Fall is the best time of year to take a drive along the coastline to see migrating birds, breaching whales and Monarch butterflies; or head into the wine country for wine harvest season and the beauty of the changing colors on the vines and the golden hills. Here is a list of autumn excursions that are perfect for your next road trip to Pismo Beach:
See Canyon Road: Start at Perfumo Canyon Road in San Luis Obispo and wind up to a ridge with expansive views of SLO and then drop down into See Canyon towards Avila Beach; this area is famous for its local apple orchards, roadside farm stands and autumn wine tasting. Make a stop at Kelsey See Canyon Winery for seasonal hard ciders and their famous resident peacocks, eager to show visiting guests their exquisite fan of feathers.
Highway 1 to San Simeon & Hearst Castle: Take the ultimate California road trip along Highway 1 heading North to experience all the beauty of the central coast, starting in Pismo Beach and then passing through San Luis Obispo, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria and end at San Simeon and the famous Hearst Castle. This is an iconic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway with crisp autumn air, less traffic than in summer and excellent wildlife viewing. Stop at the popular Brookshire Farms corn maze and pumpkin patch for family farm adventures, Moonstone Beach for tide pooling and the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery to view these large animals in their natural habitat on the beach, viewed from long paths perched on the bluff above. Cambria’s annual Scarecrow Festival is also worth a visit, with a town full of whimsical pieces in the form of creative scarecrows, artfully placed in yards and in front of businesses with live entertainmen and activites for kids.
Highway 227 in Edna Valley Wine Country: The Edna Valley region grows some of the best wine grapes in California and many charming wineries and tasting rooms are located just minutes from Pismo Beach. Take the loop around Highway 227, Biddle Ranch Road and Orcutt Road to visit a few, or all, of these great vintners and taste their delicious chardonnays and pinots overlooking golden hillside vineyards and volcanic peaks. Some must see tasting rooms include Tolosa Winery, Baileyana, Tangent, Zocher & True Myth, and Biddle Ranch Vineyard. The vibrant Cornercopia Fresh Market is also located along the route and offers seasonal goods, flowers, produce, pumpkins, pies, honey and other fall inspired treats, all pesticide free. Be one of the first to try the recently relaunched Edna opening on November 5, 2026, with Chef Jeremy Fox at the helm of their new restaurant and market concept, offering full service fine dining with exquisite views from the winery dining room.
We hope this gives you some inspiration to get out and explore the central California coast this Fall, we are looking forward to seeing you soon!