One of the must-see's when visiting Pismo Beach is its wooden pier. The
structure is an inviting place to stroll and view the activity on the beach
below. Nice wooden planks and neatly painted white railings offer a neighborly
look and feeling for those with time to explore.
In the photo a pelican sits on a wooden rail, waiting to catch a bite of
scraps from one of the fishermen. In the distance beyond the Pacific Ocean waves
you can see several hotels with aqua-green or bright salmon roof tops. Several
hotels sit on the beach overlooking the pier. Over half a dozen hotels offer
Pismo Beach Pier views, in fact.
Pismo Beach Pier is 1,370 feet long, and is around the 16th longest ocean
pier in California, serving as the icon and tourist draw. Surrounding it are
beach hotels and the pier is the anchor to downtown shopping along Pomeroy
Street, where you'll find some great eateries such as
The Splash Cafe.
There is also an arcade and rentals of bicycles, beach umbrellas, and other
items you may need to make your day more fun.
A snack shop on the pier serves popcorn, sodas, candy, peanuts, souvenirs and
fishing bait. Like all California public piers, you can fish for free here.
Special events include Pumpkins on the Pier and for
Christmas, there's an
artificial holiday tree. Public restrooms, periscopes to peer into the
distance and maybe catch a glimpse of a migrating whale, and plenty of wooden
benches and some picnic tables offer opportunities for dining, people watching,
wave watching and simply relaxing.
The fact that Pismo Beach Pier never closes provides insight into why this is
truly Classic California. In Southern California the piers are closed during
some of the prime fishing hours, but the Central California Coast city
recognizes the need for serious sports recreation. Shark fishing at night is one
example, and a time honored tradition. Sand sharks, leopard sharks, dog sharks and bat rays
put up quite a fight and provide a real challenge for those who want to REALLY
hone their skills. Be sure to stop by the plexi-covered board with the photos of
recent local catch.
Directions: From the south on Highway 101, take Pismo Beach -Price Street
exit, follow it to Pomeroy; turn west and follow it to the pier. From the north,
take Hwy. 101 to the Five Cities Dr. exit; follow Dolliver into the middle of
town, then turn west on Pomeroy and follow it to the pier and parking lot.
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