Pismo State Beach - North Beach

Located in the northern part of Pismo State Beach, the North Beach area is situated near the North Beach Campground, one of the most popular camping spots in central California. The beach has beige-colored sand and is situated beside Pismo Creek, which encounters the Pacific Ocean and forms a lagoon on the beach location. The Pismo Beach Pier is located on the north end of the beach, while the southern end of the beach has a boardwalk on the sandy areas adjacent to the Pismo Beach Golf Course which stretches all the way into the Grover Beach area of Pismo State Beach. You can easily access the beach – it’s located off of US Highway 101 and there’s a walking trail near the North Beach Campground. Neither the beach nor campground areas have parking access so we recommend using the parking spots available near the highway.

The beach offers a lot of amenities including showers, restrooms, sitting areas, lifeguards, concession stands, and drinking fountains, and they also allow pets on a leash.

The beach area offers a number of activities including kayaking, canoeing, boating (non-motor), fishing, biking, kitesurfing, camping, clam-digging(subject to regulations), hiking, paddle boarding, horseback riding, beachcombing, snorkeling, and volleyball! You can scour the beach sands and dig for Pismo Clams, one of the largest clam species in the region. However, make sure that you follow the local regulations while clam-digging. The beach has several hiking trails running through the area including one leading to the Monarch Butterfly Grove, where thousands of beautiful monarch butterflies gather on groves of Eucalyptus trees between late October and February (parking for the grove is available near the campground area). The iconic Pismo Beach Pier is also located a short walk away and offers a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean and serves as a great spot for pier fishing, whale watching, and observing rare marine birds. You can also head to the lagoon near the beach area, which serves as the perfect spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography. If you head further south, you can even have an exciting drive on the sands of the Pismo State Beach area via entrances at Grand Avenue in Grover Beach city and Pier Avenue in Oceano city. You can camp on the Oceano Campground and explore the vibrant coastal biodiversity of the region through the hiking tours organized here. History buffs can also head to Price Historical Park which is a short drive away and is a four-acre park offering unique insights into central California’s interesting history.

The beach area offers a number of activities including kayaking, canoeing, boating (non-motor), fishing, biking, kitesurfing, camping, clam-digging(subject to regulations), hiking, paddle boarding, horseback riding, beachcombing, snorkeling, and volleyball! You can scour the beach sands and dig for Pismo Clams, one of the largest clam species in the region. However, make sure that you follow the local regulations while clam-digging. The beach has several hiking trails running through the area including one leading to the Monarch Butterfly Grove, where thousands of beautiful monarch butterflies gather on groves of Eucalyptus trees between late October and February (parking for the grove is available near the campground area). The iconic Pismo Beach Pier is also located a short walk away and offers a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean and serves as a great spot for pier fishing, whale watching, and observing rare marine birds. You can also head to the lagoon near the beach area, which serves as the perfect spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography. If you head further south, you can even have an exciting drive on the sands of the Pismo State Beach area via entrances at Grand Avenue in Grover Beach city and Pier Avenue in Oceano city. You can camp on the Oceano Campground and explore the vibrant coastal biodiversity of the region through the hiking tours organized here. History buffs can also head to Price Historical Park which is a short drive away and is a four-acre park offering unique insights into central California’s interesting history.

If you're looking for a restaurant, head to Ada’s Fish House which is a short drive away and offers classic East Coast dishes such as lobster rolls and steamed clams, along with menu favorites like seafood pasta and mouth-watering halibut. The restaurant is popular among locals for its reasonable prices and generous servings. You can also try out Hoagies Sandwiches & Grill for a more family-oriented option. The restaurant is located a few minutes away and is known for its signature Pismo wrap, Cuban sandwiches, and shrimp cocktails – it also has a special menu for kids. Another great option is Ember Restaurant, which is located nearby and offers an authentic fine dining experience. The restaurant cooks food in a wood-fired, open-air kitchen. Popular options include the outstanding pasta dishes and beef cheeks, which are paired with tasty salads and local wines.

If you are looking for a hotel near North Beach, there are several options. The Pismo Lighthouse Suites is a 3-Star hotel that features a miniature golf course, a playground, a heated oceanfront pool, a jacuzzi, and spacious rooms, along with a pet-friendly atmosphere. You can also check out Ocean Palms Motel, a 2-Star accommodation that’s close by and is located near some of the best attractions in the area. Camping near the beach at the North Beach Campground is another good option – it has facilities for both RVs and tents and offers a number of amenities including electrical outlets, food lockers, campfire rings, and a visitor center.