Why I Keep Coming Back to Pismo Beach with My Dog

Some places just stick with you — the kind you find yourself daydreaming about months after you’ve left. For me, that place is Pismo Beach. I first visited last summer and loved how easy, affordable, and dog-friendly it was. So, when September rolled around, I packed up the car (and Cooper’s favorite blanket) and headed back for a longer stay. This time, I revisited a few favorites, discovered some new ones, and was reminded why traveling to Pismo Beach with a dog feels like a getaway that’s good for the soul.

Familiar Favorites

There’s something comforting about returning to a place and finding it unchanged in all the best ways.

Ada’s Fish House was my first stop, and yes, I ordered the same special as last year: the whole snapper. It was just as fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked as I remembered.

Old West Cinnamon Rolls and Scorpion Bay Coffee were also on repeat, because some rituals shouldn’t be messed with. My drink of choice at Scorpion wasn’t coffee, but their lavender tea latte. It is smooth, fragrant, and the perfect companion for a slow Pismo morning with Cooper snoozing at my feet.

Seaside Eats and Coastal Comforts in Pismo Beach

This trip I made time for Wooly’s, a casual seafood spot overlooking the ocean and Pismo Pier. With counter service, great cocktails, and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to grab fish tacos or fried calamari while watching the waves roll in.

And when Sunday rolled around, The Boardroom once again became my football headquarters. The staff welcomed me and Cooper back like old friends — which, honestly, is part of the charm of a beach town like Pismo. You’re never really a stranger for long.

Wine Tasting Adventures Near the Coast

I spent an entire day exploring Edna Valley wine country, which might just be the most relaxed wine region in California. I revisited Claiborne & Churchill, a cozy favorite from my last trip, and added two new wineries to the mix:

• Kynsi Wines – Known for their owl-themed labels and peaceful setting, this stop was a quiet gem.
• Wolff Vineyards – With live music, food available, and a sunny hilltop view, it’s the kind of place you can linger all afternoon.

Each winery had its own personality, but what tied them together was the welcoming atmosphere — friendly faces, dogs allowed, and a slow pace that pairs perfectly with a good glass of Pinot.

Cali Love Wine Tasting Room: Sparkles, Karaoke, and Dogs Welcome

Back in downtown Pismo, I found a completely different kind of wine experience at Cali Love Wine Tasting Room. Think bright pink walls, glitter everywhere, and a playful, upbeat vibe that feels more like a party than a tasting room. They offer karaoke, a friendly staff, and it’s super dog friendly.

The wines lean to the sweeter side, but I really enjoyed their Syrah. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for something casual and fun, especially after a day on the beach. Cooper was perfectly content lounging beside me while I sang along (quietly!) to 80s hits and chatted with locals.

Whale Watching and Beach Days at Pismo Beach with a Dog

One of my favorite afternoons was spent simply relaxing on the sand near the Pismo Pier. Leashed dogs are welcome here, which meant Cooper could lounge beside me as we watched the waves.

And then, the magic happened. Out beyond the surf, several humpback whales began to surface. I watched flukes rise and blowholes spout for hours, completely mesmerized. It’s not every day you can go whale watching in Pismo Beach from your beach chair.

Nature’s Little Surprises

Speaking of ocean life, I also caught a glimpse of something new — thousands of clams unburying themselves along the shoreline! It was wild to see. Everywhere I looked, tiny shells were popping up through the sand and moving with the tide. You can’t eat them (Pismo clams are protected), but they’re fascinating to watch.

Scientists from Cal Poly and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are actually studying why this is happening. They’ve ruled out toxins or disease so far and think it may have something to do with environmental changes or an increase in young clams pushing up through the sand. Whatever the reason, it’s an amazing reminder that the beach is full of life, even beneath your feet.

A Perfect Day Trip from Pismo Beach with a Dog: Avila Beach Adventures

On another sunny day, Cooper and I took a short drive to Avila Beach, where he ran leash-free in the surf. Afterward, we wandered the Avila Pier, which I’d never visited before. It’s a charming stretch of shops and restaurants overlooking the water, and we wrapped up the day with cocktails and oysters at Custom House, a little gem I’ll definitely be adding to future itineraries.

Why Pismo Beach with a Dog Feels Like Coming Home

There’s a certain rhythm to Pismo Beach with a dog that feels restorative — the kind of place where time slows down, the seafood tastes fresher, and even the locals’ dogs seem to smile. Returning for a second trip reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to mean new destinations. Sometimes, the best adventures come from revisiting the places that already feel like yours.

For me and Cooper, that’s Pismo. And something tells me; it won’t be our last visit.