How We Loved Pismo... and Still Do!

Pismo State Beach ~ California, October, 1993

            Our kids were standing utterly, perfectly still. Everyone knows how hard this is for children, and I’m telling you that they stood completely motionless. It was blessedly silent but for the whispery fluttering of hundreds upon hundreds of tiny feathery wings. A camouflage game of peek-a-boo played out in a multitude of velvety miniature spectacles covering the trunks and branches of the trees within this glade. Vibrant orange and yellow hues mingled with shiny black threads and bright white polka dots. Our daughter, aged 7, was mesmerized by the surprising sight and tingly sensation of these winged wonders as they settled upon her arms, legs, head, and shoulders. Her brother, aged 5, was hoping that he too would become a welcome landing zone. Awestruck and barely breathing, he quietly waited. We stood mesmerized as mere seconds later amidst the late morning fog in this eucalyptus shaded grove, he was rewarded with a flock of visitors of his very own. Imagine if you will an amazing gift you may never see anywhere else, that of thousands of migrating Monarch Butterflies swirling through the air and tightly hugging onto the trees (and your children) in this quietly peaceful place. The Pismo Beach Monarch Habitat is one of the largest of its kind found in the Western United States. It is located half a mile south of Pismo Beach just off Highway 1. There is free parking inside the North Beach Campground. You can acquire more information about these Monarch Butterflies at http://www.monarchbutterfly.org.  

            We are not surfers, but we absolutely love the beach and beach camping. Having grown up in Southern California we are used to the summer fog that envelops the coastline at dusk and throughout the early morning hours. The North Beach Campground is right on the beach so there is quite a bit of damp air here. However, waking up each morning to the sound of the ocean surf, mingled with the scent of the sea and a little smoky bacon is just this side of heaven. Our kids loved the ease of rolling out of their sleeping bags, grabbing a bite of breakfast, and then taking a quick stroll to the beach. The walk to Pismo Beach from the campground itself is convenient and this area of the California coastline is expansive and uncrowded. There is plenty of shoreline for walking and splashing in the surf, building sand castles, digging for shells, hiking, and relaxing in the sun. Exploring the little town of Pismo found us loving a sourdough bowl of clam chowder and yummy fish and chips at The Splash Café on Pomeroy Street. While out bike-riding on rented pedicabs we came across Old West Cinnamon Rolls which smelled (and tasted) better than any we’ve ever had. There are some intriguing little antique and designer shops in nearby Arroyo Grande, just a few miles outside of Pismo. Throughout the nearby Edna Valley there are also wineries and the ones we visited were positively delightful. We don’t enjoy the sand dunes, but have heard that this is a terrific place to ride your dirt bikes too. Pismo is one of those places you may return to again and again because of the beautiful weather, friendly locals, sunny beaches, and plentiful recreational opportunities.

            Pismo State Beach North Campground (where we camped) was a flat, shady campground located just off the beach. You will have to walk over a slight hill to get to the actual shoreline, but this little separation may help in keeping your tent sand-free. This campground has 103 sites without hook-ups. There are restrooms, fire rings, and pay showers available. You may also bring your furry friends as long as they are leashed. Oceano Campground is nearby and though we have never camped there ourselves, we have walked through to visit with the neighborhood ducks and found it to be well worth a try. There are several other private campgrounds for RV’s and motor homes throughout the area as well. Please keep in mind that this is a very popular place to camp, and from Memorial Day through Labor Day reservations are required. To make your camping reservation call 1-800-444-7275, or go to The San Luis Obispo section of the California State Parks website at http://www.slostateparks.com/. For more information on the entire Pismo Beach area try http://www.pismobeach.org/ or http://www.classiccalifornia.com or http://www.pismobeachca.net/.

Keep in Mind …

When planning your visit to Pismo, please note that the Monarch Butterflies return annually each October and stay through February.

If you’ll be visiting someplace foggy, overcast, and damp, bring dry wood from home to start your campfires. My husband had purchased firewood at the campground store and diligently worked to build us a fire. Needless to say, the wood sputtered and hissed, smoldered and smoked, but never really caught on. Dismally we realized and now we know for sure that damp wood just won’t burn.

Here's to your next adventure,
Deb :)