Page 41 - SLO Visitors Guide Spring 2024

Pismo Beach, Shell Beach & Oceano
Five places to have a picnic in the Five Cities
Pack a lunch and hit the road to one of these scenic outdoor destinations
Travelers in search of fresh ocean breezes and quaint coastal vistas should head south to the
Five Cities area of San Luis Obispo County.
The “Five Cities” were originally made up of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach (originally named Grover City), Oceano, Fair Oaks, and Hal- cyon. Today, the Five Cities region consists of Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Oceano, and Halcyon. Lesser known Halcy- on is technically an unincorporated area in the southeast part of Grover Beach. Each city is unique and the terrain is equally varied.
No visit to the Five Cities is complete without checking out these iconic Central Coast outdoor destinations. Pack the family and a picnic lunch and head out to one of these beloved picnic spots.
Dinosaur Caves Park
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a picnic lunch and let the kids play, Dinosaur Caves Park is an ideal option. This popular, 11-acre, oceanfront, bluff-top park is a local favorite for families, photographers, dog lovers, and anyone looking to get a bit of fresh ocean air. The park includes sweeping views, a grassy lawn area, restrooms, and a play structure with a dinosaur, dinosaur eggs, concrete sea animals, a tot swing, and The “USS Imagination,” play ship. Dinosaur Caves Park is a top pick for families in Five Cities and is located at 2701 Price Street in Pismo Beach.
Pismo Beach Pier
The iconic Pismo Beach Pier is a must for visitors to SLO County. The pier and the nearby promenade are the perfect place to stroll, shop, and head out over the water to get a unique view of the Five Cities area and maybe even throw a fishing
slovisitorsguide.com
Enjoy a picnic near the pier in Pismo Beach.
line over the edge. The Pismo Pier and promenade are located at 100 Pomeroy Ave, in Pismo Beach.
Monarch Butterfly Grove/ Pismo State Beach
The Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove, part of Pismo State Beach,
is free to visit and open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. Butterflies overwinter in the grove in the park in the winter months, November - February. The grove is located on HWY 1 between Grover Beach and Pismo Beach. The GPS location is 445 South Dolliver, in Pismo Beach.
CA State Parks reminds visitors to be respectful of the important, endangered pollinator: remember to watch for butterflies on the ground; don't step on them, stay on the designated paths, do not disturb butterfly clusters, and dispose of all litter in proper receptacles.
At Pismo State Beach, visitors can also enjoy camping, surfing, swimming, walking trails, fishing, and bird watching.
Jan 26 - Mar 16 Mar 22 - May 11 May 17 - Jul 6
Jul 12 - Sep 4 Sep 11 - Nov 9 Nov 15 - Dec 31
The Melodrama provides a unique live theatre experience in which costumed actors usher guests to their seats, take orders at the snack bar, and serve grub in addition to performing. Some fans have called it a cross between a Saturday Night Live and Disneyland. And every show is followed by a vaudeville revue packed with song, dance, and comedy, so you get two shows for the price of one!
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