A Brief History of Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach was once home to the Chumash Tribe who named the area as a place to find pismu (tar). In the mid 1800s it was called Rancho Pismo and home to large herds of cattle and horses.

Things to See and Do in Pismo Beach

Nowadays, things to see and do in Pismo Beach include surfing, fishing, beach volleyball, walking on the pier, camping, shopping, bowling, billiards, and staying in the beach front resort, vacation rental, or hotel. Visit the Monarch Butterfly grove during the winter to see cascades of thousands of the beautiful butterflies resting on the branches of the eucalyptus trees. Enjoy the fresh air and award-winning clam chowder!

Seasonal and annual events include the Car Show every June, the 4th of July Fireworks show, the annual October Clam festival, and the annual Marching Band review in November.