Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach Circa 1960s
Pismo Beach - Then
Pismo Beach is located on California’s famous Central Coast, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast Highway and Highway 101. Like most of San Luis Obispo County, it is located on what was land granted by the Mexican Government. Rancho Pismo was granted to Jose Ortega who sold it to Isaac Sparks. Isaac Sparks sold it to John Michael Price. Price established the town of Pismo in 1891. The Price family homestead is now a historical landmark located in Price Canyon. Pismo comes from the Chumash word pismu which means tar. There were tar springs in Price Canyon near the beach and the Chumash used the tar to seal their seagoing canoes (called tomol).
In the 1957 Merrie Melodies short Ali Baba Bunny, Bugs Bunny and his traveling companion Daffy Duck emerge from a tunnel, with Bugs believing they have arrived at Pismo Beach "and all the clams we can eat". (Though, as always, Bugs has missed his left turn at Albuquerque.)
The new pier and boardwalk are an inviting place to visit for an evening stroll or to enjoy the dining experiences offered by the surrounding establishments.
Pismo Beach has a wonderful Farmers Market every Wednesday that runs from May through October. It is open from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and provides great local produce and products. It’s located at the Pismo Beach Pier Promenade right next to the beautiful new sign and entrance to the pier. Visit the Market’s Facebook page to see pictures and updates on music and special events happening each week.
I’m a proud member of the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Pismo Beach - Now
Pismo Beach is a classic beach town with all that image conjures up - long, white sand beaches, surfing, beautiful sunsets, great eateries, and a fabulous new pier area and boardwalk. With new signage of colorful illuminated seven-foot-tall letters spelling out Pismo Beach, and a playground with a giant slide that glides through the plaza floor leading to the beach below, Pismo has updated the pier area but remains Classic California!
Great places to eat - both casual and upscale, rent surfboards, ATVs, paddleboards, and other toys to enjoy in the Pacific, horseback riding on the beach, Monarch Butterfly Habitat, Pismo Preserve for hiking with an overview of the Pismo coastline, and some of the most stunning sunsets.
For the best views of the sunset, venture out on the 1,200-foot pier to capture Pismo's glory—mountains, cliffs, jutting sea rocks, rising mist, and all—in the soft, waning light. Diamond outcrops that give the pier its unique lightning-rod shape are where you might find some evening fishing. At the right time of year you should cast your gaze outward to glimpse the annual whale migrations. And as any sunset connoisseur knows, don't turn your back after the sun gives its final wink—it's in those minutes after it sinks that the sky truly lights on fire.
Pismo Beach Pier with great outcrops for better view points.
Featured Eatery
Rosa’s Italian Restaurant
491 Price Street, Pismo Beach - (805) 773-0551
One of my very favorite places. I love the location and the food is amazing, but the history and traditions that brought it all here are worthy of telling. Established in Pismo Beach in 1988 Rosa’s son Douglas (Cristallo) MacMillan manned the kitchen. He was raised in his mom’s restaurant kitchens in the Central Valley and at home, but he also studied on his own and chefed at the Quo Vadis restaurant in Turin, Italy.
Rosa came from Bonito, Italy, locted in the south central Apennines, where the region has always been strong in tomato sauces, olive oil, fresh vegetables, pasta and seafood dishes. Douglas brought the influences of Northern Italian cuisine, which traditionally features more meat dishes and the use of butter and cream. This combination has produced an award - winning chef who delights diners with his use of the finest quality ingredients!
Ciao for now! Let me know about your favorite places to eat by clicking here!