Last Updated on November 10, 2025
Pismo Beach is a classic California beach town known for its wide, sandy beaches, iconic pier, and laid-back, small-town vibe. Surfers and bodyboarders love this destination for its consistent waves, and its calm coves are ideal for kayaking. In 2025, USA Today named Pismo Beach as its Readers’ Choice best coastal small town.
The Pismo Beach Pier and Boardwalk is a scenic spot for strolling, fishing, and watching the sun set over the Pacific. Other popular activities include the Monarch Butterfly Grove, a seasonal sanctuary for thousands of migrating butterflies, ATV riding on the Oceano Dunes, and hiking and biking the over 900 acres of the scenic Pismo Preserve. If you’re into wine, tastings are available at wineries in nearby Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande.
About Spyglass Inn
Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean on California’s Central Coast, Spyglass Inn is known for its stunning coastal views, relaxing ambiance, and coastal-casual décor.
The hotel features 82 queen and king guest rooms and suites divided into four buildings with garden, ocean view and oceanfront accommodations, some offering private patios, terraces and fireplaces. Rooms and suites sport misty ocean blue and sandy beige tones. Amenities include upscale bath products, waffle-weave spa robes, a mini refrigerator, HD flat-screen TV (some accommodations have two), digital on-demand movies, an MP3 player and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The cozy lobby also has a fireplace.
As a pet friendly venue, guests are welcome to bring their furry friend (can have up to two) for a $40 non-refundable daily fee. The hotel even provides a list of dog-friendly beaches and hiking trails, along with restaurants that allow dogs to dine with their family.
Spyglass Inn also boasts a year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tub with sun loungers and pool umbrellas. Warm up by the oceanfront fire pits. The grounds also include picnic areas. Guests can even get a S’mores kit from the lobby. And who doesn’t appreciate a stunning sunset accompanied by a glass of California Central Coast wine?
Dining in Pismo Beach
Though Spyglass Inn doesn’t have its own on-site restaurant, the hotel is conveniently located near many Avila Beach and Pismo Beach Restaurants. Here are some of my favorites, ranging from breezy beachside casual to finer dining.
Wooly’s
The restaurant, named for Mark “Wooly” Woolpert, a Central Coast local is located by the boardwalk on an open-air beachfront deck with panoramic views. It’s a great spot for casual dining offering a tasty assortment of Pismo favorites, burgers, tacos, seafood, salads and sandwiches.
Guests order their food and drinks and pick up their order when notified by buzzer. The laid-back eatery is always packed, and for good reason.
Ada’s Fish House
It’s hard to avoid this place on each Pismo Beach visit. Wven though Ada’s does not have an ocean view (typically one of my top criteria for dining in a beach town), the food, service, and ambiance is so good here, it draws patrons like a moth to a flame to its downtown location.
The restaurant is family owned and managed, seafood is king, and the menu is filled with so many amazing selections, it makes it challenging to narrow down a choice. I love their starters and small plates for a taste of their fresh ocean harvests. These include oysters, oysters Rockefeller, steamed mussels and clams, and their award-winning clam chowder.
Oyster Loft
More than a restaurant, Oyster Loft is an experience. Diners are awe-struck by the impressive views of the Pismo Beach Pier and Pacific, then amazed with the artfully prepared upscale cuisine, regional seafood dishes and outstanding service.
The menu spotlights fresh seafood, although other land and vegetarian options are available. My husband and I enjoyed a shared charbroiled oysters starter followed by main dishes that included Pan Seared Scallops with grilled corn succotash, Fresno chilis, pork belly, potato gratin and a sweet corn purée and Local Sablefish prepared with a miso glaze, grilled mushrooms, green onion and a cauliflower purée.
Final Thoughts
With a myriad of fun activities, awe-inspiring ocean vistas, coastal ambience, and incredible fresh bounties from the sea, a getaway to Pismo Beach should be on every visitor’s to-do list. One visit, and guaranteed, you’ll want to come back again.
