coming to the central coast to sell coins?
here are some of our favorite places and activities.
Lodging
- Seacrest
There are countless places to stay, this is just the place my friends go to for staycation!
https://www.seacrestpismo.com/
Pismo Beach Area Dining (Some of the places I frequent)
- Ventana Grill.
Restaurant perched on a coastal bluff specializing in Latin-inspired dishes & fresh seafood. This place is no more expensive than many other choices in the area yet the food, service, and atmosphere make it worth the price! https://ventanagrill.com/
- Wooly's at the Pismo Pier
Low Prices and Million Dollar Views. Great place for a sunset dinner or sunny day lunch. Lots of outdoor dining. Inexpensive burgers, salads, tacos, etc. Easily walked to from free parking on most days. Full Bar. https://www.woolyspismobeach.com
- Mersea in Avila on Harford Pier.
Another outstanding view! Indoor and Outdoor Dining. Reasonable Pricing and good food! Both kinds of clam chowder and a little bar. https://www.merseas.com
- UMI Sushi in Grover Beach (very close to Pismo)
In my opinion, the best sushi in five cities, very nicely done. Comfortable rustic atmosphere.
https://umisushipacifica.com
- Tognazzini Dockside Morro Bay (30 minutes North of Pismo)
Good specials on fresh local fish, great cioppino when crab is in season. Old school cafe style restaurant with its own fishing boat. Don't expect fancy, do expect fresh.
https://www.morrobaydockside.com
Things to Do (a few activities I enjoy)
- Port San Luis Lighthouse
I like to kayak to the lighthouse from the public dock by the kayak rental concession. The lighthouse beach access is at the apex of the outer breakwater inside the harbor. Once there I walk up the wooden stairs to the short road which leads to the lighthouse, horn building, and historic oil house. There are bathrooms with outdoor sinks between the beach and lighthouse. If you don't want to kayak, there are shuttles and tours available. Don't miss the swing at the big eucalyptus. https://www.pointsanluislighthouse.org
- Avila Hot Springs
Enjoy the big hot mineral bath and freshwater lap pool after a long day sightseeing. $15per person rate after 5pm. https://www.avilahotsprings.com
- Grover Beach (End of Grand Ave car ramp) ♿️
Drive your car or truck onto the beach or rent a 4 wheel drive ATV. This is one of the few places in California where you can drive your car onto the beach which is a wonderful opportunity for people with disabilities. Other activities include: walking, biking, ATV's, horseback riding, surf fishing, bird watching, clamming, sea shell collecting, camp fires, picnicking, and so much more. There is a nice boardwalk to the North of the parking lot. $5 to drive your car onto the beach. Stay on the hard sand if you don't have 4 wheel drive, let some air out of your tires if you get stuck or pay someone $20 to pull you out.
https://www.californiabeaches.com/california-beaches-you-can-drive-on/
- Arroyo Grande Village
There's lots to do and see in Old Arroyo Grande! Historic buildings, museum, a foot bridge, and restaurants to name a few. I like to go to the antique shops and grab a bite to eat at Rooster Cafe. https://highway1discoveryroute.com/activities/arroyo-grande-village/
- Great American Melodrama
This theatre company produces fun musicals, comedies, and melodramas with a flair for nostalgia. They are in Oceano which is very close to Pismo. https://www.americanmelodrama.com.
- Pismo Preserve
Nice moderately easy hikes with stunning views close to Pismo. https://lcslo.org/pismopreserve/lcslo.org/pismopreserve/.
- Bob Jones Trail
The trail head is located just around the corner from Avila Hot Springs. This level trail is paved and is perfect for bikes or walking. The trail ends at Avila Beach and the hike is about 3 miles. At the half way point there is a nice little restaurant cafe called Woodstone Marketplace. This is a nice way to spend the afternoon. https://visitavilabeach.com/bob-jones-trail/.
- The Fair Oaks Theatre
This non-commercial old Arroyo Grande family owned theatre has very comfortable seats and is a great place to see a show. Not your big city multi-plex! https://www.facebook.com/fairoakstheatre/.
Truth be know, there is so much to do and see right here in five cities. Enjoy the beach, rent a bike! There are several surf schools that provide instruction, wetsuits, and boards. If you go past Arroyo Grande into the hills you'll see several family farms and food stands. The locals seem to like Peacock Vineyard for wine tasting. San Luis Obispo is also charming, don't forget to visit the Old Mission. The possibilities are endless. If you are visiting from out of town I hope you have a magical visit!
Best Regards, Tim
- Seacrest
There are countless places to stay, this is just the place my friends go to for staycation!
https://www.seacrestpismo.com/
Pismo Beach Area Dining (Some of the places I frequent)
- Ventana Grill.
Restaurant perched on a coastal bluff specializing in Latin-inspired dishes & fresh seafood. This place is no more expensive than many other choices in the area yet the food, service, and atmosphere make it worth the price! https://ventanagrill.com/
- Wooly's at the Pismo Pier
Low Prices and Million Dollar Views. Great place for a sunset dinner or sunny day lunch. Lots of outdoor dining. Inexpensive burgers, salads, tacos, etc. Easily walked to from free parking on most days. Full Bar. https://www.woolyspismobeach.com
- Mersea in Avila on Harford Pier.
Another outstanding view! Indoor and Outdoor Dining. Reasonable Pricing and good food! Both kinds of clam chowder and a little bar. https://www.merseas.com
- UMI Sushi in Grover Beach (very close to Pismo)
In my opinion, the best sushi in five cities, very nicely done. Comfortable rustic atmosphere.
https://umisushipacifica.com
- Tognazzini Dockside Morro Bay (30 minutes North of Pismo)
Good specials on fresh local fish, great cioppino when crab is in season. Old school cafe style restaurant with its own fishing boat. Don't expect fancy, do expect fresh.
https://www.morrobaydockside.com
Things to Do (a few activities I enjoy)
- Port San Luis Lighthouse
I like to kayak to the lighthouse from the public dock by the kayak rental concession. The lighthouse beach access is at the apex of the outer breakwater inside the harbor. Once there I walk up the wooden stairs to the short road which leads to the lighthouse, horn building, and historic oil house. There are bathrooms with outdoor sinks between the beach and lighthouse. If you don't want to kayak, there are shuttles and tours available. Don't miss the swing at the big eucalyptus. https://www.pointsanluislighthouse.org
- Avila Hot Springs
Enjoy the big hot mineral bath and freshwater lap pool after a long day sightseeing. $15per person rate after 5pm. https://www.avilahotsprings.com
- Grover Beach (End of Grand Ave car ramp) ♿️
Drive your car or truck onto the beach or rent a 4 wheel drive ATV. This is one of the few places in California where you can drive your car onto the beach which is a wonderful opportunity for people with disabilities. Other activities include: walking, biking, ATV's, horseback riding, surf fishing, bird watching, clamming, sea shell collecting, camp fires, picnicking, and so much more. There is a nice boardwalk to the North of the parking lot. $5 to drive your car onto the beach. Stay on the hard sand if you don't have 4 wheel drive, let some air out of your tires if you get stuck or pay someone $20 to pull you out.
https://www.californiabeaches.com/california-beaches-you-can-drive-on/
- Arroyo Grande Village
There's lots to do and see in Old Arroyo Grande! Historic buildings, museum, a foot bridge, and restaurants to name a few. I like to go to the antique shops and grab a bite to eat at Rooster Cafe. https://highway1discoveryroute.com/activities/arroyo-grande-village/
- Great American Melodrama
This theatre company produces fun musicals, comedies, and melodramas with a flair for nostalgia. They are in Oceano which is very close to Pismo. https://www.americanmelodrama.com.
- Pismo Preserve
Nice moderately easy hikes with stunning views close to Pismo. https://lcslo.org/pismopreserve/lcslo.org/pismopreserve/.
- Bob Jones Trail
The trail head is located just around the corner from Avila Hot Springs. This level trail is paved and is perfect for bikes or walking. The trail ends at Avila Beach and the hike is about 3 miles. At the half way point there is a nice little restaurant cafe called Woodstone Marketplace. This is a nice way to spend the afternoon. https://visitavilabeach.com/bob-jones-trail/.
- The Fair Oaks Theatre
This non-commercial old Arroyo Grande family owned theatre has very comfortable seats and is a great place to see a show. Not your big city multi-plex! https://www.facebook.com/fairoakstheatre/.
Truth be know, there is so much to do and see right here in five cities. Enjoy the beach, rent a bike! There are several surf schools that provide instruction, wetsuits, and boards. If you go past Arroyo Grande into the hills you'll see several family farms and food stands. The locals seem to like Peacock Vineyard for wine tasting. San Luis Obispo is also charming, don't forget to visit the Old Mission. The possibilities are endless. If you are visiting from out of town I hope you have a magical visit!
Best Regards, Tim
Voice/ Text 626.564.9100
t.e.merritte@gmail.com
t.e.merritte@gmail.com
