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Autumn Lodging Specials, Open
Space & Enticing Amenities
“Harvest Time” are two of the most anticipated words of the year, those idyllic weeks when bushels glisten with a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables, crisp temperatures offer respite from summer heat without loss of sunshine and, if you’re traveling to Pismo Beach, more freedom to move about from winery tastings to beach strolls. The kids are back in school too, an ideal time to unwind on “Pismo time” without another care in the world, and we all could use some of that. Autumn also brings lodging specials, yet another reason to hit the (Pismo) beach soon.
Not that Pismo Beach rolls up the sidewalks come fall. The Pismo Beach Farmers’ Market is held every Wednesday until late October. The restaurants, many of which offer outside seating, remain open with excellent safety protocols in place, including mandatory inside mask-wearing.
You’re never far from bivalve culture in the "Clam Capital of the World." Preserving the habitat for Pismo, razor, and other clam species is always a community priority. You'll see Pam and Sam Clam posters around town that encourage us all to be "calm, clean and courteous," a conscientious vibe that’s pretty easy to achieve given the gorgeous natural setting, surf culture, and numerous wine tasting rooms right downtown on Price Street.
The 75th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival begins on Thursday, Oct. 14. Esteem decided instead of their usual surf contest at the Clam Festival, that they would instead like to be a vendor at the event and offer free surf lessons to kids and families during the weekend. The Clam Festival Parade takes to the streets at 10am as the vendors open for the day. The always popular Kids Zone is back in the Pier Parking Lot, music starts jamming on the Plaza Stage at 11am until 5pm. The Clam Chowder Cook-Off is back on the Pier too. Sunday fun starts at 11am at the Kids Zone and on the Plaza Stage. Head north of the Pier for Clam Dig at 11am.
Of course, fall on the Central California Coast is as much about the Crush as it is the baskets and bowls of delicious clams. As often as one makes the drive it’s still hard to imagine that you can travel from beach boardwalk to wine country in under ten minutes. Not only is this geographical alchemy, but the cool breezes that blow off the Pacific are also one of the main factors Edna Valley produces some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and other cool-climate varietals. The stunning loam and humus soil add a different dimension, creating unique wine notes from estate to estate. Wine touring continues to be among the safest recreational activities we can choose, essentially a contact-less experience where we sit outdoors gazing upon the vineyards and the Nine Sisters, volcanic cones that dot the landscape.
Arroyo Grande Valley adds a distinctly agrarian element to the day, given the balance of estate wineries, u-pick farms, and orchards. Traversing the 16-mile long valley sampling limited varietals, antiquing, and enjoying a picnic lunch makes for a wonderful day. More fruit stands and wineries await along the Avila Wine Trail, then it's swiftly back to Pismo Beach for yet another sublime sunset while perched on the famous Pismo Pier or upon your room’s terrace.
Though morning mist is a key factor in nurturing the exceptional local grapes, fall sees the fewest foggy days of all four seasons. Highs in the upper 60’s and lows in the mid-50’s promise an autumn atmosphere that never grows old. These temps are perfect for exercise, so grab a light layer and head to Pismo Preserve, 900-acres of diverse habitat transected by one-way trails. You may feel plenty isolated at the sparsely visited, always free Preserve, that is until you spy the many bird species that migrate along this green corridor. Resident raptors also soar for hours on the thermal uplifts. If mountain biking or horseback riding is your thing, don't miss these trails.
If you prefer birdies that land and roll along the grass, you’ll find a scorecard with your name circled on it. There are five area golf tracts to test your mettle, and your woods. Less famous perhaps (and much, much less expensive!) than certain courses to the north and south, these 18s showcase the landscape as only a California coastal course can do. Avila Beach Golf Resort lays out 6,500-yards of hilly terrain followed by a back nine that skirts the tidal estuary.
If you’ve really got the putting bug you can indulge in 27 holes across three distinct 9’s at Blacklake Golf Resort. Recognized as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary course, Cypress Ridge combines the best of natural habitat and 18 challenging holes. Monarch Dunes also features an exceptional 18-hole design as well as the latest trend in golf design, a 12-hole short course. The Pismo Beach State Park is also a Par 3 quick play, though given the sublime oceanside locale you may end up playing all day.
Whether you go hiking a Pismo Preserve trail, take a long walk down the beach, or spend your day following your golf ball, you’re in the perfect place to satisfy your well-earned appetite. From tapas to sushi to fresh seafood, Pismo Beach continues to evolve as a fine dining destination. The eclectic culinary collection is more reflective of a large urban center than a relaxed coastal enclave. Several terraces feature glass enclosures to keep you warm from the evening breeze without sparing vistas of the ocean horizon. Independent restaurants line Price Street as well, including intimate fine dining cafès ideal for romantic dinners to grills and pubs to celebrate group getaways.
Pismo Beach lodging is as diverse as its roster of restaurants. Browse through the listings and you’ll discover retro motels, oceanfront and downtown hotels. Many hotels feature suites that are ideal for small groups, as are a variety of vacation rental properties. Several full-service resorts take care of all the pampering with day spas, pools, and a variety of onsite dining options.
The sun shines just as brightly in fall as it does during summer, but you won’t find many other shadows after Labor Day. Pick your nights, then fill your days with long walks, winery tours, and delicious meals accompanied by the knowledge that clean beaches, health protocols, and environmentally sustainable practices are in place to maximize your enjoyment and protect this astounding region. Click on the Visit Pismo Beach website to plot your entire getaway.
Await in Pismo
Beach
Autumn Lodging Specials,
Open Space & Enticing Amenities
“Harvest Time” are two of the most anticipated words of the year, those idyllic weeks when bushels glisten with a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables, crisp temperatures offer respite from summer heat without loss of sunshine and, if you’re traveling to Pismo Beach, more freedom to move about from winery tastings to beach strolls. The kids are back in school too, an ideal time to unwind on “Pismo time” without another care in the world, and we all could use some of that. Autumn also brings lodging specials, yet another reason to hit the (Pismo) beach soon.
Not that Pismo Beach rolls up the sidewalks come fall. The Pismo Beach Farmers’ Market is held every Wednesday until late October. The restaurants, many of which offer outside seating, remain open with excellent safety protocols in place, including mandatory inside mask-wearing.
Of course, fall on the Central California Coast is as much about the Crush as it is the baskets and bowls of delicious clams. As often as one makes the drive it’s still hard to imagine that you can travel from beach boardwalk to wine country in under ten minutes. Not only is this geographical alchemy, but the cool breezes that blow off the Pacific are also one of the main factors Edna Valley produces some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and other cool-climate varietals. The stunning loam and humus soil add a different dimension, creating unique wine notes from estate to estate. Wine touring continues to be among the safest recreational activities we can choose, essentially a contact-less experience where we sit outdoors gazing upon the vineyards and the Nine Sisters, volcanic cones that dot the landscape.
Arroyo Grande Valley adds a distinctly agrarian element to the day, given the balance of estate wineries, u-pick farms, and orchards. Traversing the 16-mile long valley sampling limited varietals, antiquing, and enjoying a picnic lunch makes for a wonderful day. More fruit stands and wineries await along the Avila Wine Trail, then it's swiftly back to Pismo Beach for yet another sublime sunset while perched on the famous Pismo Pier or upon your room’s terrace.
Though morning mist is a key factor in nurturing the exceptional local grapes, fall sees the fewest foggy days of all four seasons. Highs in the upper 60’s and lows in the mid-50’s promise an autumn atmosphere that never grows old. These temps are perfect for exercise, so grab a light layer and head to Pismo Preserve, 900-acres of diverse habitat transected by one-way trails. You may feel plenty isolated at the sparsely visited, always free Preserve, that is until you spy the many bird species that migrate along this green corridor. Resident raptors also soar for hours on the thermal uplifts. If mountain biking or horseback riding is your thing, don't miss these trails.