Finally Warm and at the Ocean

Pismo Beach is the known description for this area but there are actually three long stretches of beach, five small communities and two larger cities near by.  At the bottom of the blog is a link to our FB album of all the pictures and descriptions.

Pismo Beach Area Map

This area has a very high end grouping of Spa resorts located on the best cliff areas of the Coastal Pacific Highway (Shell Road).  This is where we found "Alex BBQ" and the $35 ribs. The rest of the coastal area is fully populated with retiree trailer parks, RV resorts and smaller Motels for those of more modest means.

We normally always seek out the local information office to get a true locals' opinion of what sights we should look for vice the promotional paid books.  We were very happy to hear that they had a complete section of Avila Beach reserved as an "off leash" beach.  Kyle was treated to hours of fun two days in a row.

Kaye is wearing a Pedometer and we are trying to set a goal of 10K per day.  Having Kyle really helps chase the goal.  Kaye dipped her toes into the water and expressed very quickly; "This ain't Mexico!"

We walked the length of the farthest pier as we had been informed that we had better not miss the sights of the Elephant seals birthing and playing.  Yup, they were seals, I guess we have just seen too many up close for the sight to raise our heartbeats.  The views from the piers back over the communities, hills and shoreline were beautiful and made the walk well worth it.  There is a very nice restaurant at the end of the pier and many folks were fishing.  We had lunch overlooking the beach two days in a row and I shot a short video of some brave gulls. Thieves at the beach

Pismo is home to a famous nesting location for Monarch Butterflies and we were treated to seeing them in a state of protection.   As the weather is still considered cold the butterflies mass together for protection from the wind and temperature.  From a short distance away they just look like leaves on the tree.  Local volunteers step up "Spotting Scopes" for the visitors during the day and give interpretive speeches.  No charge.

There is a large area of the beachfront dunes set aside as a State Park.  You can drive on this area of the beach and Quads are free to roam the dunes.  We also found a State Park RV campground right on the beachfront.  Dry camping only but very nice large sites with fire pits and pull through design.  We forgot to find out the cost.

We took a drive to Vandenburg Air Force Base, about 30 miles South.  Their support squadron had listed on their website discounts for tickets to the major attractions in LA (Disneyland and Universal) and when I called they said; "Come on down".  Turns out the support squadron is a little out of touch with the base security.  The main pass gate would not let us in without a sponsor.  I called the base Chief Master Sargent (CMS) and he put me in touch with the support sqn CMS who graciously offered to be our sponsor for a hour and assist in purchasing the tickets...however, it turns out that the special offer ($125 for three days) would mean that the sponsor would have to attend Disneyland with us!!!  As nice as the CMS was, this did not fit into his plans.  So we had a lovely drive through wine fields and vegetable plantations and micro Mexican villages.  It was a wonderful morning.

In all, this is definitely a lovely place to just come and relax.  There are all the amenities you would want close by and the two larger cities have Costco and the mass malls.  The ocean highway provides exceptional scenery while driving but the hills do hit your wallet as far as fuel economy goes.

Full Album of Pismo Beach Pictures and descriptions

We have made reservations in West LA and according to the BCAA tourist book description; driving on the freeways is not for the faint of heart so our 56 feet of white freight train is going to take them on with a smile.