San Luis Obispo County, CA · Pacific Ocean

Pismo Beach

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).

Eats & Drinks 18 Stay 15 Shops 3

Today's Conditions

Great day for a beach walk.

9.5ft waves

Water

66°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering

Safety

9.5ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only

60 /100

good

42 Swim

75 Sunbathe

82 Walk

51 Fish

78 Photo

Best for walking today

Water level 0.6 ft above predicted

Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.

NOAA station 9412110 · Observed 5.46 ft · Predicted 4.87 ft

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

66°F

Clear

Wind

—

Rain

Today

Air Quality

21 Good

PM2.5 (fine particles) · Nipomo CDF

UV Peak

4 Moderate

Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~50m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 03 PM

Tomorrow

—°F

Water

Water Temp

66°F

Refreshing

Next High Tide

9:15 PM

4.1 ft · in 2.7h

Wave Height

9.5 ft

15s · WNW swell

Barometer

30.09 inHg

1019 hPa · buoy 46028

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

NWS SRF · LOX · Issued Nov 7, 1:25 AM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:29 AM

Sunset

5:03 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
1:45 AM	Low	1.7 ft
8:02 AM	High	6.0 ft
3:00 PM	Low	-0.1 ft
9:15 PM	High	4.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:14 AM	Low	2.1 ft
8:28 AM	High	6.1 ft
3:39 PM	Low	-0.3 ft
10:04 PM	High	4.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:41 AM	Low	2.5 ft
8:55 AM	High	6.0 ft
4:17 PM	Low	-0.4 ft
10:55 PM	High	3.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:08 AM	Low	2.8 ft
9:22 AM	High	5.9 ft
4:56 PM	Low	-0.3 ft
11:46 PM	High	3.7 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:35 AM	Low	3.0 ft
9:51 AM	High	5.8 ft
5:36 PM	Low	-0.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:41 AM	High	3.6 ft
4:05 AM	Low	3.2 ft
10:24 AM	High	5.5 ft
6:19 PM	Low	-0.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:45 AM	High	3.6 ft
4:40 AM	Low	3.4 ft
11:00 AM	High	5.2 ft
7:06 PM	Low	0.2 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 9412110, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

What to Bring Today

recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 66°F

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.

Major

9:10 PM - 11:10 PM

Minor

4:40 AM - 5:40 AM

Major

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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

lifeguards (seasonal Memorial Day – Labor Day, 5 towers)pierrestaurantsrestroomsshowersORV beach accessmonarch grove nearby

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Pismo Beach today?

Pismo Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

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.