"Pismo Beach! And all the clams we can eat!" -- Bugs Bunny in "Ali Baba Bunny"
Hugging California's central coastline, Pismo Beach is one of the most desirable destinations for living and vacationing in the state -- really, the country. The name comes from the Chumash word for tar once gathered from the Price Canyon tar springs and used to caulk the Chumash canoes. Home to just over 7,600 residents, Pismo Beach relies heavily on tourism and the sea for its civic livelihood. If you love salt air, stunning sunsets and broad sand beaches, you'd better start looking for your apartment here soon!
Moving to Pismo Beach
Pleasant weather has made the area popular: high temperatures range from 65 to 73 -- pretty much balmy and perfect. Lows seldom require more than a light jacket, only dipping into the 40s in the dead of winter. Namesake bivalve, the Pismo clam, was once so prolific it was gathered by blow from the beach. These days, not so much. That hasn't stopped the city from proclaiming itself the Clam Capital of the World.
The weather is pretty much perfect at all times. Aside from winter storms, there's not a bad time to move here, climatologically-speaking. Summer brings short- to mid-term vacation renters, so to ensure the greatest variety of available homes or apartments for rent in Pismo Beach, you should start your search in early spring or wait until autumn. Of course, there's no real off-season here, so keep a keen eye on listings.
This is a popular beachfront community, so set yourself apart from the sea of would-be renters by coming prepared with your credit history, references, proof of income, and the ability to plank down first and last months' rent as well as a security deposit (usually about another month's rent).
Neighborhoods in Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach itself is pretty small and is sort of its own neighborhood. However, it has neighboring communities that often fall under its umbrella when people describe where they live. Here are the areas to know:
Shell Beach: A small, residential community that is considered part of Pismo Beach proper, Shell Beach runs parallel to Highway 101. It's name is a little bit of a fake-out since its coastline is rocky, not beachy -- making it bad for sunbathing but great for tide-pooling. Shell Beach is home to two steakhouses (oh, they serve seafood, too, of course). Alex's, on Shell Beach Road, is over 60 years old and has been voted "Best Bar" in the local rag. You can look for apartments with paid utilities here, though you're more likely to find houses and if the utilities are covered, it's usually because it's a vacation rental, which can push up rates. Luxury houses abound, given their proximity to the ocean and stunning views.
Pismo Heights: For those who like to look down at the beach, this community features primarily house rentals in single-family homes. Located across the highway from the beach and Pismo Beach's city center, many of the homes here are built up the hillside. This area is also home to Pismo Beach City Hall and Boosinger Public Park with everything you need for the perfect summer (or spring or fall or winter) BBQ with an unmatched view of the Pacific Ocean. You're more likely to find houses than luxury apartments here, though some condos are available for rent.
Arroyo Grande: Home to the Strawberry Festival, Arroyo Grande is a little village just outside Pismo Beach city limits. Set slightly back from the sandy shore, Arroyo Grande has a hip town center with historic buildings, boutique shops and local favorites like Klondike's Pizza and Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab. Apartments for rent like one-bedroom apartments, two or three-bedroom rental homes, and amenity-filled complexes are available here.
Living in Pismo Beach
First off, dive into local culinary and cultural tradition by catching the yearly Clam Festival featuring a clam parade and, of course, vat upon vat of clam chowder. Don't go clamming yourself, however -- it's illegal these days.
If you're stuck with nothing to wear to the big event, head over to the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, popular with both locals and tourists traveling up and down the historic Route 101. Outfit yourself with swanky brands or outfit your house with discount housewares at one convenient stop.
If you like a little music in your life, catch the Marching Band Review in November each year. It's just what it sounds like: high school bands from all over the state presenting their best marching and flag waving. Want fewer sousaphones and more saxophones? Then maybe you'd rather visit the Jubilee By the Sea Jazz Festival in October.
Of course, you can't live on the edge of the continent and not take advantage of the natural wonders around you. Catch a tan and your dinner: the Pismo Beach Fishing Pier offers 1200 feet of fishing, sunset-watching, strolling, and sunning enjoyment. If you need some time on dry land near fresh water, check out the Oso Flaco Lake Nature Trail. This mile-long boardwalk circles the protected lake giving visitors a chance to commune with the local water fowl and appreciate the native plants and wildflowers.
Dinosaur Caves Park is wildly popular for locals and visitors with flat, grassy recreation areas, jogging paths, dog friendly areas, and a unique play area filled with statuary reflecting both local marine mammals and, well, dinosaurs.
