Nature Tours
The best way to get to know this stretch of coast is with someone who knows it well.
Docents, naturalists and local guides lead walks, paddles and boat trips from Pismo Beach and the neighboring harbors, from the monarch grove in winter to whale season offshore.
Walks and Talks With a Docent
Most of these programs are free or low cost, and the docents are volunteers who know the dunes, the grove and the preserve inside out. Schedules change with the seasons, so check before you go.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
From November through February, California State Parks docents are on hand at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove with telescopes and talks about the thousands of monarchs clustering in the eucalyptus. The grove is at 445 S. Dolliver Street; call State Parks at (805) 474-2664 for talk times.
The Dunes Center
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center leads docent walks through the dunes between spring and fall, and books private guided hikes for groups year-round. (805) 343-2455
Oceano Dunes State Park Programs
State Parks rangers host summer campfire programs at the Oceano and North Beach campgrounds, plus a Junior Ranger program for kids ages 7 to 12. The Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center, 555 Pier Avenue in Oceano, is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4.
Pismo Preserve
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County hosts occasional docent-led hikes on the Preserve’s 900 acres above town. Check the Conservancy’s events calendar for upcoming dates.
Tours on the Water
Central Coast Kayaks
Based in Shell Beach, Central Coast Kayaks runs guided wildlife tours along the Shell Beach coastline from mid-July through October, and cave excursions to the arches, sea caves and kelp forest of Dinosaur Caves year-round. Ages 12 and up. (805) 773-3500
Pismo Beach Surf Shop
Guided sea-cave kayak tours along the Pismo Beach coast, weather permitting. 470 Price Street · (805) 773-2089
