Pismo Beach Welcome Center

The California Welcome Center Pismo Beach
333 Five Cities Drive
Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Phone: (805) 773-7924
Fax: (805) 773-4686
Email: info.pismobeach@visitcwc.com

Just off Highway 101
From the North Exit - Five Cities Drive
From the South Exit - 4th Street
12 miles south of San Luis Obispo
20 miles north of Santa Maria
75 miles north of Santa Barbara

1) What does Pismo mean?
Pismo comes from the Chumash word "pismu" which means tar. The Chumash Indians    occupied the Pismo Beach area thousands of years ago and  referred to it as a place to find "pismu" or tar.

2.) Can you drive on Pismo Beach?
Yes at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area which is accessed from Grand Ave in Grover Beach or Pier Ave in Oceano off Hwy. An entry fee is charged. You can also ride/drive horses, ATVs and off road vehicles in the dunes. In addition, there are miles of pristine beach to walk on.

3.) Are dogs allowed in the California Welcome Center Pismo Beach?
Yes dogs are allowed in the Welcome Center. We also have a pet rest area located behind the Welcome Center.

4.) When are the monarch butterflies in Pismo Beach?
Each year from November through February, monarch butterflies flock to Pismo Beach to avoid the freezing northern winters. They cluster in a grove of Eucalyptus trees at Pismo State Beach. During the butterfly season docents offer daily tours and talks. 

5.) Can I fish off the Pismo Pier?
Yes fishing is allowed off of the pier and no license is required.

6.) How long does it take to get From Pismo Beach to Monterey on Hwy 1?
Allow for about 4 hours. Hwy 1 is narrow and winding and there are not many places to pull out or pass so take your time driving and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

7.) Where do we go to see seals?
There are seals throughout the Central Coast. Some of the best places to view seals are in Avila Beach at Port San Luis, Morro Bay and 8 miles north of San Simeon on Hwy 1 which is one of the best places in the world to view sea lions.