We like to go to Pismo in January, but it's been a while since we've been able to go. We had some TM rallies at PCV, and I prepared this for one of the rallies:
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Rally!
Per your request, I’ve put together some information about attractions, restaurants and things to see and do in and around Pismo Beach. With a few exceptions, we’ve never been to or done any of the things listed here; these are mostly things I found on the internet or that have been recommended by others. I can’t guarantee that addresses and information are accurate, so people should call ahead for more information before they go and visit/shop/hike/dine/etc. at their own risk. I did visit all the websites and didn’t encounter any problems with them, you may want to double check before passing them on.
Trails for Hiking and/or Biking
Bob Jones Trail City to Sea Bike Trail - a paved, 5.6 mile long trail that is the first step in plans to join San Luis Obispo and Avila beach with a trail along the San Luis Obispo Creek. It is used by hikers, bikers and joggers: lcslo.org/bob_jones.html
Hiking Trails trails.com/activity.aspx?area=12388
Directions to Pismo Dunes Preserve, a place in the tall dunes for hikers, away from the ATV noise (just down the street from Pismo Sands RV Park) parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=25119
Restaurants
The Cracked Crab – seafood restaurant recommended by past rally attendees
http://www.crackedcrab.com
Recommended by posters on RV.net:
Splash Café, Pismo Beach
http://splashcafe.com/
Hoagies, Pismo Beach
http://tinyurl.com/42z4mcl
Del’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, Shell Beach
http://www.delspizzeria.com/
Guiseppe’s Cucino Italiana, Pismo Beach
http://www.giuseppesrestaurant.com/
Rosa’s Italian Restaurant, Pismo Beach
http://rosasrestaurant.com/
Alex’s BBQ
http://alexbarbq.com/
Zorro’s
http://tinyurl.com/3lzu3e2
Lido’s
http://www.thedolphinbay.com/dining/lido-restaurant.php
Ventana Grill
http://ventanagrill.com/
Custom House, Avila Beach
http://www.oldcustomhouse.com/
McLintock’s, Arroyo Grande
http://www.mclintocks.com/locations/arroyogrande.asp
Brad’s
http://www.classiccalifornia.com/seafood_dining.htm
Fat Cat, Avila Beach
http://www.fatcatscafe.com/
Juan’s
http://www.oldjuanscantina.com/
Wine Tasting:
http://www.classiccalifornia.com/Pis...ineTasting.htm
Hot Springs near Avila Beach
Avila Hot Springs; kind of older and funky but really hot water! No Jacuzzi action though. Big pool for swimming, water slides were not open when we visited. avilahotsprings.com/
Sycamore Springs Resort and Spa; this resort is more upscale than Avila Hot Springs. Reservations are suggested. sycamoresprings.com/
Pismo Monarch Butterfly Grove
According to this website, for the last five years, the butterfly count has averaged about 25,000. This grove of eucalyptus trees is just south of the North Beach Campground. The season runs from late October through February. monarchbutterfly.org/
Avila Beach
Avila Beach is a lovely little beach town just north of Pismo. You can find shopping, a nice beach, restaurants and wine tasting. Much of the downtown area and beach was excavated and revamped in the late 1990’s. Read about the recent cleanup here: api.org/ehs/partnerships/environmental/avilabeach.cfm
Their website has lots of local information if you click on “Activities & Things to Do” at the center of the top of the page. avilabeachpier.com/index.php
Tours of the Point San Luis Lighthouse - there is a trolley tour and a walking tour (3.5 miles round trip). avilabeachpier.com/information/point-san-luis-lighthouse.html
Golf Courses classiccalifornia.com/golf-map.htm
Shopping Premium Outlets premiumoutlets.com/
Added later for this post-
We also have found this to be a nice, short hike, Oso Flaco Lake. We also enjoy thrifting at the Goodwill outlet in SLO, you have to seriously like thrifting to go there.
A hike around to Diablo Canyon:
http://www.pge.modwest.com/pgereserv...trailshome.php
There is a really nice beach, forget how to describe how to get there, but look up Pirate's Cove.
12 days is a long time in Pismo, but if we had the time, I'm sure we'd enjoy each and every moment there. We usually stay at Pismo Sands RV Park, they have a wonderful Jacuzzi.
Check the website for possibly scheduled rocket launches:
http://www.spacearchive.info/vafbsked.htm
We also love Big Sur, not sure how the recent fire has affected things. If you go, be sure to take the hike to the beach at Andrew Molera State Park. And also visit Point Lobos. If you have a kayak, Whaler's Cove is a popular place to go. We live in Santa Cruz County, lots of fun things to do there too.