fun place to try fishing, or simply to marvel at the sunset. The kids will adore Pismo Beach Pier Plaza, too!

Beyond the beach, there’s horse riding, ATV adventures on the dunes, and the famed Monarch Butterfly Grove to admire, home to gorgeous winged wonders during the winter months. Hop in the car to tour nearby San Luis Obispo County vineyards, where you can taste a glass or two of the good stuff and learn about Californian winemaking. Day trips to the trendy shops and eateries of coastal Cambria are also lovely, as is discovering the 250+ wineries of Paso Robles, just 45 minutes away.

A classic choice for a beach break whilst on the road-trip-of-a-lifetime along Highway 101 or the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, Pismo Beach is perfect for kicking back as a couple, group or family. The best places to stay in Pismo Beach fill up fast — book your stay well in advance to avoid missing out!

The Best Places to Stay in Pismo Beach

For a charming inn

• Cottage Inn by the Sea promises cosy, English countryside-inspired rooms facing the sea or looking out over lovely gardens. Stay here for the friendly feel of a welcoming inn, the big cosy beds and the atmospheric fire-pits with panoramic views of the pier and the Pacific at sunset. Families are welcome!

For a Family-Friendly Resort

• Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is a brilliant beachfront escape with stylish suites — including 2-bedroom options for families or groups — a large swimming pool, a soothing spa and direct access to the Pacific Ocean. With heaps of activities and a striking location on 5 acres of grounds, this is a fun family pick!

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly into San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), just 15 minutes by car or an hour by bus from Pismo Beach. Alternatively, travel to Santa Maria Airport, around an hour away.
• California is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect hot summers, with temperatures reaching 30°C and above in July and August. For slightly cooler weather, come during the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October), when you can also expect fewer crowds!

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Paso Robles.
• Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in California.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.