There is a version of Pismo Beach that only shows up in September and October. The wind flips offshore and stays there, the ocean reaches its warmest point of the year, and the evenings go long and gold. Locals have known this for decades and are happy to share.
The rest of the state agrees. September is California Wine Month and National Coffee Day lands on the 29th, and Pismo Beach is the spot to celebrate both. Here’s where to be and what to book first.
The 80th Clam Festival
October 16 to 18. It’s back for a big milestone year. Things start early on Friday night with the Chamber’s Totally Tubular Wine Walk, then the parade rolls down Price Street on Saturday morning and the festival grounds stay open through Sunday afternoon.
The parade is still taking entries, so email events@pismobeach.org if you want in it. Learn more about the festival’s history and this year’s full lineup in the Clam Festival guide.
The Sand Art Festival Returns
November 7 to 9. Three weeks later, the beach becomes a gallery. The Pismo Beach Sand Art Festival returns for its second year, with 12 artists creating massive works of art in the sand. Every day looks different as the tide sweeps the pieces away each night.
The Sand Art Festival guide has the full artist lineup and the details worth knowing before you go.
Surf Season Means Surf Events
Fall means offshore wind, warm water, and good conditions for every kind of surfer. Take a lesson, rent a board, or watch one of the competitions running through the season.
Still Frothy takes over the pier September 26 and 27. The WSL’s North American longboarders arrive October 9 through 11 for Surfing for Hope. And USA Surfing closes the run November 21 and 22.
Get to know the town’s board shops and breaks in Pismo’s surf culture, from shops to shore.
A Hotel Birthday on the Sand
The Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach opened in 1986 and is marking it the only reasonable way, with an ’80s beach party on the sand. It’s on Thursday, October 8 from 5 to 8 p.m., with throwback tunes, drinks, games, and giveaways. Tickets are free, but space is limited, so reserve yours ahead.
There’s plenty more going on at hotels around town this season. See what each one is offering on What’s Happening in Pismo Beach.
The Best Sunset Spots in Pismo Beach
About twenty minutes before the sun drops, the bluffs above Shell Beach turn copper and the wet sand under the pier starts mirroring the whole sky back at you.
There’s more than one right answer for where to stand, and the best one depends on whether you want a drink in your hand or a blanket on the grass. Find yours in our guide to the best sunset spots in Pismo Beach.
Fall Pours and Vinyl with SLO Coast Wine
Fifteen SLO Coast wineries pour seasonal releases at Talley Vineyards on Saturday, October 24 from 4 to 6 p.m., with Vinylistics 805 spinning vinyl through the afternoon and food available on site.
Buy a single ticket, or a combo that bundles the event with a 1-Day SLO Coast Tasting Pass and takes $15 off, which is the better math if you’re already planning a tasting weekend. Details and tickets are at SLO Coast Wine, and there’s more on the region in our wine guide.
10 Things to Do in Pismo Beach with Kids This Fall
Traveling with kids? Now is the time to visit. The water is the warmest it gets and lifeguards are still posted near the pier into early fall. Morning minus tides open up whole neighborhoods of sea stars and anemones at kid height, monarchs start landing in the grove, and farms open up to explore.
Our fall family guide has ten ways to fill a weekend with all of it. One date to circle: Pumpkins in the Park on Saturday, October 24 at Dinosaur Caves Park.
Coffee Celebrations
National Coffee Day is September 29, and Pismo Beach has eight independent shops to get you through it. One torches your drink at the counter. One has flavor combos you’ve never heard of anywhere else. One will hand you a cup to carry along the bluffs while it’s still hot.
Most of them sit within a few blocks of each other downtown, which makes the whole thing walkable before your first real plan of the day. Meet all eight in our guide to the best coffee shops in Pismo Beach.
Photo of the Month
This shot from @theshmeek shows exactly what we mean when we say fall sunsets. Want to be featured? Tag @pismobeachca or use #pismobeachca.
Photo: @theshmeek
Where to Stay This Fall
Rooms get more affordable from September onward, and properties across town are running seasonal packages. Oceanfront hotels, family suites, vacation rentals, and RV parks are all in.
The lodging specials page is updated regularly with deals from hotels and vacation rentals across Pismo Beach. Many are offering event specials if you book early, so take a look and find your own sunset spot to post up.
See Pismo Beach lodging deals