Pismo Beach Tips

Beware of Riptides

Rip currents are a potential danger at Pismo Beach, as they are in many coastal areas. These strong currents can pull swimmers away from the shore and out to sea. These currents are powerful and can be hazardous to even strong swimmers.It’s important for beachgoers to be aware of the potential for rip currents at Pismo Beach.

Read the Beach Safety Guide

Get Today’s Beach Updates

Rip Currents at the Pier

A permanent rip current exists at the pier due to its structure. The pier pilings create deeper sections around each piling, and with multiple pilings supporting the pier, these form a channel that generates a consistent rip current. The strength of this rip varies depending on swell size, tides, and longshore currents.

Rip Currents Along the Beach

Pismo Creek (South End): At the Pismo/Oceano cutoff, Pismo Creek creates a fixed rip current. This rip isn’t always present but tends to form due to the creek’s influence, depending on swell, tides, currents, and sand conditions.
Sandbar-Related Rips: Throughout the rest of the beach, rip currents form based on sandbar patterns. These rips can last a day, weeks, or even months and are harder to spot for untrained eyes.

Lifeguard Support

When lifeguards are on duty, they’re an excellent resource for beachgoers. If a rip current poses a risk, lifeguards will post signs and flags at the waterline to alert the public.

Spotting Rip Currents

If lifeguards aren’t present or you want to read the water yourself, look for these telltale signs of a rip current:

Choppy, darker-looking water.
A section with no breaking waves.
Foam outlining the rip’s edges.

What to Do If Caught in a Rip Current

Stay calm and try to relax.
Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current.
If all else fails, float—rip currents typically weaken just past the breaking waves

Caves & Tidepools

Pismo Beach’s caves and tidepools are a fun way to explore the wildlife and natural areas in our area, but caution must be exercised whenever you are near the ocean especially when you are with small children. Some tidal areas like the caves north of the beach at Seacrest are only accessible during low tide. Rocks and barnacles can be sharp so be sure to wear proper footwear! Get information on tides so you can safely access certain areas here.

Beach Wheelchairs

There are a very limited number of free beach wheelchairs for disabled persons. These are available to borrow from Sandcastle Hotel, first come, first served, from sunrise to sunset, for a total of four hours.

Fishing License

No fishing license is required to fish off the pier. However if you plan to fish from the shoreline or from boat, a license is necessary. Also, if you are planning to park in the pier parking lot between the hours of 11:00 pm and 4:00 am in order to fish, you will need a parking pass, obtainable in the lobby of the Pismo Police Station at 1000 Bello Street.

Fishing Licenses are issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They may be purchased online or at a license agent location. Please visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for more information and license agent locations at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing.

While a fishing license is not required to fish from a public fishing pier in ocean waters, there are rules and regulations. Please visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Sport Fishing FAQ’s for details at https://wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing.

https://highway1roadtrip.com/things-to-do/fishing-oceano-nipomo/

Barbecuing

Small, hand-carried gas/propane hibachi or container type barbecues with active on/off controls are allowed on Pismo Beach. Coals from the barbecues should not be discarded on the beach. Open fires are not allowed on the beach within Pismo Beach City limits.

Pismo Beach Bonfire Area

Bonfires are only allowed on the State Beach, which is south of North Pismo Beach. Campfires are allowed on the beach but must not be greater than three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Only wood and untreated wood products free of metal, petroleum products or other toxic substances shall be used. Fires must be fully extinguished with water and left exposed, never buried in sand.

LEARN MORE

Hosting a large group or a quiet intimate evening on the beach? Let Pismo Bonfires or Butlerz Event and Beach Rentals take care of all the details to make your event memorable.

Escape to Pismo Beach and discover incredible lodging specials that make your dream vacation affordable. From cozy beachfront inns to luxurious resorts, we’ve got deals on accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Start planning your Pismo getaway today and experience the sun, sand, and savings!