Pismo Beach is a small, scenic beach town on the Central Coast of California, famous for its beautiful wide range of outdoor activities such as camping, surfing, swimming, and fishing.
Whether you’re embarking on a California road trip or seeking a serene seaside escape, Pismo Beach is a Central Coast town not to miss. With long white sandy beaches, incredible sunsets and plenty of activities to enjoy, Pismo has something for everyone.
If you’re considering a trip to Pismo Beach for a long weekend or an extended stay, we’ve compiled this list of 30 exceptional hotels for every budget to help you make the most of your stay.
Top 10 Things To Do In Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is a small city with a population of around 8,100 as of 2020, but despite its size, there is still a lot to do and see. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Pismo Beach.
1) Visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove and see over 10,000 Monarch Butterflies.
Monarch Butterfly Grove has over 10,000 butterflies annually and it’s one of only five in California that you can do so. From late October to February, the butterflies gather around the Eucalyptus trees that stretch to the Pacific Ocean.
2) Take a walk along the Dinosaur Caves Bluff Trail.
Dinosaur Caves Park is an 11-acre ocean-front park which is popular with walkers, hikers, photographers and joggers.
The Dinosaur Caves Bluff Trail is a 1.2-mile trail with many overlook points and great views of the ocean.
3) Spend time relaxing on Pismo State Beach and walk along Pismo Beach Pier.
Pismo State Beach is a 60-acre beach with a pier and promoade area. The beach and pier area is ideal for surfers, sunbathers and those who just want to take a walk along the pier.
4) Hike along the 5.2-mile Discovery Trail in the Pismo Preserve.
Located within the Pismo Preserve the Discovery Trail is a moderately challenging 5.2mile trail, popular with hikers, horse riders and bird watchers.
This trail is one way in a circle which starts and ends at the same point. It is well-signposted and easy to follow.
5) Discover the wildlife Pismo Beach has to offer, from whales, dolphins, seals and birds.
Pismo Beach has an abundance of wildlife, with over 350 species of birds that live, nest or pass through the area each year.
Other animals that often visit the area are dolphins, migrating humpback whales, sea otters and more. If you are lucky you might be able to see these animals from the beach.
6) Eat a seafood dinner or lunch in a local restaurant.
Pismo Beach is well known for its seafood. The small-town vibe offers an abundance of restaurant and dining choices.
Some great restaurants to try are:
- Splash Cafe – Known for it’s Clam Chowder
- Cracked Crab – A must for seafood lovers
- Beachin’ Biscuits – A family-owned restaurant with a homemade-style breakfast menu
- La Bodega Tapas – A cozy wooden area with a fireplace and food with a fusion of South American barbeque
- Old West Cinnamon Rolls – The ultimate breakfast option with an extensive cinnamon roll menu, carrot cake, muffins and mudslide treats
7) Enjoy wine tasting in Downtown Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach has many historic winemaking vineyards in the region. Some great options are Arroyo Grande, Avila Valley and Edna Valley.
8) Head to the beach for a surf lesson
Pismo Beach is the perfect place for a surf lesson. The large beach has numerous surf schools, ideal for everyone from beginners to advanced surfers.
9) Drive along the 8 miles of drivable dunes at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.
The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is an area controlled by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The area is open from 7am to one hour past sunset and is popular for swimming, surfing, surf fishing and camping.
10) Take a self-guided audio tour of downtown San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo is the largest city in the area, located just 15 minutes from Pismo Beach. A great way to spend the day or afternoon is on a self-guided audio tour of downtown San Luis Obispo.
The 30 Best Hotels In Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach provides various excellent hotel options despite being a small community. There are accommodation options available for every preference and budget. Below is a list of the top 30 hotels in Pismo Beach categorized by luxury, mid-range and budget options.
10 Best Luxury Hotels in Pismo Beach
1) SeaVenture Hotel
The SeaVenture Hotel is located in Downtown Pismo Beach, close to Pismo State Beach and a number of restaurants and cafes.
This three-star hotel has an onsite shop, a garden and an American cuisine restaurant. All 50 rooms offer complimentary newspapers and coffee/tea-making facilities.
Book Your Stay: SeaVenture Hotel
2) Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach
Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach is located just a two-minute walk from the Pismo State Beach and the Pier and a 16-minute walk from the Monarch Butterfly Grove.
The hotel rooms can sleep between two and five people, with a mix of city and ocean views. The three-star hotel also has a rooftop terrace, a fire pit, a coffee shop and there is a also a regular happy hour.
Book Your Stay: Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach
3) Holiday Inn Express Grover Beach
Holiday Inn Express Grover Beach is located in Grover Beach, close to the Sans Liege Wines, the Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar and Shop, the Grover Heights Park and just a four-minute walk to Pismo Beach.
The Holiday Inn has an outdoor pool, free self-parking and a hot free breakfast. All 78 rooms have a laptop-friendly workspace and free wifi.
Book Your Stay: Holiday Inn Express Grover Beach
4) The Agrarian Hotel
With a mixture of standard rooms with queen beds, two double beds and king beds, some rooms feature jetted tubs.
The Agrarian Hotel offers a complimentary free manager’s reception, free breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool and has 54 rooms.
Book Your Stay: The Agrarian Hotel
5) South Carriage House at Chateau Noland
The South Carriage House Suite is a guest house conveniently located only two minutes away from Avila Hot Springs and other nearby attractions. Each guesthouse has a bathroom, kitchenette and a bedroom area.
Book Your Stay: South Carriage House Suite
6) North Carriage House at Chateau Noland
The North Carriage House is conveniently located near the Pismo Beach Pier, Avila Hot Springs, The Spa at Dolphin Bay, and the Pismo Preserve.
Each guesthouse is complete with a bathroom, kitchenette and separate bedroom area.
Book Your Stay: North Carriage House
7) Spyglass Inn
The Spyglass Inn is a hotel situated by the waterfront and offers king and two queen bedrooms. Certain rooms provide ocean views and fireplaces for a warm and comfortable stay. Located in Pismo Beach, the Spyglass Inn boasts a beautiful terrace, a garden and a restaurant offering breathtaking ocean views.
Book Your Stay: Spyglass Inn
8) Shore Cliff Hotel
The Shore Cliff Hotel is located in the central area of Pismo Beach, which is just a stone’s throw away from the local attractions; you can’t miss visiting the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets if you’re a shopaholic.
Nature lovers can enjoy the picturesque beauty of Pismo State Beach and Pismo Preserve. The hotel offers a range of accommodations, including two-bed queen rooms, king rooms with or without ocean views, and signature rooms that can accommodate up to four guests.
Book Your Stay: Shore Cliff Hotel
9) Pismo Lighthouse Suites
Pismo Lighthouse Suites offers spacious accommodations for larger groups of four to six people. Their one and two-bedroom suites feature a variety of sleeping arrangements, including two queen beds, king beds and sofa beds.
Guests can enjoy the hotel’s waterfront location and amenities, such as the outdoor pool, complimentary self-parking, buffet breakfast, terrace, bike rentals and a hot tub.
Book Your Stay: Pismo Lighthouse Suites
10) Vespera Resort
The Vespera Resort is a luxurious hotel that boasts a wide range of room types, accommodating anywhere from two to six guests. This four-star hotel offers 124 rooms with a variety of options to choose from, including rooms with ocean views, accessible rooms, suites and rooms with balconies.
The hotel provides premium bedding and luxurious amenities. During their stay, guests can enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast, concierge services, an outdoor pool, bars, a restaurant and a terrace.
Book Your Stay: Vespera Resort
10 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Pismo Beach
1) The Palomar Inn
The Palomar Inn is located in the Pismo Beach neighborhood near Shell Beach. It is conveniently located near popular attractions such as Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar and Shop, Sans Liege Wines and The Spa at Dolphin Bay.
Having only 14 rooms, the hotel provides its guests with complimentary self-parking, air conditioning, barbecue grills and free bottled water.
Book Your Stay: The Palomar Inn
2) The Tides Oceanview Inn and Cottages
Tides Oceanview Inn and Cottages offers a range of accommodations to cater to guests’ needs. The rooms can accommodate up to four guests, and the cottages can house up to six guests comfortably.
In addition, there are 28 standard rooms available that can sleep between two and four guests. Guests can enjoy a peaceful stay with access to a beautiful garden and a convenient four-minute walk to Pismo State Beach.
Book Your Stay: The Tides Oceanview Inn and Cottages
3) SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel
The SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel features rooms that can accommodate two to four people in various configurations with king and queen bed options.
The hotel is conveniently located just a seven-minute walk from Pismo State Beach and a 14-minute walk from Sana Liege Wines and Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo Beach.
Book Your Stay: SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel
4) Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach
The Inn at the Pier offers rooms that can sleep between two to five people, making it perfect for families or large groups of friends.
During your stay, you can enjoy the convenience of having two bars, a gym, an onsite restaurant that serves Californian cuisine, a lobby bar and a cooked-to-order breakfast.
Book Your Stay: Inn at the Pier
5) Inn at the Cove
This hotel has a 3.5-star rating and provides its guests with a complimentary free breakfast and a variety of amenities such as a terrace, a garden, an outdoor pool and bike rentals. With 52 rooms, guests can experience premium comfort during their stay.
The Inn at the Cove is conveniently located near several attractions, including Margo Doddich is just a ten-minute walk away, and Pismo Preserve, which can be reached in just 15 minutes by foot.
Book Your Stay: Inn at the Cove
6) Pismo View Inn
Pismo View Inn has standard rooms with two or one queen bed and standard rooms with double beds – these rooms sleep between two and four people.
With 100 rooms, this hotel has an outdoor pool, complimentary free self-parking and a barbecue available to use.
Book Your Stay: Pismo View Inn
7) Shell Beach Inn
The Shell Beach Inn has individually furnished guestrooms with different configurations, sleeping from two to four guests. The rooms come with a mixture of double, king and queen beds and sofa beds.
Located close to Pismo Beach this unique hotel has an outdoor pool with sun loungers and complimentary free self-parking
Book Your Stay: Shell Beach Inn
8) Beach House Inn & Suites
Located in the heart of Pismo Beach on Main Street, this hotel has a mixture of room types, with some sleeping up to six people, making it perfect for larger families or girl gangs.
The Beach House Inn & Suites is just a three-minute walk from Pismo Beach and Pier and an eighteen-minute walk from the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets.
Book Your Stay: Beach House Inn & Suites
9) Beach House
Sleeping 12 people in four bedrooms, this house is perfect for large groups of friends or a large family to enjoy time together in Pismo Beach. The 1,650sq ft home has four king beds and two bathrooms.
The Beach House is just a five-minute walk from the beach and is located in a quiet neighborhood with just a short walk to restaurants and grocery stores.
Book Your Stay: Beach House
10) Wine Country Canyon Casita
The Wine Country Canyon Casita is a small cozy home situated just a 13-minute drive from Pismo Beach Pier and an 18-minute drive from Pismo State Beach.
This home has 580sq ft of living space with a separate bedroom with a king bed, a sofa bed, a kitchen and a bathroom. This home is within 10 minutes of over 20 wineries and wine tasting rooms along with popular nearby local attractions.
Book Your Stay: Wine Country Canyon Casita
10 Best Budget Hotels in Pismo Beach
1) Cottage Inn by the Sea
Cottage Inn by the Sea offers 80 rooms all equipped with workspaces suitable for laptops, bathrooms and cable TV for your convenience. During your stay at the hotel, you can enjoy a range of amenities to make your experience even more comfortable, including a terrace, firepit, garden, hot tub and outdoor pool.
Additionally, the hotel provides complimentary free self-parking and an electric car charging station for your convenience. The hotel’s location is also ideal, as it’s just eight minutes away from Pismo State Beach.
Book Your Stay: Cottage Inn by the Sea
2) The Grove at Pismo Beach
The Grove at Pismo Beach is located in the heart of the city and just a short distance from the beach.
The hotel provides s with a business center, a hot tub, an outdoor pool and complimentary free self-parking. Each of the 100 rooms is equipped with high-quality bedding, a private bathroom, and necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
Book Your Stay: The Grove at Pismo Beach
3) Hilton Garden Inn San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach
The Hilton Garden Inn San Luis/Pismo Beach provides top-notch amenities and premium services, as one would expect from a Hilton hotel.
This three-star accommodation is conveniently located only six ms away from Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve and eight minutes away from the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets.
Book Your Stay: Hilton Garden Inn
4) Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
At the Oxford Suites Pismo Beach, families can enjoy a variety of room options, including two queen suites, queen suites, king suites, executive king suites, and balcony executive king suites.
Guests will appreciate the complimentary breakfast as well as the convenience of a free roundtrip airport shuttle and an onsite shop. This hotel is perfect for those who prefer not to rent a car during their stay.
Book Your Stay: Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
5) Best Western Casa Grande Inn
If you’re planning a trip to Pismo Beach, the Best Western Casa Grande is an excellent option for your stay.
Its location near the beach makes it a convenient choice, and you’ll also be able to visit local landmarks like Swinging Bridge and Price Anniversary House. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve.
Book Your Stay: Best Western Casa Grande Inn
6) Pismo Beachwalker Inn and Suites
The Pismo Beachwalker Inn and Suites is situated on Dolliver Street in Pismo Beach, just a five-minute walk from Pismo Beach and the Pier, which is great for exploring or spending the day on the beach without worrying about parking or transportation back to the hotel. The hotel also has two beach bars, a poolside bar, a terrace and sun loungers. With just 19 rooms this hotel offers a unique boutique style experience for every stay.
Book Your Stay: Pismo Beachwalker Inn and Suites
7) Dolphin Cove Motel
Located a short two-minute walk from the Pismo State Beach and Pier, the Dolphin Cove Motel is perfectly situated for both beach relaxation and local exploration.
There are 21 rooms available, ranging from standard to two-bedroom suites, oceanfront suites and accessible rooms. Each room has comfortable premium bedding and private bathrooms for your convenience.
Book Your Stay: Dolphin Cove Motel
8) Motel 6 Pismo Beach
Motel 6 Pismo Beach is located conveniently in Downtown Pismo Beach in the Pismo Beach neighborhood. The hotel is close to the beach, surf shops and entertainment.
Book Your Stay: Motel 6 Pismo Beach
9) Oceano Inn
Just a nine-minute walk from Pismo State Beach. The Oceano Inn is located in Oceano on Pacific Blvd close to the train station and the beach. The hotel has complimentary free self-parking, free in-room Wi-Fi, a grocery store and a garden; this hotel has everything you need for a great stay.
Book Your Stay: Oceano Inn
10) Central Coast Cottage
With easy access to Highway 101, this cottage is a great place to stop for a feand relax comfortablycomforhousecottage has an open floor plan, with a bedroom, a queen-sized bed, a living room area and a kitchen.
The cottage is located in Arroyo Grande close to the beach, the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets and Nipomo Swapmeet and Fleamarket.
Book Your Stay: Central Coast Cottage
Best Time Of Year To Visit Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach offers pleasant weather all year round, making it a perfect destination for any season. But during the summer months it can be crowded and expensive.
I personally recommend visiting Pismo Beach during the shoulder season. May is a great time to visit. I also love mid September in Pismo Beach; the weather is still warm and the ocean water has been heating up all summer long and is the warmest it will be all year.
Best Hotels In Pismo Beach Wrap Up
I hope you’ve found this Pismo Beach hotel guide helpful. If you have questions about Pismo Beach or tips for our readers, please comment below!
And if you’re interested in visiting other areas in this beautiful state, you can check out all our California articles for inspiration.
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