San Luis Obispo County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Pismo Beach
1 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Twenty-three miles of wide, drivable Central Coast sand — Pismo State Beach allows ORV traffic in the southern Oceano Dunes area. The town has a working pier, a clam-chowder culture, and is the gateway to the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove (200,000 overwintering monarchs October–February).
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 59°F water
Water
- 59°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
Safety
- UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- NWS alert active — gale warning issued june 3 at 1:02pm pdt until june 3 at 9:00pm pdt by nws los angeles/oxnard ca
Best for walking today
Gale Warning issued June 3 at 1:02PM PDT until June 3 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and combined seas 8 to 13 ft expected when conditions are worst. * WHERE...Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal westward out to 10 NM. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 9 PM PDT this evening. For the Small Craft Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to 9 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds will create dangerous sea conditions which could capsize or damage small and large vessels. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...See the Coastal Waters Forecast (CWFLOX) for more.
Small Craft Advisory issued June 3 at 1:02PM PDT until June 4 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and combined seas 8 to 13 ft expected when conditions are worst. * WHERE...Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal westward out to 10 NM. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 9 PM PDT this evening. For the Small Craft Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to 9 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds will create dangerous sea conditions which could capsize or damage small and large vessels. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...See the Coastal Waters Forecast (CWFLOX) for more.
Atmosphere
Water
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (PZZ645)
The LOX office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- CAZ362 Malibu Coast — Los Angeles County Beaches n/a
- CAZ354 Ventura County Beaches n/a
- CAZ349 Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast — Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast n/a
- CAZ340 San Luis Obispo County Beaches — Santa Barbara Central Coast Beaches n/a
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:13 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 2:30 PM | High | 3.4 ft |
| 5:48 PM | Low | 3.0 ft |
| 11:58 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 59°F — dangerously cold
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Beach Info
Parking
Free street parking in town; paid lots near the pier. ORV access via the Oceano Dunes entrance is separate.
Dogs
Dogs allowed leashed on the city beach year-round; pier excluded.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
1 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Amenities
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Pismo Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Pismo Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
Is Pismo Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed leashed on the city beach year-round; pier excluded.
Is there an entry fee at Pismo Beach?
Entry to Pismo Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Pismo Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Pismo Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Pismo Beach?
Amenities at Pismo Beach include lifeguards (seasonal Memorial Day – Labor Day, 5 towers), pier, restaurants, restrooms, showers, ORV beach access, monarch grove nearby.
When is the water warmest at Pismo Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Pismo Beach located?
Pismo Beach is in San Luis Obispo County, CA, at 1 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS