There’s a destination on California’s Central Coast with everything that a wine tourist looking for classic California could ask for. A place where visitors can surf alongside locals, walk on a beautiful beach, have lunch on the boardwalk (a 1,200-foot pier), and then drive to wine country in about the time it takes to play three Beach Boys songs. The destination is Pismo Beach—offering the perfect pairing of wine and waves in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Pismo Beach is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast (Hwy 1) and 101 Highways. Visitors are delighted with the range of lodging opportunities they find—from sumptuous oceanfront resorts and vacation rental homes, to family-friendly RV parks and campgrounds. There are options to suit every budget, making Pismo Beach an affordable place to vacation for a week or more. And there is so much to do and see!

Besides surfing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, and just beaching it, visitors can try golfing, horseback riding, bicycling, and even sky diving! And one’s visit to the area isn’t complete without an exciting Hummer (or other ATV) tour at Oceano Dunes, the most extensive coastal dunes in California. For more mellow moments, Pismo Beach offers great shopping, mineral springs, museums, distinct restaurants, and more.

What’s best is that more than 20 wineries and tasting rooms are within 15 minutes of downtown Pismo Beach. A short drive east on Price Road leads to more than a dozen wineries in Edna and Arroyo Grande Valleys. Edna Valley runs from the east to the west and is known far and wide for its excellent well-balanced Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs with big, distinctive flavors. Arroyo Grande Valley is about one-half the size of the Edna Valley and it has only a few wineries, but they produce an impressive array of varietals including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Sparkling wine.

From waves to wine, from wine to waves: that’s how Pismo Beach vacationers spend each day. At day’s end, there’s nothing better than watching the sunset over the Pacific with a bottle of local wine grown not far from Pismo Beach, the wine and waves destination. For more information visit: Go Classic California!



Nearby Wineries

Baileyana, Tangent, & True Myth
Ever since pioneering vintner Jack Niven planted vineyards in Edna Valley more than 40 years ago, his family has been shaping it as a wine region.

Biddle Ranch Vineyard
Recently founded by a group of friends who share an appreciation for great wine, good food, and love for gathering with family and friends, Biddle Ranch Vineyard is off to a roaring start.

Claiborne & Churchill
A passion for the French province of Alsace and the desire to create delightfully different wines inspired Claiborne (Clay) Thompson and Fredericka Churchill to found their boutique winery in 1983.

Edna Valley Vineyard
The Edna Valley’s modern day history began in 1973, when the winery’s founder, Jack Niven, planted Paragon Vineyard, dedicated to Chardonnay.

Kynsi Winery
Named to honor the natural predators that helped clear the way for its founding, Kynsi Winery was born in 1995.

Pacific Coast Wine Trail
The natural and rugged California coastline begs to be explored with deserted beaches, enchanting seaside towns, and seven distinct boutique wineries.

Saucelito Canyon Vineyard
Firmly planted in a rugged chaparral valley, the roots of Saucelito Canyon Vineyard are literally rich with history.

Sextant Wines
Founded a decade ago by Craig and Nancy Stoller, Sextant Wines demonstrates the remarkable potential of San Luis Obispo County with a compelling portfolio of world-class wines.

Sinor-LaVallee Wines
Mike Sinor is bringing a lot of attention to SLO County with his high-scoring wines.

Stephen Ross Wine Cellars
Veteran Winemaker Stephen R. Dooley is meticulous in his craft, exhibiting passionate attention to every detail of the winemaking process.



Nearby Hotels & Resorts

Apple Farm's Wine Country Inn
The homey ambiance of Apple Farm Inn makes it an ideal escape in beautiful San Luis Obispo Wine Country.

Pacifica Hotels: Fog Catcher Inn
Located in the quaint, seaside village of Cambria—home to 30 art galleries, a delightful coastal walkway, and many restaurants—FogCatcher Inn is a great place to completely relax.

Pacifica Hotels: Pelican Inn & Suites
This upscale beachfront property offers rooms and suites with stunning views from private patios.

Pacifica Hotels: Cottage Inn by the Sea
Located on the bluffs overlooking the ocean, the cozy guest rooms at Cottage Inn by the Sea feature fireplaces and flat screen TVs.

Pacifica Hotels: Sandcastle Inn
With a unique collection of charming inns along the California coast, Pacifica Hotels provide guests an array of lovely places to stay and add some fresh ocean air to their wine tasting experience.

Avila Lighthouse Suites
Located in the jewel box village of Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo wine country, Avila Lighthouse Suites provides guests an ideal home away from home as they explore this enchanting beach area.

The Cliffs Resort
Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on scenic Highway 1, the popular Cliffs Resort is a full-service oceanfront property with breathtaking views and first-class amenities.

SeaVenture Beach Hotel
Talk about location: this casually elegant beachfront retreat sits at the southernmost point of 22-mile-long Pismo Beach, just three blocks from downtown.

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Resting atop hot mineral springs and spanning more than 100 acres, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort is just moments away from the quaint village of Avila Beach and close to over 300 wineries.

Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa
With a splendid oceanfront location and all the luxuries one dreams of, Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is an ideal getaway for couples, families, and executive groups.

Madonna Inn
The beguiling Madonna Inn is a landmark destination, known for its timeless elegance and whimsical appeal.

Old Edna Townsite
The Old Edna townsite is one of the most enchanting features of the Edna Valley wine region.

Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.