Chumash Park, Pismo Beach

Chumash Park is lovely and warm even on cold days. Tucked into a wooded valley, the park offers two play structures, swings, and a basketball court, all well-kept. One playground is for toddlers and the other is very high and for big kids. Kids can play here for a long time without getting bored. There's also a ton of sand for digging- one child was having a blast making his own dunes and then "driving" his monster trucks over them. On both playgrounds there are roller slides- it makes for a fast ride! The big kid structure also has incredibly steep slides.

It's really nice to walk the hard-packed dirt trail behind the playground, and take in the views. The rolling hills and perfect sky look like Microsoft's desktop image "Bliss."
Another warm and sheltered playground nearby, along James Way, is Rancho Grande Park, which is idyllic in the late afternoon when the fog has cleared.
While in the area, check out the Monarch Butterfly Preserve in a eucalyptus grove by a lovely beach with dunes. Also make sure you walk the Shell Beach Panoramic Walk, which will stun you with the views of rock stacks on one side and the waves rolling into Pismo Beach on the other side- I can't believe how gorgeous that place is! If you want to go clothes shopping, check out Pismo Beach Premium Outlets at 333 Five Cities Drive- the Carters outlet store has good deals on cute kid's clothes.

Directions

Chumash Park is located at Mankins Ranch Rd, Pismo Beach CA 93449.
Exit the 101 Highway at 4th Street and turn toward the mountains on 4th Street. Right away turn left on James Way and then immediately turn right on Ventana Drive. The park is immediately on your right. There is parking.

Click on map for interactive view