Things to Do in Pismo Beach
Interested in horseback riding? Exploring the area by bike? Or surfing Pismo Beach’s epic waves? We’ve got all the details on trail rides & tours, rentals, lessons and gear so you can find your adventure with ease.
Interested in horseback riding? Exploring the area by bike? Or surfing Pismo Beach’s epic waves? We’ve got all the details on trail rides & tours, rentals, lessons and gear so you can find your adventure with ease.
From hiking, horseback riding, and biking to sea kayaking, surfing and wine tasting, Pismo Beach offers a wealth of immersive experiences that will dazzle nature enthusiasts, oenophiles, adventurists, families and more.
The Central Coast has blossomed as a respected wine country with more than 250 vineyards helmed by unpretentious winemakers, who produce some remarkable wines from aromatic whites to big Bordeaux-style reds. Three winemaking regions lie within 30 minutes of Vespera Resort: historic Edna Valley, bountiful and lush Arroyo Grande Valley and charming Avila Valley. To the northeast, Paso Robles is another exciting wine Mecca to explore. Take a little road trip and discover the many friendly, family owned vineyards that line the scenic country lanes or order up a bottle at Pequín Coastal Cocina to taste the terroir of our local wine country.
Witness one of the great migrations of nature as fluttering orange and black Monarch Butterflies descend upon the Pismo State Beach from late October to early February. As part of their winter escape and epic journey, thousands of Western Monarchs travel south from Canada and cluster in California’s eucalyptus trees, causing a shimmering of gold. It is a sight to behold. Docent tours and free daily talks during the season.
More than 460 species of birds can be found in San Luis Obispo County making this stretch of California a bird-lover haven. So grab those binoculars and explore the trails and freshwater ponds of Sweet Springs Nature Preserve to catch sight of a red tail hawk or bald eagle, or wander Montano de Oro Park in search of woodpeckers, Great Horned owls, meadowlarks and more. Oceano Lagoon is another hot spot for bird enthusiasts, as is Morro Bay where peregrine falcons, Great Blue Herons, snowy egrets, loons, ospreys and other avian friends reside. Each January, birders flock to the area for the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival.
Located just off California’s scenic Highway 101, this 880-acre preserve is a hiking, biking, and horseback riding wonderland. More than 10 miles of trails and ranch roads meander through the serene landscape, traversing oak-filled woodlands and coastal ridgelines with endless breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and coast. Open from dawn to dusk. Dogs on leash are welcome too.
Thrill seekers should head to the Oceano Dunes Preserve, a 3500-acre, coastal dune playground for ATV adventures like no other. It’s the only California State Park that allows vehicles to drive on the beach. Off-road enthusiasts can navigate the maze of dunes, crest to the top of these massive mounds and enjoy spectacular ocean views. And if you want to skip the driving, opt for a heart-thumping Hummer Tour. Dune Buggy rentals too.
The Central Coast is ranch country, home to authentic cowboys and cowgirls, and myriad amazing places to saddle up and ride. Canter along the coastline, explore the Oceano sand dunes on private trails, take in panoramic views of the Pacific on coastal ridgelines in the Pismo Preserve, or trot through the wineries and ranches of Paso Robles. On the back of a horse, you can immerse yourself in nature and discover the beauty of this incredible landscape.
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