Photo by @samgetaways83
Something’s different downtown this summer. The energy is up, the sun has been out, and Pismo Beach just claimed the title of #1 Beach in California from USA TODAY 10Best. That’s three national titles now, and counting. Whether you’ve been coming here for years or you’re finally making the trip, this is the summer to see what everyone is talking about.
Photo by @nickyp_pics
Fourth of July — The Big 250th
Families have come to Pismo Beach for the Fourth of July for generations, and for good reason. It’s always memorable, but this year marks one of the biggest milestones of our lifetime: America’s 250th birthday!
Here’s a rapid-fire rundown of the details you won’t want to miss:
- Vendors in Pier Plaza from 9am
- Live music from Epic Entertainment, noon to 9pm
- Fireworks launched off the Pismo Beach Pier at 9pm
Book your lodging asap because hotels fill fast. For a premium view, head to an oceanfront restaurant or hotel balcony with sight lines to the pier.
Pro Tip
Live on the Rocks at The Cliffs Hotel and Spa also puts on a Fourth of July concert from 1–5pm, free entry.
Live Music All Summer Long
The last Pacific Breeze Concert is on July 12 at 1 PM. The local favorite band – The Molly Ringwald Project – is playing another Pismo Beach show. It’s free and at the stunning Dinosaur Caves Park. There’s not better place to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family.
Just down the road, Live on the Rocks at The Cliffs Hotel and Spa offer multiple free shows throughout summer. Upcoming acts include Shawn Clark Family Band (June 21), Tommy Moon Band (July 4), and The Molly Ringwald Project (August 9). Free entry, VIP tables available, food and drinks on-site.
It’s always worth checking the line up at these spot in town, too:
First Ever Shell Beach Food and Wine Festival
Mark your calendars for the first-ever Shell Beach Food & Wine Festival, happening August 29 at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa. This is a brand-new event that offers a curated, high-end food and wine experience with local wineries, breweries, distilleries, food partners, and live music, all set on the oceanfront bluff. It’s the best of the Central Coast’s culinary scene in one place, with a view. VIP tickets are sold out, so make sure to grab a GA ticket soon.
The Corgis Are Coming Back – VIP Tickets on Sale Now
There’s nothing like watching hundreds of corgis in costume having the time of their life on the beach. From September 11–13, Pismo Beach will host the Annual Corgi Nation Vacation. If you’ve seen this event, you know it’s something special.
VIP tickets are now live on Eventbrite, and they sell out early every year, so don’t wait. They include access to three exclusive events, corgi swag bags, and more.
Not a VIP ticket holder? No problem. The Saturday Corgi Beach Fest at the Pismo Beach Pier is completely free and open to everyone. Honorary corgis welcome too!
Wellness by the Coast
Treat the beach as the gym you actually want to go to. Pismo Beach is the perfect retreat for wellness this summer.
Yoga — Enjoy outdoor yoga classes at Dinosaur Caves Park or Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa throughout summer. All levels welcome. Downtown, Harmony House offers classes every day.
Bike Rentals — Rent and cruise the beach path with the water on your side. Easy, flat, and worth every minute. Pismo Bikes offers rentals every day.
Photo by @wendy_busschots
Stewardship Corner — Happy World Oceans Day
June 8 was World Oceans Day, and there’s no better place to celebrate it than a town that’s made the ocean its identity. A few ways to experience Pismo’s relationship with the sea:
Pismo Clams — Learn the story behind the Pismo clam. From the history of the town to the modern day conservation efforts, learn more about them to build a deeper appreciation for this critter.
Meet Finley — Pismo Beach adopted a humpback whale named Finley, a name chosen by students at Shell Beach Elementary. Read Finley’s story and learn about what makes our waters special for whale watching.
Tidepooling — Shell Beach has some of the best tidepools on the California coast. Margo Dodd Park, Eldwayen Ocean Park, Spyglass Beach — pick your spot, check the low tide, and go exploring.
Photo by @staypacificpoint
What’s New in Pismo This Summer
Dulci — A coffee and pastry shop on Pomeroy from the sibling team behind Taqueria El Quero on Dolliver. Lattes, croissants, and made-to-order pizza flatbreads.
The Portal at Living Energy — A new crystal shop, rock shop, and metaphysical space with tarot readings, aura photos, and energy healing.
Pacific Point Resort — Opening July 2026 — Two historic clifftop properties, Pismo Lighthouse Suites and Shore Cliff Hotel, are merging into one 170-room oceanfront resort. Twelve acres, 90 feet above the Pacific, two pools, direct trail access, and a Whale Watch Dispatch text service that alerts guests to real-time sightings. Keep your eyes out!
Photo of the Month
Our winning shot from @quyndraws shows the inspiration that Pismo Beach creates. It’s pure serenity eating a healthy breakfast in the sun at Honeymoon Cafe.
Want to be featured? Tag @pismobeachca or use #pismobeachca!
