Campbell Estate, Pismo Beach

The Campbell Estate is a cute half-timbered house on a cliff over the sea, on Ocean Blvd in Pismo Beach. There are beautiful Monterey cypress trees and views of a bird island (a bit stinky). On the property is a windmill that pumped seawater into the swimming pool (you can't see the pool) and a decorative lighthouse. The property was donated to the city, but is a bit neglected- I guess because it is expensive to keep up. It is open Tues and Thurs 11-1, Fri 5-7, April to October.

When you pay $5 to go in, you only get to see the square of lawn on the left side and the begonia house which has blooms in summer. You aren't allowed to wonder any paths in the garden. There are pieces of junky yardwork equipment and containers strewn about. The only things you see that you can't see from the road is a round pool with koi in it, and the begonia greenhouse, which is lovely in summer, with pots of large, lush begonias of red, yellow, and pink. If you pay $10, you also get to see the lawn on the right side of the property, and listen to a half-hour tour about the estate. You don't get to go inside the house.
This outing is not really worth planning (since the open hours are so limited) unless you also explore the gorgeous coves to the right of the house. Walk along the clifftop on the promenade called Eldwayen Ocean Park, on Ocean Blvd, and then descend the stairs to explore the lovely coves below.
You can also walk inland on Windward Ave to see Pearl Chapel by the Sea and the old schoolhouse from the Johnson Ranch.

Directions

The entrance gate is to the left of what looks like the main gate. 
Open Tues and Thurs 11-1, Fri 5-7, April to October.
Cost to enter left side of yard and begonia greenhouse (blooms in summer) is $5.
Cost to enter left side of yard, begonia greenhouse, and right side of yard with short tour is $10.

Click on map for interactive view