Amy’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Monarch Butterfly Grove (10 miles away) This is a must for all the late Fall guests!
Another way to see this beautiful display of butterflies wintering in Nipomo and walk to the dunes after snowy plover nesting season is by using the 1.5-mile trail at the Oso Flaco Lake State Park in Nipomo.
Great place to take kids and adults alike!
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30273
Nipomo
Monarch Butterfly Grove (10 miles away) This is a must for all the late Fall guests!
Another way to see this beautiful display of butterflies wintering in Nipomo and walk to the dunes after snowy plover nesting season is by using the 1.5-mile trail at the Oso Flaco Lake State Park in Nipomo.
Great place to take kids and adults alike!
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30273
Margo Dodd Park is a small patch of grass on the bluff in the Shell Beach neighborhood of Pismo Beach, CA. A gazebo, two picnic tables, and several benches look out over the ocean from this promontory. An island and large sea stacks are just offshore for birdwatching opportunities. Several rock arches and caves can be found around this beach for exploring and photographing. At lower tides the tide pools are exposed and in calm waters snorkeling is possible. Below adjacent Dinosaur Caves Park there are even more sea caves to explore if you launch a kayak here.
For access to Margo Dodd Park Beach, find the stairs that begin at Pier Avenue and Ocean Boulevard two short blocks north of the gazebo. Look for street parking spaces nearby. A public parking lot and restrooms are available at Dinosaur Caves Park.
Address
Ocean Blvd and Seaview Ave
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Park Name
Margo Dodd Park
Owner
City Park
Other Names
Pier Avenue Public Beach Access
Activities
Picnicking, Tidepooling, Birdwatching
Amenities
Picnic Tables, Benches, Gazebo, Tide Pools, Rock Arch
Pet Policy
Dogs allowed on leash
Fees
Free street parking
(Copy and pasted from https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/margo-dodd-park-beach/)
Margo Dodd Park
Ocean BoulevardMargo Dodd Park is a small patch of grass on the bluff in the Shell Beach neighborhood of Pismo Beach, CA. A gazebo, two picnic tables, and several benches look out over the ocean from this promontory. An island and large sea stacks are just offshore for birdwatching opportunities. Several rock arches and caves can be found around this beach for exploring and photographing. At lower tides the tide pools are exposed and in calm waters snorkeling is possible. Below adjacent Dinosaur Caves Park there are even more sea caves to explore if you launch a kayak here.
For access to Margo Dodd Park Beach, find the stairs that begin at Pier Avenue and Ocean Boulevard two short blocks north of the gazebo. Look for street parking spaces nearby. A public parking lot and restrooms are available at Dinosaur Caves Park.
Address
Ocean Blvd and Seaview Ave
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Park Name
Margo Dodd Park
Owner
City Park
Other Names
Pier Avenue Public Beach Access
Activities
Picnicking, Tidepooling, Birdwatching
Amenities
Picnic Tables, Benches, Gazebo, Tide Pools, Rock Arch
Pet Policy
Dogs allowed on leash
Fees
Free street parking
(Copy and pasted from https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/margo-dodd-park-beach/)
“Oso Flaco Lake State Park, Nipomo: As part of the Oceano Dunes complex, this area has a lot more to offer than dunes. This easy 1.5-mile trail starts at the parking lot’s white gate and leads visitors through a bio diverse corridor.
Walking first through a canopied forest of trees, anyone familiar with Savannah, Ga., would be shocked to see similar Spanish moss hanging from the branches (a mere mile from the ocean!).
Within 10 minutes, the dirt path abruptly becomes a boardwalk crossing above a serene lake and wetland area filled with birds..then that boardwalk’s water quickly becomes sand, then foredunes and finally the ocean.’’ - page 34 in Lifestyle September 2020 issue.
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oso Flaco Lake
3098 Oso Flaco Lake Rd“Oso Flaco Lake State Park, Nipomo: As part of the Oceano Dunes complex, this area has a lot more to offer than dunes. This easy 1.5-mile trail starts at the parking lot’s white gate and leads visitors through a bio diverse corridor.
Walking first through a canopied forest of trees, anyone familiar with Savannah, Ga., would be shocked to see similar Spanish moss hanging from the branches (a mere mile from the ocean!).
Within 10 minutes, the dirt path abruptly becomes a boardwalk crossing above a serene lake and wetland area filled with birds..then that boardwalk’s water quickly becomes sand, then foredunes and finally the ocean.’’ - page 34 in Lifestyle September 2020 issue.
Entertainment
Bowling alley located in downtown Pismo. Pizza/ beer/ coffee.
http://www.pismobeachbowl.com/rfi/
Great place for family fun or date night!
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pismo Bowl
277 Pomeroy Avehttp://www.pismobeachbowl.com/rfi/
Great place for family fun or date night!
All the information and below pictures are from the City of Pismo Beach’s webpage:
https://www.pismobeach.org/288/Dinosaur-Caves-Park
Dog friendly...woof! 🐶
This 11-acre, ocean-front, bluff-top park is popular with walkers, photographers, dog lovers, joggers, and fishing enthusiasts. Park amenities include a wedding location overlooking the ocean, as well as a grassy reception area, and an amphitheater for entertainment events. These features are available for rent on an hourly basis. A restroom and off-street parking are also offered. Additionally, a large unique play area is found in the park and includes a gentle dinosaur, two concrete dolphins, three beautiful dinosaur eggs, three playful seals, a tire swing, tot swing, and The USS IMAGINATION
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de las Cuevas de Dinosaurios
2701 Price StAll the information and below pictures are from the City of Pismo Beach’s webpage:
https://www.pismobeach.org/288/Dinosaur-Caves-Park
Dog friendly...woof! 🐶
This 11-acre, ocean-front, bluff-top park is popular with walkers, photographers, dog lovers, joggers, and fishing enthusiasts. Park amenities include a wedding location overlooking the ocean, as well as a grassy reception area, and an amphitheater for entertainment events. These features are available for rent on an hourly basis. A restroom and off-street parking are also offered. Additionally, a large unique play area is found in the park and includes a gentle dinosaur, two concrete dolphins, three beautiful dinosaur eggs, three playful seals, a tire swing, tot swing, and The USS IMAGINATION
“The Luffa Farm, Nipomo: Don’t let the rather kitschy art at the entry deter you; this place is an amazing experience. I had assumed luffas were the rock-hard sponges I always felt were more suited to refinishing furniture than cleansing skin. This small farm, which has grown these quirky gourds for more than 30 years, produce 10,000-12,000 luffas annually. These are soft, washable, non-abrasive sponges that resemble large zucchinis when growing on trellised vines and giant shredded wheat when ready for sale. I left with a bag full of luffas (which I now love).”- Traveler’s Trek section of Lifestyle magazine September 2020.
1457 Willow Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444-9529
Phone: +1 805 343 0883
Luffa Farm
1457 Willow Rd“The Luffa Farm, Nipomo: Don’t let the rather kitschy art at the entry deter you; this place is an amazing experience. I had assumed luffas were the rock-hard sponges I always felt were more suited to refinishing furniture than cleansing skin. This small farm, which has grown these quirky gourds for more than 30 years, produce 10,000-12,000 luffas annually. These are soft, washable, non-abrasive sponges that resemble large zucchinis when growing on trellised vines and giant shredded wheat when ready for sale. I left with a bag full of luffas (which I now love).”- Traveler’s Trek section of Lifestyle magazine September 2020.
1457 Willow Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444-9529
Phone: +1 805 343 0883
Massages, facials, waxing and lashes. A local favorite spa to get that much needed pampering during these stressful times.
http://pureblissoldetownspa.com/all-services
Phone: 805-619-7859
Pure Bliss Olde Town Spa
237 West Tefft StreetMassages, facials, waxing and lashes. A local favorite spa to get that much needed pampering during these stressful times.
http://pureblissoldetownspa.com/all-services
Phone: 805-619-7859
Food scene
https://www.virtjuice.com/
For you health nuts that love healthy that doesn’t taste like cardboard. This is my must-go to (at least every other day while I’m staying at the condo).
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Virtjuice
1200 E Grand Avehttps://www.virtjuice.com/
For you health nuts that love healthy that doesn’t taste like cardboard. This is my must-go to (at least every other day while I’m staying at the condo).
Fresh, delicious baked goods right by VirtJuice
http://www.sweetpeabakeryag.com/inventory
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sweet Pea Bakery
1200 E Grand AveFresh, delicious baked goods right by VirtJuice
http://www.sweetpeabakeryag.com/inventory
https://www.capecodeatery.com/
Great fire pit tables and killer beers on tap (and wine)
Located in Shell Beach
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cape Cod Eatery and Taphouse OPEN FOR DINE-IN
1127 Shell Beach Rdhttps://www.capecodeatery.com/
Great fire pit tables and killer beers on tap (and wine)
Located in Shell Beach
1500 West Branch St,
Arroyo Grande, CA 94158
Since it borders the Pacific Ocean, Pismo Beach offers a significant variety of seafood restaurants. If you’re on the hunt for a great seafood restaurant in Pismo Beach and don’t want a hit to the wallet, then Quarterdeck Seafood Restaurant is definitely the place to go. The staff treats you like family, kindly serving reasonably priced food in a casual and comfortable dining atmosphere.
You can always find a great seafood restaurant by simply asking the locals. The Quarterdeck Restaurant is locally known for serving the best fresh seafood platter in the area, bar none. Every piece on the plate is tender, moist, and melts in your mouth. And the rest of the menu items are just as fresh. Also known for their award-winning bar and island ambiance, you're sure to be drawn back to The Quarterdeck Seafood Restaurant again and again. Set foot in the tropics of The Quarterdeck and enjoy fresh Pismo Beach seafood!
Besides great food and a friendly service, Quarterdeck offers a full bar as well. When you've been to one bar, you've been to them all, right? Not the case at Quarterdeck, where most of the locals hang out not just for the cocktails but for the tropical decor and the warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's the perfect place to unwind, after a long day at work, or to hang out with a group of friends for a cocktail.
Happy Hour in The Cocktail Lounge
Every Day from 4pm to closing
MARGARITA MONDAY
$4.00 Margaritas and all-you-can-eat $1.00 Carne Asada Tacos
(with purchase of a cocktail)
TUESDAY & THURSDAY
50¢ Fish Tacos
(with purchase of a cocktail)
FLAT BREAD WEDNESDAY
$1.50 off wine by the glass & well drinks
$4.00 flat bread pizzas
(with purchase of a cocktail)
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY
1/2 off all appetizers 4-6pm
$1.00 off beers, wine by the glass & well drinks
(with purchase of a cocktail)
tel: (805)481-3474
All of this was copied from their website: https://www.quarterdeckseafood.com/
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Quarterdeck Seafood Bar & Grill
1500 W Branch St1500 West Branch St,
Arroyo Grande, CA 94158
Since it borders the Pacific Ocean, Pismo Beach offers a significant variety of seafood restaurants. If you’re on the hunt for a great seafood restaurant in Pismo Beach and don’t want a hit to the wallet, then Quarterdeck Seafood Restaurant is definitely the place to go. The staff treats you like family, kindly serving reasonably priced food in a casual and comfortable dining atmosphere.
You can always find a great seafood restaurant by simply asking the locals. The Quarterdeck Restaurant is locally known for serving the best fresh seafood platter in the area, bar none. Every piece on the plate is tender, moist, and melts in your mouth. And the rest of the menu items are just as fresh. Also known for their award-winning bar and island ambiance, you're sure to be drawn back to The Quarterdeck Seafood Restaurant again and again. Set foot in the tropics of The Quarterdeck and enjoy fresh Pismo Beach seafood!
Besides great food and a friendly service, Quarterdeck offers a full bar as well. When you've been to one bar, you've been to them all, right? Not the case at Quarterdeck, where most of the locals hang out not just for the cocktails but for the tropical decor and the warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's the perfect place to unwind, after a long day at work, or to hang out with a group of friends for a cocktail.
Happy Hour in The Cocktail Lounge
Every Day from 4pm to closing
MARGARITA MONDAY
$4.00 Margaritas and all-you-can-eat $1.00 Carne Asada Tacos
(with purchase of a cocktail)
TUESDAY & THURSDAY
50¢ Fish Tacos
(with purchase of a cocktail)
FLAT BREAD WEDNESDAY
$1.50 off wine by the glass & well drinks
$4.00 flat bread pizzas
(with purchase of a cocktail)
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY
1/2 off all appetizers 4-6pm
$1.00 off beers, wine by the glass & well drinks
(with purchase of a cocktail)
tel: (805)481-3474
All of this was copied from their website: https://www.quarterdeckseafood.com/
“Santa Maria Valley’s weather is tailor-made for outdoor dining. We had excellent wood-fired pizzas at Pizzeria Bello Forno in Orcutt” (pg 34 of the September 2020 Lifestyle magazine)
119 East Clark Ave,
Orcutt, CA, 93455
tel:(805)623-7111
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pizzeria Bello Forno
119 E Clark Ave“Santa Maria Valley’s weather is tailor-made for outdoor dining. We had excellent wood-fired pizzas at Pizzeria Bello Forno in Orcutt” (pg 34 of the September 2020 Lifestyle magazine)
119 East Clark Ave,
Orcutt, CA, 93455
tel:(805)623-7111
The Blast Brewery I suggest is closer than the one in S.L.O.:
https://www.blast825brewery.com/
241 S. Broadway
Orcutt, CA 93455
(805) 934-3777
Hours of Operation
Monday: 11am to 10pm.
Tuesday: 11am to 10pm
Wednesday: 11am to 10pm
Thursday: 11am to 11pm.
Friday: 11am to 11pm
Saturday: 11am to 11pm
Sunday:11am to 10pm
Curb Side - Take Out - Dine in!
..”spectacular craft beer tasting, dinner and hot pretzel (better than those from oft-proclaimed pretzel ‘capitals’ of New York and Philadelphia”-Lifestyle magazine p. 34 September 2020 edition.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blast 825 Taproom
733 Higuera St
The Blast Brewery I suggest is closer than the one in S.L.O.:
https://www.blast825brewery.com/
241 S. Broadway
Orcutt, CA 93455
(805) 934-3777
Hours of Operation
Monday: 11am to 10pm.
Tuesday: 11am to 10pm
Wednesday: 11am to 10pm
Thursday: 11am to 11pm.
Friday: 11am to 11pm
Saturday: 11am to 11pm
Sunday:11am to 10pm
Curb Side - Take Out - Dine in!
..”spectacular craft beer tasting, dinner and hot pretzel (better than those from oft-proclaimed pretzel ‘capitals’ of New York and Philadelphia”-Lifestyle magazine p. 34 September 2020 edition.
Wineries
At Laetitia, we are passionate about producing premium estate wines that showcase the distinctive qualities of the Arroyo Grande Valley. Located in Southern San Luis Obispo County, our coastal property overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Originally known for Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, we continue to produce seven unique Sparkling Wines. Currently, we are just as well known for our handcrafted Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more.
Join us in our picturesque tasting room, or order one of our Central Coast wines to sip, share and savor at home.
Make a Reservation → (you must make a prior reservation due to distancing )
Copied from their website https://www.laetitiawine.com/
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
453 Laetitia Vineyard DriveAt Laetitia, we are passionate about producing premium estate wines that showcase the distinctive qualities of the Arroyo Grande Valley. Located in Southern San Luis Obispo County, our coastal property overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Originally known for Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, we continue to produce seven unique Sparkling Wines. Currently, we are just as well known for our handcrafted Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more.
Join us in our picturesque tasting room, or order one of our Central Coast wines to sip, share and savor at home.
Make a Reservation → (you must make a prior reservation due to distancing )
Copied from their website https://www.laetitiawine.com/
Small boutique winery, launched in 1988 named after the property’s many trees. (As featured in the September 2020 Lifestyle magazine).
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cottonwood Canyon Winery
3940 Dominion RdSmall boutique winery, launched in 1988 named after the property’s many trees. (As featured in the September 2020 Lifestyle magazine).
DIRECTIONS TO PRESQU'ILE
5391 Presqu’ile Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 937-8110
Located in Santa Barbara County | 1 Mile from Highway 101
Reservations are Required
There’s an option to book a food and wine experience for 2-6 people:
“Enjoy a tasting flight of new and current release estate wines with a pre-set Mezze Picnic prepared by Chef Julie Simon featuring local ingredients, purveyors and seasonal bounty from our estate 1-acre garden. $55 per person for groups up to 6 people. Guests enjoying food only is $35.”- from website:
https://www.presquilewine.com/Reservations
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Presqu'ile Winery
5391 Presquile DrDIRECTIONS TO PRESQU'ILE
5391 Presqu’ile Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 937-8110
Located in Santa Barbara County | 1 Mile from Highway 101
Reservations are Required
There’s an option to book a food and wine experience for 2-6 people:
“Enjoy a tasting flight of new and current release estate wines with a pre-set Mezze Picnic prepared by Chef Julie Simon featuring local ingredients, purveyors and seasonal bounty from our estate 1-acre garden. $55 per person for groups up to 6 people. Guests enjoying food only is $35.”- from website:
https://www.presquilewine.com/Reservations