Press

Press & Media

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

Press Releases

Current Story Angles

Award wins: Pismo Beach holds three USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice titles, most recently Best Beach in California, following back-to-back wins for Best Small Coastal Town in 2025 and 2026. Travel + Leisure named it Best Small Beach Town of 2026.

Wildlife: From late October through February, western monarchs overwinter in the eucalyptus at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, where CCSPA docents lead talks during peak season. Counts have dropped sharply across the western range, making the grove a working conservation story with habitat restoration and volunteer monitoring happening in public view. We can connect reporters with docents and Xerces Society partners.

New in Pismo: The stay-and-dine landscape has shifted with Pacific Point Resort, which opened in July 2026 on 12 blufftop acres and became the city’s largest property with 170 rooms. Bare Bones Eatery, Nunes Winery, Star Bar and EDNA are among the exciting projects recently opened in and around Pismo Beach.

General fall and winter: Winter suits slower coverage: quieter beaches, king tides and dark skies for stargazing. Sitting halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles keeps Pismo Beach in play for Highway 1 itineraries, with Edna Valley and Paso Robles tasting rooms within an hour. The 80th annual Clam Festival runs October 17 and 18, and the Sand Art Festival follows November 7 through 9.

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

Lodging Specials & Packages

SeaCrest Hotel logo

Book 21 Days Ahead and Receive 15% Off All Rooms and Suites at SeaCrest

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Rooftop pool deck with striped umbrellas, lounge chairs, and an ocean view

Breakfast Every Morning for Every Guest With Inn at the Pier's Breakfast Package

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Pismo Lighthouse Suites

Coastal Escape: Stay Two Nights or More and Enjoy 15% Off at Pacific Point Resort

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SeaVenture Beach Hotel, Pismo Beach

Save 10% and a $50 Dining Voucher at SeaVenture 11/5-11/10

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Pismo Lighthouse Suites

Stay Three Nights or Longer and the Third Night Is Free at Pacific Point Resort

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Save Up to 17% at Hilton Garden Inn With Advance Purchase

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Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa Pismo Beach

Endless Summer: 15% Off Any Condo Plus $50 Daily Dining Credit at Dolphin Bay

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Inn at the Cove, Pismo Beach

Book 14 Days Ahead and Receive 10% Off All Rooms at Inn at the Cove

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Coastal Vacation Rentals

Book Direct With Coastal Vacation Rentals and Save as Much as 25% in Fees

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