Pismo Beach is a coastal city on California's Central Coast, located in San Luis Obispo County along the Pacific Ocean. It is about 15 miles south of San Luis Obispo and 12 miles west of Arroyo Grande. The city is known for its broad sandy beach, historic pier, Monarch Butterfly Grove, and easy access to the scenic coastline between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Location Map of Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo County, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo County, in the U.S. state of California.
Pismo Beach Map, California
About Pismo Beach Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Pismo Beach Located?
Pismo Beach is a city located in San Luis Obispo County, California, the United States. It lies on the Pacific Coast in the Central Coast region, about 15 miles south of San Luis Obispo and roughly 12 miles west of Arroyo Grande. Grover Beach is around 3 miles south, while Oceano is about 5 miles south. Pismo Beach is positioned near 35.142° North latitude and 120.641° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 7,182 residents. The city covers about 3.61 square miles, or 9.35 square kilometers. Pismo Beach developed as a coastal resort and fishing community and later became a well-known destination along California's Highway 1. Its long sandy shoreline is the city's most recognizable geographic feature. The Pismo Beach Pier extends into the Pacific Ocean and is a major local landmark. Another famous attraction is the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, where thousands of monarch butterflies may gather during the cooler months. The city is also close to the Oceano Dunes and the vineyards and farms of the San Luis Obispo County coast. Pismo Beach was incorporated in 1946. A unique fact about the city is that it was once widely associated with clam harvesting, giving rise to the famous phrase "Pismo clams." US-101 and California Highway 1 provide convenient connections to San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and other Central Coast communities.
Most Viewed US Maps
| USA Sttae Map | USA Region Map | USA Road Map |
| USA County Map | Where is USA in World Map? | US ZIP Code Map |
| USA Time Zones Map | US State and Capitals Map | USA Physical Map |
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information
Pismo Beach City Facts
| City | Pismo Beach |
| State | California |
| County | San Luis Obispo County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California Central Coast |
| Incorporated | 1946 |
| Founded | 1882 |
| Total Area | 3.61 sq mi (9.35 sq km) |
| Land Area | 3.61 sq mi (9.35 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 sq km) |
| Elevation | 52 ft (16 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 7,100 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 7,182 |
| Population Density | 1,990 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PST/PDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 93449 |
| Area Code | 805 and 820 |
| Major Highways | US-101 and CA-1 |
| Public Transit | San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority |
| Major Attractions | Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo State Beach, Monarch Butterfly Grove, and Dinosaur Caves Park |
| Official Website | https://www.pismobeach.org/ |
Distance from Pismo Beach, CA to Nearby Cities
- Grover Beach, CA – 3 miles (5 km)
- Oceano, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- Arroyo Grande, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- San Luis Obispo, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Shell Beach, CA – 3 miles (5 km)
- Avila Beach, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
- Los Osos, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Santa Maria, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Morro Bay, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Atascadero, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Lompoc, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
- Santa Barbara, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
- Solvang, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
- Monterey, CA – 175 miles (282 km)
- Santa Cruz, CA – 200 miles (322 km)
- Los Angeles, CA – 180 miles (290 km)
- Santa Monica, CA – 175 miles (282 km)
- San Francisco, CA – 235 miles (378 km)
Top Attractions in Pismo Beach
- Pismo Beach Pier – A landmark wooden pier extending into the Pacific Ocean and offering views of the coastline and beach.
- Pismo State Beach – A broad sandy beach popular for walking, surfing, swimming, fishing, and watching sunsets.
- Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove – A seasonal habitat where large numbers of monarch butterflies gather during the winter migration period.
- Dinosaur Caves Park – A bluff-top coastal park with ocean views, walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and public art.
- Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove – A protected area along the coast that provides habitat for overwintering monarch butterflies.
- Oceano Dunes – A nearby coastal dune system known for sandy landscapes, hiking, wildlife viewing, and beach recreation.
- Pismo Preserve – A nearby open-space area with hiking trails, coastal views, grasslands, and native wildlife habitat.
- Avila Beach – A nearby coastal community with a sandy beach, pier, waterfront paths, and access to local shops and restaurants.
Airports Near Pismo Beach, CA
- San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) – 10 miles
- Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) – 25 miles
- Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) – 90 miles
- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 175 miles
- Meadows Field Airport (BFL) – 150 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Pismo Beach city website and local government records.
California Related Links
- Where is Los Angeles
- Where is San Diego
- Where is San Francisco
- Where is Anaheim
- Where is Bakersfield
- Where is Chula Vista
- Where is Freemont
- Where is Fresno
- Where is Glendale
- Where is Irvine
- Where is Long Beach
- Where is Modesto
- Where is Oakland
- Where is Paradise
- Where is Riverside
- Where is Sacramento
- Where is San Bernardino
- Where is San Jose
- Where is Santa Ana
- Where is Stockton
- Where is Berkeley
- Where is Clovis
- Where is Corona
- Where is Elk Grove
- Where is Escondido
- Where is Fontana
- Where is Fremont
- Where is Fullerton
- Where is Garden Grove
- Where is Hayward
- Where is Huntington Beach
- Where is Lancaster
- Where is Moreno Valley
- Where is Oceanside
- Where is Ontario
- Where is Orange
- Where is Oxnard
- Where is Palmdale
- Where is Pasadena
- Where is Pomona
- Where is Rancho Cucamonga
- Where is Roseville
- Where is Salinas
- Where is Santa Clara
- Where is Santa Clarita
- Where is Santa Rosa
- Where is Sunnyvale
- Where is Thousand Oaks
- Where is Torrance
- Where is Vallejo
- Where is Victorville
- Where is Visalia