This summer, Cooper and I took a road trip up to Santa Cruz and then down to Pismo Beach, where we celebrated the 4th of July. By the time we hit the central cost, funds were getting a little tight, but that wasn’t a problem. We found not only is Pismo Beach dog friendly, but it is affordable too.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Pismo Beach

Being a tourist destination, there are many hotels to choose from in Pismo Beach. I was looking for somewhere close to the beach and economical with good reviews. I lucked out with the Ocean Palms Motel which scores an 8.8 (excellent) rating on Expedia. It is also one of the less expensive options on the site. The room was no-frills, but clean with a comfortable bed, fridge, and microwave. Other perks included a nice grassy area for Cooper to do his business and an outside seating area with a large firepit. Just a ten-minute jaunt to the beach or the center of town, we walked everywhere.

Tasty Breakfast Spots to Try That Won’t Break the Bank

Each morning, I ventured out with Coop for some tea (coffee isn’t my thing) and a bite to eat. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many cheap breakfast options!

• Scorpion Bay Coffee – Surfer owned, Scorpion Bay Coffee is the place for a little caffeine. The Lavender Tea Latte, made with English Breakfast tea, lavender syrup and steamed milk, was amazing. For coffee lovers, they have lattes, espresso, cold brew and the like, but some really interesting signature drinks too. A selection of baked goods looked appealing. Don’t let the line scare you. It moves pretty quickly, and I was able to bring Coop inside to order.
• Old West Cinnamon Rolls – For ooey, gooey goodness, you must get a cinnamon roll from Old West Cinnamon Rolls. There is a reason the line is out the door. Baked from a recipe created over 40 years ago, these rolls are a sweet and cheap choice for breakfast. Whether you choose the original, pecan, or maple bacon, be sure to order a side of the cream cheese frosting warmed up.
• Penny’s All-American Cafe – If you are craving a homestyle American breakfast, then Penny’s is the spot. With omelets, benedicts, waffles, pancakes and even a little taste of Mexico, there is something for everyone. I enjoyed the French toast off of the Lite Menu, the perfect size for me. Prepare to wait on busy weekend mornings. Their outside patio is dog friendly.

Ada’s Fish House in Pismo Beach is Worth It

My favorite meal of the entire trip was at Ada’s Fish House, right across from my hotel. I started with a half-dozen chilled and briny oysters with a terrific mignonette. Next, I savored the special, a deep-fried, whole red snapper served with potatoes au gratin. Hot and crispy skin gave way to moist, perfectly done fish. The creamy potatoes had just the right amount of cheese. I ended the meal with shortcake dripping with strawberries. Talk about satisfied! While not inexpensive, the prices are reasonable especially for seafood. Pups are allowed on the outside patio although at the time of this writing, it was under construction.

The Boardroom Beer Pub is Dog Friendly

After a day at the beach, an ice-cold beer sounded refreshing. Happily, I found the Boardroom Sports and Beer Pub seconds from the Pismo Beach pier. Serving a rotating selection of beer, wine, and bar food, the pub is beyond pup friendly. The bartender welcomed Coop inside enthusiastically and even came over to say hello. While I sipped my Mexican lager, patrons around me munched on delectable looking and wallet-friendly personal pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and chicken wings. Cooper and I enjoyed ourselves so much, we came back the next day.

Dog-Friendly Beaches: Leashed and Off-Leash

Pismo Beach

Cooper and I were delighted to find leashed dogs are allowed on Pismo Beach. We strolled along the shore dipping our toes and paws in the water on our first evening. On Independence Day, we set up camp on the beach and relaxed on the sand. Being able to walk from our hotel was a huge plus. A wooden boardwalk runs alongside the beach leading to the pier. Dogs are welcome on the boardwalk, but not the pier.

Avila Beach

For dogs who want to run free, head on over to Olde Port Beach in Avila Beach. Just 7 miles north of Pismo Beach, this wide sandy cove allows dogs off leash as long as they are under voice control. Amenities are limited, but there are restrooms. Park along the street for free. Coop and I spent an entire afternoon soaking up the sun and taking in the beautiful view.

Wine Tasting with Your Pup

You might not know that just outside of Pismo Beach are wineries in Edna Valley. Many of these vineyards allow leashed dogs. One such establishment is Claiborne & Churchill Winery, only a 7-minute drive from the Ocean Palms Motel. This family-owned premium winery produces dry wines made from Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris grapes, as well as handcrafted Pinot Noirs and Syrahs from several vineyards in the surrounding valley.

What enticed me about Claiborne & Churchill was their calendar of events. I made reservations for the Friday Happy Hour in the pretty garden area with Cooper. A talented musician serenaded us while I tasted a selection of red wines and nibbled on bites from a local food truck. All were fantastic. Make sure to join their email list if you love wine. This will be a must do on your Pismo Beach trip.

As you can see, a long weekend in Pismo Beach is an affordable and fun dog-friendly getaway. Cooper and I are planning another trip soon. There was so much we did not get to see. A visit to the Monarch Butterfly Cove will be on the top of the list as will many of the hiking trails.

Do you have a question about Pismo Beach? Ask me in the comment section below.