40 Fun Things to Do with Kids on the Central Coast & in Pismo Beach: Where to Stay and Where to Eat!
Planning a Pismo Beach trip with kids? Walk the Pismo Beach Pier, see thousands of monarch butterflies in winter, drive right onto the sand at Oceano Dunes and ride a van out to the Point San Luis Lighthouse. Then cross Arroyo Grande's swinging bridge and climb into planes in Santa Maria. Stay in Pismo Beach or Shell Beach for the easiest days.
We rounded up 40 things to do on the Central Coast and in Pismo Beach with kids, 10 family-friendly hotels, and 10 places to eat that kids actually love, with prices, hours and a parent tip for every pick. You'll also find Avila Beach and Santa Maria Valley favorites, the 2026 holiday lineup (hello, Nature Lights) and a sample weekend itinerary.
Key Takeaways
Best home base: Pismo Beach near the pier for walkable beach days; Shell Beach for bluff-top resorts and quieter streets; Avila Beach for a small, sunny cove with a calm swimming beach.
Best free fun: The Pismo Beach Pier, the Monarch Butterfly Grove, Dinosaur Caves Park, Margo Dodd Park, the Bob Jones Trail, Arroyo Grande's swinging bridge and the Thursday night farmers' market in San Luis Obispo.
Book ahead: Point San Luis Lighthouse tours, Great American Melodrama tickets, kayak tours in Shell Beach, Nature Lights tickets and beach camping at Oceano Dunes.
2026 holiday dates: Nature Lights at the SLO Botanical Garden runs 15 nights from Nov. 25 to Dec. 27, 2026. Pismo Beach's tree lighting and the Arroyo Grande Holiday Parade are TBA for 2026.
Heads up: Monarch season is roughly October through February, so plan a winter trip to see the butterflies. The Avila Pier is only partly open while it's rebuilt.
Easy getaway: Pismo Beach is about 175 miles from Downtown LA, so it works for a three-day weekend.
Planning a Trip to Pismo Beach and the Central Coast With Kids From LA
Getting to Pismo Beach From LA
Pismo Beach is about 175 miles northwest of Downtown LA on the 101, so plan on roughly three to three and a half hours without traffic. Leave early on Friday afternoons, since traffic through Ventura and Santa Barbara can add an hour or more.
Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner stops in Grover Beach and San Luis Obispo, and San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport has flights from several West Coast hubs.
Getting Around the Central Coast With Kids
You'll want a car, since Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria are spread out along the 101. Downtown Pismo Beach and Avila Beach are easy to explore on foot once you park.
When to Visit and How Long to Stay
The Central Coast is mild all year, with foggy summer mornings and sunny, clear days in September and October. Winter brings monarch butterflies and holiday lights, and spring brings green hills and wildflowers.
A three-day weekend covers Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and a dune day in Oceano. Add a day for San Luis Obispo or the Santa Maria Valley.
Things to Do in Pismo Beach and Shell Beach With Kids
Pismo Beach is a classic California beach town, with a long pier, wide sandy beaches and bluff-top parks in Shell Beach just to the north.
Where: End of Pomeroy Avenue, downtown Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This 1,200-foot pier is the heart of town, with surfers riding the waves below, pelicans overhead and the giant Pismo Beach sign at the entrance. The plaza at the foot of the pier has a playground and plenty of room to run.
Parent Tip: Walk out at sunset, then grab clam chowder or an ice cream cone on Pomeroy Avenue. The pier sometimes closes during big surf, so check conditions on stormy days.
Where: Along the coast from Pismo Beach to Oceano
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Cost: Free to walk on the beach; parking fees vary
Ages: All ages
Miles of wide, flat sand stretch south from the pier, which makes this one of the best beaches on the Central Coast for building sandcastles, flying kites and digging for sand crabs.
Parent Tip: The water is cold all year and the surf can be strong, so bring wetsuits for boogie boarding and keep little ones close to shore.
Where: Pismo State Beach, off Highway 1 (Dolliver Street), next to the North Beach Campground
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Season: About October through February, with the biggest clusters in late fall and early winter
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Every winter, thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus trees here, hanging like orange-and-black leaves. On warm afternoons, they flutter all around the grove.
Parent Tip: Bring binoculars, and look for weekend docent talks at noon during peak season. Parking is very limited, so walk in from downtown if you can.
Address: 2701 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This bluff-top park has a dinosaur-themed playground with a climbing boat, dinosaur eggs to hide in and a big lawn with ocean views. Lookouts along the edge show off sea stacks and a sea arch.
Parent Tip: Park in the lot on Cliff Avenue, and pack a picnic for the lawn. Pelicans roost on the rocks below, so it can get a little smelly.
Where: Ocean Boulevard at Cliff Avenue, Shell Beach
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This small park on the Shell Beach bluffs has benches, a gazebo and some of the prettiest ocean views in town. A path along Ocean Boulevard connects it to Dinosaur Caves Park.
Parent Tip: Walk the bluff path between the two parks, and look for sea otters and harbor seals in the coves below.
Address: 2549 Spyglass Drive
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This neighborhood park has a ship-themed playground and a sloping lawn with views across the bay to the Oceano Dunes. A steep dirt trail leads down toward the rocky shore and tide pools.
Parent Tip: There are no restrooms here, so plan ahead. Only try the trail down with older kids and sturdy shoes, and visit the tide pools at low tide.
Address: 1879 Shell Beach Road
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Cost: Check the website for current tour and rental prices
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This local kayak shop runs guided tours along the Shell Beach coast, where you can paddle past sea caves, kelp beds and curious sea lions. It also rents kayaks and paddleboards.
Parent Tip: Book a morning tour, when the water is usually calmer, and ask about age limits and tandem kayaks for younger kids.
Address: 80 Mattie Road
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Hours: Dawn to dusk (check the website)
Cost: Free to walk in; $5 per day to park (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This 880-acre preserve has about 11 miles of trails and ranch roads in the hills above town, with big views of the ocean and the dunes. Kids can spot hawks, deer and wildflowers along the way.
Parent Tip: The lot gates lock after sunset, so watch the time. Trails close when wet, so check the preserve's social pages after rain.
Where: On the beach near the Pismo Beach Pier
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
The gentle, rolling waves near the pier make Pismo a popular place to learn to surf. Local surf schools provide boards, wetsuits and patient instructors.
Parent Tip: Book a group lesson for the whole family, and bring warm clothes and towels for after, since the water stays chilly year-round.
Things to Do in Grover Beach, Oceano, Arroyo Grande and Nipomo With Kids
Just south of Pismo, the Five Cities area has giant sand dunes, an old-time theater, a historic village with roaming chickens and a big lake in the hills.
Where: Beach entrances at West Grand Avenue (Grover Beach) and Pier Avenue (Oceano)
Oceano, CA 93445
Hours: Day-use areas 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: $5 per vehicle for day use (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This is one of the only places in California where you can drive your car right onto the beach. Street-legal vehicles can drive the sand north of Post 2, and off-highway vehicles are allowed in the riding area farther south.
Parent Tip: Drive slowly (the limit is 15 mph), stay on firm sand near the water, and check the website for current rules, closures and camping reservations before you go.
11. Oso Flaco Lake
Address: 3030 Oso Flaco Lake Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Cost: About $5 per vehicle to park (check the website)
Ages: All ages
An easy, flat boardwalk crosses this freshwater lake and winds through the dunes to a wild, quiet beach, about 2 miles round trip. Look for herons, ducks and egrets along the way.
Parent Tip: This is a no-vehicle, no-dog area, so it's a peaceful walk for little legs. The boardwalk is stroller-friendly until the last sandy stretch to the beach.
Address: 1863 Front Street
Oceano, CA 93445
Cost: Discounts for kids (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
This old-time theater has been putting on silly melodramas, musical parodies and vaudeville revues since 1975, and the audience is invited to cheer the hero and boo the villain. Most shows are rated G.
Parent Tip: Buy tickets ahead, since shows often sell out, and come early for hot dogs and popcorn from the snack bar. The Holiday Extravaganza runs every November and December.
Address: 1650 Front Street
Oceano, CA 93445
Hours: The museum is usually open Sundays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (check the website)
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
This yellow 1904 train station has a caboose and a vintage railroad speeder outside, plus photos of old Oceano inside. Train fans love seeing it up close.
Parent Tip: Check the website for model railroad weekends, when miniature trains run through tiny towns inside the depot.
Where: East Branch Street and Bridge Street, Arroyo Grande Village
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Arroyo Grande's historic village has old storefronts, a gazebo, candy shops and a wooden swinging bridge that sways over Arroyo Grande Creek. Kids also love spotting the chickens that roam freely through the village.
Parent Tip: Hold little hands on the bridge, since it really does swing, then head to Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab around the corner for a scoop.
15. Elm Street Park
Address: 1221 Ash Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This neighborhood park has playgrounds, lawns and picnic tables, and it's where Arroyo Grande holds its tree lighting and snow day each December.
Parent Tip: It's an easy stop to let kids burn off energy between the beach and dinner in the village.
Address: 6800 Lopez Drive
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Cost: About $10 to $15 per vehicle (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
This lake in the hills east of Arroyo Grande has boat rentals, fishing, hiking trails and campsites under the oaks. A marina store sells snacks and bait year-round.
Parent Tip: Rent a pedal boat or a small motorboat for an easy afternoon on the water. Private kayaks must pass a boat inspection, so arrive clean, drained and dry.
Address: 3500 Lopez Drive
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Cost: Free on most days; a vehicle fee may apply on spring and summer weekends (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This shady park along the road to Lopez Lake has a playground, a creek, big lawns and picnic areas with barbecue grills.
Parent Tip: Pack a picnic lunch here on your way to or from Lopez Lake.
Address: 671 South Oakglen Avenue
Nipomo, CA 93444
Hours: Check the website for current hours and tours
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
This restored 1839 adobe was one of the first ranch homes in the area, and its grounds have walking trails, gardens and exhibits about early California and the Chumash people.
Parent Tip: Look for special family days and living history events, when kids can try old-fashioned crafts and games.
Things to Do in Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo and Los Osos With Kids
A few miles north of Pismo, Avila Beach is a sunny little cove with a calm beach and working piers, and San Luis Obispo and Los Osos are just up the road.
Where: Front Street, downtown Avila Beach
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Avila's south-facing beach is often sunnier and calmer than nearby beaches, with a promenade, a playground and a small downtown full of snack shops. The Avila Pier is only partly open while it's rebuilt, so you can walk part of the way out.
Parent Tip: Arrive early on summer weekends, since parking fills up fast, and bring sand toys for the gentle waves.
Where: End of Avila Beach Drive, Port San Luis
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This working pier has fishing boats unloading their catch, a fish market and sea lions barking from the docks below. You can drive and park right out on the pier.
Parent Tip: Listen for the sea lions and look down between the boards, then grab fish and chips for lunch at the end of the pier.
Where: Tours leave from Wild Cherry Canyon parking area, Avila Beach Drive, between the Cal Poly Pier and Harford Pier
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Hours: Van tours Wednesdays and Saturdays (check the website for times)
Cost: About $27 adults and $20 kids (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
This Victorian lighthouse from 1890 sits on a remote point above the ocean, and the only way in is by guided tour. Kids can see the lighthouse lens, the keepers' rooms and big views of the coast.
Parent Tip: Book ahead and arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, since the vans leave right on time. Kids 9 and up can also join the free docent-led Pecho Coast Trail hike, which needs a reservation.
Where: Ontario Road staging area, near Highway 101
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This paved trail follows San Luis Obispo Creek through oak woods and a golf course all the way to Avila Beach, about 3 miles each way. It's flat and shady, so it's great for strollers, bikes and scooters.
Parent Tip: Bike or walk to Avila Beach for lunch, then head back. Kids love spotting ducks and turtles in the creek.
Address: 50 San Juan Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 10
This small, hands-on aquarium is a block from the beach, with touch pools full of sea stars, sea anemones and other animals from local waters.
Parent Tip: Ask the staff what's in the touch pools that day, and pair it with an hour on Avila Beach.
Address: 250 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; water slides on weekends, noon to 5 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: About $29 adults and $26 kids 15 and under for a day pass (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
This historic hot springs has been around since 1907, with a big, warm swimming pool, double water slides and a hot mineral soaking pool. It's right next to the Bob Jones Trail.
Parent Tip: Go on a weekend afternoon if your kids want the water slides, and check the website for seasonal hours before you go.
Where: Higuera Street, downtown San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
When: Thursday evenings (check the website for hours)
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Every Thursday night, downtown San Luis Obispo closes several blocks of Higuera Street for a huge street fair with farm stands, barbecue smoke, street performers and live music.
Parent Tip: Make it dinner and grab tri-tip from a barbecue stand, and bring cash for kettle corn and fresh strawberries.
Address: 751 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Cost: Free to walk the plaza; a small donation is suggested for the mission museum (check the website)
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Founded in 1772, this mission has a small museum, a pretty garden and a church that's still in use. Out front, Mission Plaza has bridges over San Luis Obispo Creek and grassy spots to sit.
Parent Tip: Fourth graders studying the California missions will love seeing this one in person, so bring a notebook for their report.
Address: 1010 Nipomo Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 1 to 10
This hands-on museum has three floors of play, from a pretend fire engine to a climbing tower and science exhibits.
Parent Tip: It's a great rainy-day or foggy-morning stop, and it's just a few blocks from Mission Plaza.
28. Bubblegum Alley
Where: 733 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
The walls of this narrow downtown alley are covered with layers and layers of chewed gum. It's gross, colorful and a guaranteed giggle.
Parent Tip: Bring a piece of gum if your kids want to add their own, and pack wipes for sticky fingers.
Where: North end of 15th Street
Los Osos, CA 93402
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
A wooden boardwalk loops through a "forest" of short, twisty oaks that are hundreds of years old, with views over Morro Bay and the estuary.
Parent Tip: The boardwalk is about a mile long and easy for little walkers, and the viewpoints are great for spotting birds over the bay.
Where: Los Osos Valley Road, east of Los Osos
Los Osos, CA 93402
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Easy trails wind under ancient, moss-covered oak trees with twisting branches that look straight out of a fairy tale.
Parent Tip: Stay on the trails, since poison oak grows here, and bring a camera for the spooky-looking branches.
Things to Do in the Santa Maria Valley, Guadalupe and Lompoc With Kids
South of the Five Cities, the Santa Maria Valley has hands-on museums, giant dunes and one of the best-restored missions in California.
Address: 705 South McClelland Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 1 to 10
This children's museum has hands-on exhibits about farming, science and the ocean, with pretend play areas and plenty to climb and build.
Parent Tip: Plan an hour or two here, then grab Santa Maria-style barbecue for lunch.
Address: 3015 Airpark Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Hours: Check the website for current hours
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: All ages
This volunteer-run museum at the Santa Maria airport has hangars full of aircraft, model planes and aviation history, plus vintage planes parked outside.
Parent Tip: Ask the volunteers about the planes, since many have great stories to share, and check the website for open days before you go.
33. Waller Park
Where: Orcutt Road at Waller Lane
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Santa Maria's big county park has ponds with ducks and geese, playgrounds, sports fields and lots of shady picnic spots.
Parent Tip: Bring a picnic and a frisbee for a relaxed afternoon after the museums.
34. Dunes Center
Address: 1065 Guadalupe Street
Guadalupe, CA 93434
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 4 and up
This small nature center in a historic house tells the story of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, including the giant movie set from the 1923 film The Ten Commandments that's still buried in the sand.
Parent Tip: Stop here before heading to the dunes, and ask about guided walks and family programs.
Where: West end of Main Street (Highway 166)
Guadalupe, CA 93434
Hours: 7 a.m. to dusk (check the website)
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Some of the tallest dunes on the West Coast rise above this wild beach, where kids can climb, slide and spot shorebirds.
Parent Tip: Parts of the beach have restrictions during snowy plover nesting season, March through September, so follow posted signs. Bring jackets, since it's often windy.
Address: 2295 Purisima Road
Lompoc, CA 93436
Cost: Day-use fee per vehicle (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This beautifully restored mission feels like stepping back into the 1820s, with old workshops, gardens, trails and farm animals like sheep, goats and burros.
Parent Tip: Look for living history days, when docents in costume show kids candle making, weaving and cooking.
Holiday Fun in Pismo Beach and the Central Coast (2026)
The Central Coast celebrates the holidays small-town style, with glowing garden lights, tree lightings, Santa visits and a village parade.
Dates: 15 select nights from Nov. 25 to Dec. 27, 2026 (check the website for the full calendar)
Hours: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 3450 Dairy Creek Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: All ages
The garden glows after dark with light displays, music and holiday fun along its paths. Live music plays on two stages on the early December weekends.
Parent Tip: Santa visits on Dec. 22 and 23, so plan around those nights if your kids want to say hello. Buy tickets ahead and bring warm layers.
Dates: TBA for 2026 (check the website); Christmas trees are sold from Thanksgiving weekend through Dec. 25
Address: 560 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Cost: Free to visit; some activities cost extra
Ages: All ages
This family farm turns festive for the holidays, with Santa visits, a holiday market, Christmas trees and fresh pies. Kids can also feed the farm animals and take pony rides.
Parent Tip: Visit any time of year for the petting corrals, seasonal u-pick and ice cream, and check the website for Santa's holiday schedule.
Dates: TBA for 2026 (check the website)
Where: Downtown Pismo Beach, near the pier
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Pismo Beach kicks off the season with a free downtown celebration that has featured snow play, crafts, cookie decorating, carolers and Santa arriving on a fire truck for the city's tree lighting.
Parent Tip: Get there before the tree lighting to find a good spot, and bring jackets, since beach nights get chilly.
Dates: TBA for 2026 (check the website); traditionally held on a Sunday in early December
Where: East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande Village
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Lighted floats, music and holiday decorations roll through the historic village in this hometown parade. Before it starts, kids from preschool through sixth grade can run the free Jingle Bell Dash and chase the Grinch.
Parent Tip: Register for the Jingle Bell Dash online or on the day of the event, and stake out a curb spot on Branch Street early.
Where to Stay in Pismo Beach and the Central Coast With Kids
Pismo Beach has beachfront hotels within walking distance of the pier, Shell Beach has bluff-top resorts with ocean views, and Avila Beach has suites right by the sand.
Every hotel name below links to live rates so you can compare prices for your dates.
Neighborhood: Shell Beach
Address: 2411 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Best for: Families who want space and resort fun
This all-suite hotel has roomy two-room suites, a heated pool, a life-size chess board, a putting green and sport courts, all above the ocean.
Parent Tip: Book a suite with a separate bedroom so kids can sleep while you relax.
Neighborhood: Downtown Pismo Beach
Address: 147 Stimson Avenue
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Best for: Beachfront stays by the pier
This beachfront resort sits right on the sand next to the pier, with an oceanfront pool and fire pits for evening s'mores.
Parent Tip: Walk to dinner and the pier, and ask for an ocean-view room.
Neighborhood: Pismo Beach
Address: 100 Ocean View Avenue
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Best for: Fireplaces and steps to the sand
This beachfront hotel has cozy rooms with fireplaces, and many have private balcony hot tubs. The beach is right outside.
Parent Tip: It's a short beach walk to the pier, so bring sand toys and skip the car.
Neighborhood: Shell Beach
Address: 2727 Shell Beach Road
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Best for: A splurge with full kitchens
This bluff-top resort has big suites with kitchens, an ocean-view pool and a walkway along the cliffs.
Parent Tip: Cook breakfast in your suite, then walk the bluffs to Dinosaur Caves Park.
Neighborhood: Shell Beach
Address: 2757 Shell Beach Road
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Best for: Ocean views and a big pool
This hotel sits on the Shell Beach cliffs with a heated pool, a hot tub and stairs down to a small beach.
Parent Tip: Check the tide chart before heading down to the beach, which nearly disappears at high tide.
Neighborhood: Downtown Pismo Beach
Address: 601 Cypress Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Best for: Walking to everything downtown
This modern hotel is steps from the pier, with a rooftop pool deck and ocean views.
Parent Tip: Ask about rooms with balconies, and walk to Splash Cafe for chowder.
Neighborhood: Shell Beach
Address: 2555 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Best for: Families who want a pool and beach stairs
This oceanfront hotel has a big heated pool and stairs down to a private beach cove.
Parent Tip: Ask for a room facing the ocean for sunset views.
Neighborhood: Avila Beach
Address: 550 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Best for: Suites right by the beach
This all-suite hotel sits right across from Avila Beach, with a heated pool, a putting green and space for the whole family.
Parent Tip: It's a short walk to the Central Coast Aquarium and the Avila Beach promenade.
Neighborhood: Pismo Beach
Address: 165 South Dolliver Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Best for: RV camping by the beach
This big RV resort sits right behind the dunes, with a pool, a playground, a mini golf course and bike rentals.
Parent Tip: Book early for summer and holiday weekends, and walk through the dunes to the beach.
Neighborhood: Pismo Beach
Address: 1621 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Best for: Families on a budget with ocean views
This retro hotel has ocean-view balconies, a heated pool and stairs down to the beach, at prices that are often lower than nearby resorts.
Parent Tip: It's a good value pick for families who want ocean views without the resort price.
Where to Eat in Pismo Beach and the Central Coast With Kids
The Central Coast food scene is casual and fun, with clam chowder bread bowls, giant cinnamon rolls, Santa Maria-style barbecue and ice cream made with a scientific twist.
Address: 197 Pomeroy Avenue
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
What to order for kids: Clam chowder in a bread bowl or fish and chips
This tiny beach shack near the pier is famous for its creamy clam chowder, and the line out the door moves fast.
Parent Tip: Order to go and eat on the beach, since seating inside is limited.
Address: 861 Dolliver Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
What to order for kids: A warm cinnamon roll
This bakery has been making huge, gooey cinnamon rolls for decades, and you can watch the bakers at work through the window.
Parent Tip: Go early in the morning, when the rolls are fresh from the oven.
Address: 751 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
What to order for kids: Fish and chips or a kids' shrimp basket
This lively seafood spot dumps buckets of crab, shrimp and corn right onto the table, and kids get a bib.
Parent Tip: Go early for dinner on weekends, since there's often a wait.
Address: 2575 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
What to order for kids: Quesadillas or chicken tenders
This restaurant on the Shell Beach cliffs has big windows overlooking the ocean and a menu of Latin-inspired dishes.
Parent Tip: Book a table at sunset for the best views.
Address: 114 West Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
What to order for kids: A scoop of a wacky house-made flavor
This fun ice cream shop in Arroyo Grande Village makes dozens of creative flavors, served by "doctors" in lab coats.
Parent Tip: Ask for samples before you choose, and pair it with a walk across the swinging bridge.
Address: 104 Bridge Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
What to order for kids: A cheese pizza
This cozy pizza place in the village has a rustic, Gold Rush feel and peanut shells on the floor.
Parent Tip: Kids love tossing peanut shells on the floor, so let them have fun.
Address: 125 North Thompson Avenue
Nipomo, CA 93444
What to order for kids: A burger or barbecued chicken with pinquito beans
This classic Santa Maria-style steakhouse grills meat over red oak and has been a local favorite for generations.
Parent Tip: Make a reservation, since it fills up fast on weekends.
Address: 3985 Avila Beach Drive
Avila Beach, CA 93424
What to order for kids: Fish and chips or a grilled cheese
This casual spot at the end of Harford Pier has ocean views, outdoor seating and simple seafood.
Parent Tip: Listen for the sea lions barking under the pier while you eat.
Address: 1001 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
What to order for kids: A tri-tip sandwich or chicken tenders
This busy downtown spot is famous for its tri-tip sandwiches and curly fries.
Parent Tip: Order at the counter and grab a table on the patio. It's a quick stop before Bubblegum Alley.
Address: 300 East Clark Avenue
Orcutt, CA 93455
What to order for kids: A kids' steak or barbecued chicken
This Western-style steakhouse serves classic Santa Maria barbecue in a ranch-themed dining room.
Parent Tip: Try the pinquito beans, a local Santa Maria Valley favorite.
A Sample Pismo Beach Weekend Itinerary for Families
Here's how we'd spend a first weekend in Pismo Beach and the Central Coast with kids, plus an extra day if you can swing it.
Day 1 (Pismo Beach and Shell Beach): Walk the pier, play at Dinosaur Caves Park, see the Monarch Butterfly Grove in winter and grab chowder at Splash Cafe.
Day 2 (Oceano and Arroyo Grande): Walk the Oso Flaco Lake boardwalk or drive onto the beach at Oceano Dunes, cross the swinging bridge in Arroyo Grande Village and catch an evening show at the Great American Melodrama.
Day 3 (Avila Beach): Bike the Bob Jones Trail, visit the Central Coast Aquarium, tour the Point San Luis Lighthouse and see the sea lions at Harford Pier.
With more time: Add San Luis Obispo's Thursday night farmers' market, the Santa Maria Museum of Flight or a day at La Purísima Mission.
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Takeaway
Pismo Beach with kids is one of the easiest beach getaways from LA. Walk the pier, play in the dunes, and save time for Avila Beach and Arroyo Grande Village.
Visit in winter to see the monarchs and holiday lights, book lighthouse tours and theater tickets ahead, and pack layers, since the coast can be cool and foggy any time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pismo Beach good for kids?
Yes. Pismo Beach is great for kids, with a long pier, wide sandy beaches, the Monarch Butterfly Grove and dinosaur-themed playgrounds. Nearby, families can drive onto the beach at Oceano Dunes, tour the Point San Luis Lighthouse, see sea lions at Harford Pier and cross Arroyo Grande's swinging bridge.
How many days do you need in Pismo Beach with kids?
Three days is perfect for a first family visit. Spend one day in Pismo Beach and Shell Beach, one day exploring the Oceano Dunes and Arroyo Grande, and one day in Avila Beach. Add a fourth day for San Luis Obispo or the Santa Maria Valley museums.
Where should families stay in Pismo Beach?
Downtown Pismo Beach puts you near the pier, restaurants and the beach, with hotels like Vespera and Inn at the Pier. Shell Beach has bluff-top resorts with pools and suites, like Pismo Lighthouse Suites and Dolphin Bay. Avila Lighthouse Suites is a great pick in Avila Beach.
When can you see the monarch butterflies in Pismo Beach?
Monarch butterflies gather at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove from about October through February, with the biggest clusters usually in late fall and early winter. Visit on a sunny afternoon, when the butterflies flutter around the grove, and look for weekend docent talks at noon during peak season.
Can you drive on the beach in Pismo Beach?
Yes. At Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, street-legal vehicles can drive onto the sand from the Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue entrances and travel as far as Post 2. There's a day-use fee and a 15 mph speed limit, so check the website for current rules before you go.
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