5 MUST-PACK ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR PISMO BEACH VACATION
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July 30, 2018
You’re days away from a trip to Pismo Beach and it’s time to pack your suitcase. So what exactly should you bring when traveling to our classic beach town? There are so many activities for you to enjoy in and out of the water, so it’s practical to bring a variety of items to get the most of your visit. Here are five essentials: Read more
You’re days away from a trip to Pismo Beach and it’s time to pack your suitcase. So what exactly should you bring when traveling to our classic beach town? There are so many activities for you to enjoy in and out of the water, so it’s practical to bring a variety of items to get the most of your visit. Here are five essentials: 1. CLOTHES FOR WARM-ISH AND COOL-ISH WEATHER Us locals like to say, the key to enjoying weather on the central coast is one word: layers. A bit chilly, a bit warm. Those are the most likely temperature extremes. So if you’re planning for tank top and shorts, bring a long sleeve to throw over the top. If jeans and a t-shirt is more your style, grab a jacket to bring along. You get the idea. 2. DATE NIGHT OUTFIT Be prepared to wrap up a relaxing day on the beach with an enjoyable evening out. Casual or fancy, there’s a restaurant for any date night outfit. Fresh sushi from Kanpai Sushi, oysters from the Oyster Loft, slow cooked lamb bolognese from Giuseppe’s, fish tacos from Willow… where do we stop? For happy hour, head to one of Pismo’s many tasting rooms, including Tastes of the Valleys for some local wine. If beer is more your thing, be sure to check out ManRock Brewing to enjoy their extensive craft beer selection. 3. BEACH ESSENTIALS You’re visiting the beach, so of course you’ll need your swimsuit, flip flops, beach towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Also bring a cover up so you can leave the beach and enjoy some of the local establishments along the wharf (such as the classic Splash Cafe). Pismo Beach is also home to fantastic kayaking. To protect yourself from the sun, consider bringing a broad brimmed sun hat and protective sun shirt to wear while you kayak. To get started with planning your kayaking adventure, check out Central Coast Kayaks for local rentals. 4. SUNDRESS OR BUTTON DOWN FOR WINE TASTING Vineyards and California’s Central Coast go hand-in-hand. Bring along a day-time going-out outfit and head out to taste the best of Pismo Beach in style with a stop (or two) at one of our many local vineyards. Some local favorites include Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards, Kynsi Winery, and Chamisal Vineyards – one of the oldest vineyards in Edna Valley. 5. HIKING SHOES Bring shoes you can hike in and get ready to enjoy the beach from a different perspective–up high. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails right by Pismo Beach. Options include the dog-friendly, 4.9-mile Bob Jones Trail and the Ontario Ridge Trail for about four miles and 1,300 feet of climbing. So, what are you waiting for? Zip up your suitcase and head on over for a beach holiday you and your family will remember for years to come. Check out SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel in Pismo Beach for specials and packages, and to learn more about visiting our little coastal town. |
a foodie's guide to pismo beach
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July 19, 2018
The Central Coast is well known as a paradise for wine enthusiasts. And the Pismo Beach food scene is just as phenomenal. Food-lovers visiting our coastal town can expect exceptional eats including seafood and comfort dishes that feature local ingredients.Caution: This list may cause a sudden appetite for delicious, local food in Pismo Beach. Read at your own risk. Read more
The Central Coast is well known as a paradise for wine enthusiasts. And the Pismo Beach food scene is just as phenomenal. Food-lovers visiting our coastal town can expect exceptional eats including seafood and comfort dishes that feature local ingredients. Caution: This list may cause a sudden appetite for delicious, local food in Pismo Beach. Read at your own risk. WILLOW KITCHEN AND COCKTAILSLocated across the parking lot from the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, Willow offers crowd favorites for brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. Arrive thirsty: Willow offers a wide variety of delicious margaritas and other house cocktails. For live music, stop by Friday and Saturday nights between 9pm-11pm. Try something new: Step up your brunch game with Willow’s Hawaiian French Toast. The specialty dish comes with a coconut-battered brioche, seared pineapple, sweet cream cheese, and toasted coconut. SPLASH CAFEYou can’t visit Pismo Beach without thinking about clam chowder. Splash Cafe is one of the city’s oldest restaurants, known for its award-winning clam chowder and wide selection of other fresh seafood menu items. A true Pismo Beach landmark, be prepared to wait in line for this artisanal experience. CHIPWRECKEDThis low-key beachy stop specializes in gourmet sandwiches and kettle-cooked chips (“chipwrecks”). Try something new: Dessert potato chips. Ever had birthday cake chips? This sweet twist on the classic kettle-cooked chips offers toppings ranging from maple syrup, caramel sauce, and sweet cheesecake dip. CRACKED CRABThis Pismo Beach favorite features seafood fare with a traditional crab boil for those looking for a true seaside experience. Try something new: Seafood Buckets (single bucket or big bucket for two). The house specialty is served with your choice of shellfish, including local Dungeness crab, wild gulf shrimp, clams, and snow crab. WOOLY’SThis crowd-pleaser offers guests an amazing view of the beach and ocean while they dine. Food includes comfort options and local seafood dishes, such as clam chowder and fish tacos. Try something new: Carne Asada Fries. Fries meet nachos to make this Pismo favorite. Fries are topped with refried black beans, cheese, jalapenos, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, and lime. SHELL BEACH BREWHOUSEThe Shell Beach Brewhouse is a great stop for comfort food with a twist. If you’re feeling thirsty, enjoy one of the 30 rotating beer handles on tap. The flash-fried brussel sprouts with granny smith apples are a local favorite. Try something new: Elvis Lives Burger. This burger pays homage to the legendary rockstar with an 8 oz beef patty topped with a slab of bacon, caramelized bananas, creamy peanut butter, and aged cheddar. EMBERJust a ten minute drive from downtown Pismo, Ember offers an exquisite dining experience in a more formal setting. Their Italian-inspired rotating menu offers handcrafted food cooked over a wood fire. Try something new: Oven toasted marshmallow ice cream cake. Top off your meal with this dessert that leaves customers raving. Enjoy the cocoa sponge cakes with sea salt caramel, chocolate hazelnut crunch and vanilla bean ice cream. So, have you worked up an appetite yet? Get started with planning a food-filled Pismo Beach holiday that will leave your taste buds hungry for more. |
Plan A Family-Friendly 4th of July In Pismo Beach
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June 19, 2018
Independence Day is fast approaching and now is the time to get your celebration plans in place. Pismo Beach offers far more than just beachfront fireworks for you and your entire family to enjoy a memorable 4th of July celebration. Why not keep the party going with an extended stay. Here are six ways to enjoy your Pismo Beach 4th of July holiday. Read more
Independence Day is fast approaching and now is the time to get your celebration plans in place. Pismo Beach offers far more than just beachfront fireworks for you and your entire family to enjoy a memorable 4th of July celebration. Why not keep the party going with an extended stay. Here are six ways to enjoy your Pismo Beach 4th of July holiday. 1. Watch the Pismo Beach Fireworks with a ViewIt’s 4th of July, so fireworks are a must. But what better than fireworks over the beach? With our oceanfront location, the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel offers its guests fantastic views for watching the fireworks as they light up over the beach by the Pismo Pier. The fireworks will start around 9pm so why not enjoy a cocktail and a splash in the pool beforehand? 2. Attend Our 4th of July VIP Roof Top PartyIf you don’t want to worry about finding a spot to watch the fireworks, attend our VIP Rooftop Party! SeaCrest is offering premium seating to view the fireworks on our breathtaking rooftop terrace. You’ll enjoy entertainment by DJ Muir and coffee & desserts by Willow Kitchen & Cocktails including: cheesecakes, brownies, lemon bars, and cookies throughout the event. Guests must have a hotel reservation booked before reserving tickets. (Book your room now.) Event time 8-10pm, $40 per person. Tickets are limited. 3. Enjoy Downtown Pismo Beach CelebrationsOn Independence Day itself, celebrations at the Pismo Beach Pier parking lot and surrounding areas will run from 9am to 9pm. This free annual celebration includes a DJ and plenty of local vendors during the day before the fireworks show starts at 9pm. For those wanting a little more, there are two VIP experiences to choose from. Standard VIP guests can enjoy premiere firework seating as well as snacks, coffee, and hot cocoa throughout the evening. VIP dinner tickets are also available and include a BBQ dinner provided by F. McLintocks Saloon and Dining House. Head here for more information about the free and VIP celebration options. 4. Join the Doggie ParadeBringing your furry friend with you on your trip to Pismo Beach? If so, you may want to look into the 4th of July Doggie Parade held in Avila Beach. The parade starts at 11am and goes down the Avila Beach Promenade, starting at the corner of San Miguel and the Promenade. There will also be a costume contest with a number of categories including best costume, best dog/owner look alike costume, and most rowdy award. Since the SeaCrest is dog-friendly there’s no problem bringing your dog to enjoy the experience. To participate, your dog must be registered. Learn more about registration and the parade here. 5. Get Out on the WaterWhen at the beach, get your toes sandy and wet. Head down to the beach for a day of surfing, kayaking, or simply soaking in the sun. Pismo Beach Surf Shop offers both surf and kayak rentals with full and half day options. 6. Dine in Pismo BeachWhen you want a break from the water, head over to one of Pismo’s many seafood restaurants for some local fare. Among the most popular is Splash Cafe, a casual, beachy restaurant with a seafood specialty known for their clam chowder and sourdough bread bowl. Other local seafood restaurant options include Willow Kitchen & Cocktails(located at the SeaCrest), Ventana Grill and The Oyster Loft. Don’t let the fun stop at the fireworks. Enjoy a longer stay to get the most out of all our little beach town has to offer. Plan your 4th of July Pismo holiday today. |
5 ideas for the perfect central coast father's day
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June 4, 2018
Father’s Day is quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate dad than with a beach holiday in Pismo Beach? With so many local activities, get out there and show dad some love to thank him for all he does. Read more
Father’s Day is quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate dad than with a beach holiday in Pismo Beach? With so many local activities, get out there and show dad some love to thank him for all he does. Here are 5 ways to make this Father’s Day extra special. 1. Set sail. Experience Pismo Beach a little differently this Father’s Day with a sailing trip. There are many sailing options to choose from including afternoon and evening trips as well as private charters and sealife sailing. Want something a little faster? Head out on a power catamaran to see the marine wildlife of Pismo up close, including sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and if you’re lucky, even late-season whales. Explore more sailing options at Central Coast Sailing. 2. Visit a local brewery. Wine tasting might be a Central Coast staple, but we certainly have our share of craft breweries to shake things up. Raise a glass to dad this Father’s Day at a local brewery or taproom. Local favorites include Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Arroyo Grande, Pismo Brewing Company in Pismo Beach, and ManRock Brewing Company in Grover Beach. 3. Enjoy a day of golf. Pismo Beach Golf Course is a local course with a phenomenal backdrop. Explore 9-hole course options here. Note that unlimited golf begins at 1pm! Another nearby golf option, Avila Beach Golf Resort offers a premier golfing experience. Situated right next to the ocean, the course offers stunning coastal views to make for a golfing experience dad will love. Learn more here. 4. Take dad for a hike. Pismo Beach and the surrounding areas offer so many incredible hiking options that there is a little something for everyone. With wild flowers in season, you’re in for an extra special treat no matter which hike you choose. For one of the most beautiful hikes in the area, head out to San Luis Obispo to summit Bishop Peak. Alternatively, check out Irish Hills Preserve, with possibilities to add onto it. A good addition is the Morro View trail, which adds on a couple miles and brings you to a beautiful vantage point to admire some of the morros that make San Luis Obispo so special. For a milder option, head up Shell Beach Bluffs and Ontario Ridge, a 3-mile loop off Shell Beach. 5. Surf’s up! Look no further than Pismo Beach Pier for a great place to surf. The south side of the pier tends to be better for surfing than the north side, with a good break at high tide. Pismo Beach offers a treasure trove of exciting activities to show dad your love this Father’s Day. Whether it’s craft beer or heading up to the top of a morro for the views, make his special day one to remember with a trip to Pismo Beach. Plan your stay today. |
4 Classic Experiences for Your Best 'Classic at Pismo Beach' Holiday
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MAY 23, 2018
It’s officially that time of year again: the 33rd annual Classic at Pismo Beach car show is right around the corner, running from June 1st through June 3rd. For classic car aficionados, this is a must-attend event to see the pristinely cared-for classic cars driven in from all over. With cars from the 1930’s onwards featured at the show, each year is never the same and brings a new thrill as to what is in store. While in town, why not enjoy more of Pismo’s classics? Read more
It’s officially that time of year again: the 33rd annual Classic at Pismo Beach car show is right around the corner, running from June 1st through June 3rd. For classic car aficionados, this is a must-attend event to see the pristinely cared-for classic cars driven in from all over. With cars from the 1930’s onwards featured at the show, each year is never the same and brings a new thrill as to what is in store. While in town, why not enjoy more of Pismo’s classics? Here are four other ways to enjoy some of Pismo Beach’s best while going in and out of the event: 1. Grab a Pismo Beach cinnamon bun at Old West Cinnamon Rolls. Old West Cinnamon Rolls are not your everyday treat. Baked in-house with a homemade recipe passed down in the family for generations, this is one of Pismo Beach’s most-loved spots. Nestled in downtown Pismo Beach, Old West Cinnamon Rolls is local favorite and tends to get quite busy later in the afternoon. For a better chance to avoid the line, it’s recommended you drop in during the morning. 2. Enjoy lunch by the pier. When by the bay, what’s better than fresh seafood? Enjoy one of Pismo Beach’s best lunch spots at Splash Cafe, a low-key, beachy restaurant with a seafood specialty. A favorite dish is the clam chowder, served in a warm sourdough bread bowl. 3. Get your toes sandy at the beach. Escape the craziness of the Classic by taking a beach stroll. Head down the stairs by the pier, or from the SeaCrest, and walk along the beach to enjoy the beautiful Pismo Beach. Just a few miles away is Avila Beach, another great option for appreciating the area’s stunning natural landscape. If you want to get even more out of your time at the beach, rent a kayak from one of the many local vendors. 4. Experience a different type of car. Does looking at all the classic cars get you excited for a driving adventure? Luckily, opportunities abound in Pismo Beach. Rent your choice of off-road vehicle and head out to the Pismo Dunes or Oceano State Recreation Area for some fun in the sand. Options include Pacific Adventure Tours, the largest Humvee tour company in the nation, and Sun Buggy & ATV rentals. The Classic at Pismo Beach is one of the Pismo Beach’s most anticipated events of the year and is bound to excite. Be sure to complement this classic event with these classic experiences for an unforgettable getaway that is only possible at Pismo. Start planning your Pismo Beach trip today. |