Accessible Features at California State Parks | Pismo SB | Definitions and Terms | Activity Descriptions


Overview

Six miles of sandy beach are noted for surf-fishing, swimming, hiking and digging for the Pismo clam. The beach is located in the town of Oceano off Highway 1. Phone (805) 473-7220 for more information.

Camping

North Beach Campground: Campsite(s) 3, 4, 7, 22, 34, 45, 71, and 84 are accessible, including adjacent water stations. All combination restroom/shower buildings in the campground are accessible. Routes of travel are accessible. Where restroom parking is provided, it is accessible.

Oceano Campground: RV campsite(s) 2, 18, and 22 are accessible and have water & electrical hook ups. Tent campsite(s) 44, 71, and 80 are accessible, including adjacent water stations. Both combination restroom/shower buildings in the RV loop, and the restroom/shower buildings in the tent loop, are accessible. Parking and routes are accessible.

Trails

The Coastal Access Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail including two spur trails that is 1 mile each way that connects the North Beach Campground to the Grand Ave beach access parking area. This trail provides coastal and sand dune viewing opportunities and provides and accessible trail route connection to the butterfly eucalyptus grove. The surface is compacted aggregate and wood. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Accessible parking is provided at the Grand Ave beach parking lot and an accessible space located within the North Beach Campground. Accessible restrooms are located at the Grand Ave beach access area.

The Guiton Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail along the west side of the lagoon from the visitor center past the tent campground that is 0.65 miles each way. This trail provides several lagoon viewing opportunities including 2 fishing piers and several benches and interpretive panels. The trail also provides accessible trail route connection to and in the botanical garden and Chumash garden. The surface is concrete, compacted aggregate and wood. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Accessible parking is provided at the visitor center.

Trail Name Running Slope Cross Slope Trail Width Trail Surface
Coastal Access Trail 3% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate & Wood
8% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum
Guiton Trail 1% Average 0.9% Average 5 FT Average Concrete, Aggregate, & Wood
8% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum


Exhibits/Programs

Nature Center: The visitor center features interactive, hands-on exhibits about native people, plants, and animals of the area. The visitor center is accessible, including parking, routes, and restrooms.

Butterfly Grove: Staffed by docents, volunteers, and state park interpreters from November through February, the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove hosts one of the largest overwintering Western Monarch populations. Pathways within the grove are accessible. Accessible parking for the grove is available from within the North Beach Campground.

Botanical Garden: Tours are conducted by staff and volunteers. The pathways through the garden are accessible. Accessible parking is located at the visitor center. The garden entrances are located along the Guiton trail about 0.18 miles from the visitor center.

Fishing

There are 2 wooden accessible fishing piers along the Guiton Trail on the West side of the lagoon. One pier is located near the RV campground and visitor center. The second pier is at the east side of the tent campground.


To request an update to this page, please contact the Accessibility Division at access@parks.ca.gov or (916) 445-8949.