Pismo Beach, California
Explore and unwind
Pismo Beach is a California dream
Along the pier: Pismo Beach at sunset is a wonderous sight.—photo courtesy: Lynn Jackart
Highway 101 sliced through green rolling hills into swaying palm trees and the blue Pacific Ocean. This is the central coast of California where beaches are the main attraction and the atmosphere is casual.
We exited onto Dolliver Street, which is the Pacific Coast Highway, into the town of Pismo Beach. Here, colourful buildings line the streets and side streets run onto the seashore. We parked the motorhome in Holiday RV Park, a campground close to the beach. A bridge over a wide creek separated us from the water’s edge; we stopped and watched birds swim and dive in the stream that led to the ocean
Down at the pier
One of the highlights of Pismo Beach is the 1,200-foot wooden pier that can be seen for miles. A souvenir shop and snack bar on the pier were busy serving lunch and selling shell jewellery. We started the long walk along the pier but stopped and admired the surfers trying to catch some waves. It’s mid-April and the water is cold—black wetsuits rode the surfboards. Many fishing rods hung over the railing of the pier, fishermen trying their luck in the pounding surf. I turned and looked back into the town—the green hills, palm trees and buildings shone in the glow of the afternoon sun. It took your breath away.
A town with heritage
The town of Pismo Beach dates back to the early 1800s and is steeped in history. The beach is lined with hotels and inns overlooking the ocean. Stores, restaurants and ice cream parlours are abundant. The seaside atmosphere was relaxing and calming.
High on a hill above the highway expensive homes have a perfect view of the town and ocean. Every day we walked the beach and found something different. A flock of pelicans flew overhead, music and dancers entertained on the streets, a man with a metal detector stopped and dug a ring out of the sand and a casual wedding at sunset was fun to watch.
More to see and do
A short drive south along Highway 1 took us through Grover Beach and into Arroyo Grande, picturesque beach towns along the coast. We visited a bustling farmer’s market in a tree-lined park, where strawberries were the size of golf balls and jars of homemade jams and jellies sparkled in the sun.
Rock and roll: Pismo Beach has a classic diner with a varied menu—photo courtesy: Lynn Jackart
A roadside attraction on the side of the road caught our attention. Two passenger train cars were parked on a railroad track. They had been converted into a ’50s rock and roll diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu included tacos, Greek food, hamburgers, fries and barbecue—something for everyone.
Further along the highway the Oceano Dunes State Recreation Area is the only place in California where you can drive and camp on the beach. A very popular place, we watched motorhomes and campers slowly drive off the beach, trying to avoid getting stuck in the sand.
As we walked along the seashore for the last time, kites flew in the wind and surfers were still trying to ride the perfect wave. Barefoot runners sped by and children dug in the sand with pails and shovels.
A special place to visit, explore and unwind, Pismo Beach will lure us back to find more hidden treasures.
California key contacts
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Niland, California
A snowbird RV resort like no other
Situated in a peaceful, scenic environment in the Southern California desert, the Fountain of Youth Spa (FOY) offers a full array of amenities with uncommonly friendly service. One visit and you will see why this resort earned an RVWest Bronze award for favourite snowbirding RV park or campground in California.
Facilities include 835 full hook-up sites with 30- and 50-amp electric service, along with individual mineral water baths, two large pool areas with two swimming pools, a rejuvenating artesian mineral water hot spa and three fresh water hot spas, including an over sized waterfall spa. Snowbirds can also discover the area's superlative attractions, such as Salton Sea State Park and Joshua Tree National Forest, or venture into Mexico or the Palm Springs Desert Empire.
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Fountain Of Youth Spa RV Resort -
El Centro, CA
It's more than a resort . . . it's a lifestyle
Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort offers its guests the very best that RV resort life affords. Whether it's inspiration or relaxation you seek, Rio Bend has what you're looking for. Simply relax and spoil yourself at our luxurious 120-acre resort and enjoy the many amenities and activities that Rio Bend and its surrounding area have to offer. The resort is bordered by wetlands and a bird sanctuary, and has an 80-acre lagoon. Meticulously landscaped sites, first-class facilities, a consistently pleasing climate and good old-fashioned western hospitality make Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort a clear choice for RV resort living.
Rio Bend RV & Golf Resort -
California
A friendly oasis in Southern California's High Desert!
Welcome to Twentynine Palms Resort in Twentynine Palms, California. Located in the Southern California High Desert among palm trees, clean air and incredible weather, the resort is an ideal destination for RVers and snowbirds seeking a winter haven or fun getaway! Twentynine Palms Resort is a family owned and operated campground providing the best in amenities, accommodations, and comfort. It adjoins a golf course, and is just a few miles from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Campsites accommodate all types of RVs, with both pull-through and back-in sites. Also available at the resort are fully equipped one-bedroom cottages facing the golf course.
