Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Home > Press

Press

Pismo Beach is one of California’s most-recognized coastal destinations, named a Best Small Coastal Town by USA TODAY readers two years running, as well as Best Beach in California. This page has everything you need to cover it. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out directly.

Media Contact

Emma Rhoads
PR & Stewardship Manager
TJA Advertising & Public Relations
Emma@tjaadvertising.com
LinkedIn Profile
321-209-3020

Typically available within one business day. Available for press trips, interviews, story support, and image requests.

Additional Experience Pismo Beach Contacts

Destination Fast Facts

Current as of 2026

Location Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo County, California. Central Coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Highway 101 and Pacific Coast Highway.
Population 8,058 (U.S. Census 2022)
Coastline More than 26 miles of Pacific coastline and white sand beach
Elevation 18 feet above sea level
Time zone Pacific (America/Los_Angeles)
Coordinates 35° 8′ N, 120° 38′ W
Climate Mediterranean. Mild year-round. Summer highs average 71°F, lows 53°F. Winter highs average 66°F, lows 43°F. Minimal seasonal variation.
Hotel rooms 2,112
Vacation rentals 10 vacation rental companies
Camping & RV 3 camping facilities, 2 RV resorts with 595 spaces
Drive from LA 176.9 miles north, approximately 3 hours
Drive from SF 243.7 miles south, approximately 4 hours
Nearest airports San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP, 12 miles), Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX, 30 miles). Los Angeles International (LAX) and San Francisco International (SFO) are both roughly 3-4 hours by car.
Amtrak Daily service to Grover Beach Station, 365 days a year
Central address 891-899 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Key Attractions & Landmarks

Pismo Beach is home to the largest Monarch Butterfly overwintering site in the United States, where hundreds of thousands of butterflies gather in the eucalyptus grove at the south end of town each fall and winter. The Pismo Pier stretches 1,370 feet into the Pacific and anchors the downtown waterfront. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area sits just south of the city limits and draws off-road enthusiasts year-round. Pismo Preserve offers 880 acres of coastal open space with trails, oak woodlands, and sweeping ocean views. The destination sits at the gateway to San Luis Obispo wine country, with the Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, and Avila Valley all within a short drive, and Paso Robles and the Santa Rita Hills within an hour.

Awards & Recognition

  • 2026 – America’s Best Small Beach Town of 2026 by Travel + Leisure
  • 2026 – Best Beach in California
  • 2025 & 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice — Best Small Coastal Town (back-to-back wins)
  • The 2026 HomeToGo U.S. Beach Index – Shell Beach #8

Press Releases

Current Story Angles

Pismo Beach just claimed a second consecutive USA TODAY 10Best Best Small Coastal Town win, as well as a USA Today Best Beach in California win, making it a strong peg for ‘what makes a small town stand out nationally’ stories. The Monarch Butterfly Grove draws hundreds of thousands of butterflies each fall and winter, one of the largest overwintering aggregations in the country, and the grove hosts guided walks and educational programming throughout the season. The destination has a growing profile in dog-friendly travel, anchored by the World Dog Surfing Championships Exhibition Tour, which debuted at the Pismo Pier in May 2026. The central location between San Francisco and Los Angeles makes it a natural fit for road trip and Pacific Coast Highway itinerary coverage. Wine and beach pairing itineraries connect Pismo Beach to the Edna Valley and Paso Robles wine regions, both within an hour’s drive. The Pismo Beach Dark Sky program and access to low-light pollution coastal skies is an emerging angle for nature and astronomy travel coverage.

Press Trip & Visit Requests

Experience Pismo Beach supports hosted media visits year-round. We can help coordinate lodging with local hotel partners, connections to activities and experiences, and interviews with key representatives. Contact Emma Rhoads at emma@tjaadvertising.com to discuss your story and timeline.

Photos & B-Roll

High-resolution images are available for editorial use with credit to Experience Pismo Beach unless otherwise noted. Organized by category: beaches and coastal scenery, wildlife, events, food and wine, aerial, and lodging.

ACCESS MEDIA LIBRARY – Credit: Experience Pismo Beach

Collateral Advertising Materials

Recent Coverage

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!

VIEW DEALS
https://video-assets.brandcdn.com/vast_xmls/538569/167265960_191396058_non_skippable.xml