When the sign post up overhead says, "Welcome to
Pismo Beach", you're not entering the Twilight Zone.
No, you are about to embark on a beach vacation
that's scenic, a bit old fashioned, extremely
refreshing and well worth the trip.
As you enter Pismo Beach from the south heading north
on Interstate Highway 101, you may notice the huge
sign on the hill announcing you have arrived in
Pismo Beach. The hills, themselves, are brown or
golden throughout most the year but in the spring
visitors passing through are treated to lush
greenery after the winter rains renew the grasses.
The road in this area generally is busy with lots of traffic
because you've reached the center of commerce for
the region. An outlet shopping mall, the beaches,
downtown and pier, restaurants, stores, and all
kinds of beautiful beach hotels await tourists
seeking a true getaway from wherever they came
(usually from L.A., Orange County or San Diego) if
coming from the south.
There's a California Welcome Center at the Prime Outlet in Pismo
Beach just off the road, where you can get maps,
guidebooks and information about your trip. Do stop
to take a break and explore what the area has to
offer, or go by the visitors center next to the Clam
shell sign that also greets travelers to the fair
city of Pismo Beach, also known for its Pismo clams
that once dotted the seashore in abundance.
Arroyo Grande < Pismo Beach >
Shell Beach >
Avila Beach
