Pismo Beach  Pier shown in photo above

The Pismo Beach photo above captures the majestic splendor of the Pismo Beach pier. The beautiful, blue Pacific Ocean that surrounds the 1,370 foot-long wooden Pismo Beach pier and layers of geography behind the pier--the tan-colored Pismo Dunes recreational beach and the Santa Lucia mountain range, both create a magical scene that's both inviting and exciting.

The icon of Pismo Beach (once know for clams), is the wooden pier that is visible from many of the cliff-side hotels and resorts where guests can climb down sets of stairs to the beach and make their way to the base of the pier. From flying kites, to watching seagulls, surfing to swings, kids and adults can stand on the pier and look out on the ocean or nearby hills, or walk under the pier to get up close and personal with the waves. 

Like nearly every California pier or wharf that's been around since the 1800's, the structure was originally built for commerce. Before the railroad carried goods, ships were used to transport produce and lumber, loading and unloading them from the wharf structures such as one in Pismo Beach.

Pismo Beach had its first wharf in 1881, which served local businesses for shipping. Warehouses and helped store and protect shipments and this successful mode of transportation was used for at least a decade until the rail system reached this section of the the California coast.  Damaged and nearly destroyed, the pier fell into disrepair and was largely ignored.

A new pier was built in 1924, likely to serve several functions as a tourist attraction and a place for Navy ships to dock, allowing sailors to come ashore. Several storms damaged that pier until it eventually outlived its useful purpose.  In 1985 construction began on the current pier that's popular with tourists and locals.  Free pier fishing, special events and a great vantage point are all enjoyed at the Pismo Beach Pier today. Known for its beach breaks, the Pismo Beach Pier is one of Central Coast's most popular surfing locations. The pier is lit at night, allowing surfers a spot to enjoy night time surfing.  Situated in the lee of Point San Luis and San Luis Obispo Bay, the pier's surfing location is generally less windy than the more exposed Oceano to the south, but bigger than the Avila Beach area to the north.

Open 24/7, the Pismo Beach Pier has restrooms, free parking, fish cleaning stations, and a small bait and tackle shop.  Location: Hwy. 101 to the Five Cities Dr. exit; follow Dolliver into the middle of town, then turn west on Pomeroy and follow it to the pier and parking lot. From the south, take the Pismo Beach Exit (Price St.), follow it to Pomeroy; turn west and follow it to the pier.