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1. Can I walk my dog on the beach?

Yes, but it must be on a leash at all times. Pet owners must be responsible for cleaning up after their pet. Dogs are not permitted on the Pismo Pier.

2. What do I do if I find an injured or loose animal?

The Dept of Animal Regulation should be contacted for further instruction. Their number is (805) 781-4400.

3. Can I camp on Pismo Beach?

No. Camping is not permitted on Pismo Beach proper but it is permitted just a few miles south on Pismo State Beach. Pismo Beach does have a large recreational vehicle park and campgrounds where camping is permitted.

4. Can I have a fire on Pismo Beach?

Barbeques in hibachi or container-type barbeques are allowed on Pismo Beach. Open fires are not allowed on the beach.

5. Can I drive a vehicle or ride a horse on Pismo Beach?

Neither motor vehicles nor horses are permitted on Pismo Beach. However they are permitted a few miles to the south on Pismo State Beach.

6. Can I dig for clams on Pismo Beach?

Yes, but you must have a fishing license and must follow guidelines for size and quantity if you want to remove any from the beach. According to state law: Clams must measure 4 1/2" in diameter before they can be taken. Undersized clams must be replaced in the very same hole that they were taken from. A saltwater fishing license is required. The licenses are issued by the Department of Fish and Game. Clams may be taken only between a half-hour before sunrise and a half-hour after sunset. The limit for clamming is 10 clams per day per person. More...

7. What is the weather like at Pismo Beach?

Temperatures range year round from the high 50’s to the high 70’s. Gusty afternoon wind and morning coastal fog are prevalent in the spring and summer months.

8. Do I need a Fishing Permit/License to fish off the Pismo Beach pier?

No fishing license is required to fish off the pier. However if you plan to fish from the shoreline or from boat, a license is necessary. Also, if you are planning to park in the pier parking lot between the hours of 11:00 pm and 4:00 am in order to fish, you will need a parking pass, obtainable in the lobby of the Pismo Police Station on 1000 Bello Street.

9. 18. How Can I find out about water quality in Pismo Beach?

San Luis Obispo Environmental Health Services takes ocean water samples at three separate locations near the City pier. Samples are analyzed for three types of indicator bacteria, which at sufficient concentrations indicate the potential presence of bacteria that may cause human illness. The results are compared to standards established by the State. If any of the State standards are not met, a Health Advisory is issued.

A Health Advisory warns bathers to avoid water contact activities due to the presence of elevated levels of bacteria. An advisory spans fifty yards north and south of the area where the sample is collected. Beaches are posted with advisory signs and remain posted until sample results indicate that bacteria levels meet State standards.

The website http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/PA.htm is updated when weekly sample results become available. This information is also available on our hotline (805) 788-3411.
San Luis Obispo Environmental Health Services

10. Does the City of Pismo Beach offer a Junior Lifeguard Program?

The City of Pismo Beach does offer a Junior Lifeguard program. For more information please email rhoward@pismobeach.org or call Michelle Pearson at 773-7031.

11. Can I swim or ride my jet ski near the pier?

It is unlawful:
A. To ride or to use any surfboards, paddleboards or any similar objects made entirely or partially of wood, metal, glass, hard plastics or any other hard substance within one hundred feet of the pier;
B. To use any surfboard, paddleboard or similar object within the entire beach safety area in a manner that constitutes a hazard to any other person near or in the immediate vicinity of the person using said object;
C. To swim within one hundred feet of the pier;
D. To launch or operate jet skis within five hundred yards from the low mean tideline or within kelp beds and sensitive wildlife areas within the designated beach safety area of the city limits;
E. To fail or refuse to obey any reasonable command, order, instruction or direction of any police officer, fire safety personnel or lifeguard given in connection with or with reference to any use, operation, manipulation or handling of any board, surfboard, paddleboard, jet ski, etc.
F. Except for smoke generated by portable barbeques as authorized in Section 12.20.060, and except for ceremonial, religious or educational purposes, to smoke within the boundaries of the beach safety zone. As used in this subsection, “to smoke” means the carrying or holding of a lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other lighted smoking product or equipment used to burn any tobacco products, weed, plant, or any other combustible substance. Actions prohibited by this subsection include emitting or exhaling the fumes of any pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other lighted smoking equipment used for burning any tobacco product, weed, plant, or any other combustible substance. A violation of this subsection is an infraction.
G. To dispose of cigarette butts, cigar butts, or any other smoking-related waste in the beach safety zone, except in any specifically designated smoking waste receptacle. (Ord. 07-02 § 2, 2007: Ord. 95-05 § 2 (part), 1995)

12. Can I jump off the pier?

Except for public agency training and rescue, it is unlawful for any person to dive or jump or in any manner propel themselves from any portion of the city pier at any time. (Ord. 95-05 § 2 (part), 1995)