Pismo State Beach is a glorious spot. There's a myriad of sand dunes of all sizes that kids can have fantastic games on. The sand at the dunes is perfect, fine and white. Wildflowers in all colors make this a wonderland. Play hide-and-seek with your child behind the little dunes!

From the campground to Fin's Restaurant, there's a wooden boardwalk that takes you through the dunes with expansive views all around you. On the restaurant end there's a lookout area that is ravishing at sunset (see photo above). The sun sets right over the water, and often there are whales breaching out at sea. There are also picnic tables and an oasis of palms. On the campground end there's a monarch butterfly preserve, a special spot in wintertime where you can see monarch butterflies flutter about in the sun. You can park inside the campground if you tell them you are there to see the monarch butterflies. Otherwise, park at the very end of Grand Ave. Take a long stroll down the beach toward the pier and enjoy the wonderful patterns the water makes in the sand. This is a wide white sand beach with views of hills behind.
Fin's Restaurant, at the very end of Grand Ave has a rare spot right in front of the ocean. The atmosphere is lovely inside and outside, where you can sit around a fountain surrounded by glass panels that block the cold air. It's your typical not-very-good tourist food but the clam chowder is decent. Sunsets here are a joy.
On the northern end of Pismo Beach are the amazing white Pismo Caves.

Directions

From Highway 101 southbound, exit at Five Cities Dr and turn left. Turn right on 4th St and follow it for a mile, enjoying the views, then turn right on Grand Ave. Follow it to the end. There is a large parking lot.
From Highway 101 northbound exit at Brisco Rd. Turn left on Brisco Rd and then right on Grand Ave. Follow it to the end. There is a large parking lot.
There are restrooms.
Fin's Restaurant, 25 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach CA 93433, call (805) 473-3467.

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