About
When visiting the Avila Beach area, one landmark worth exploring is the Pismo Preserve.
This 880-acre oasis is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It features 11 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain bike riding and overlooks the shimmering Pacific Ocean and Pismo Beach Pier. Once a working ranch, it is cradled by Irish Hills and Point Sal, offering picturesque views of oak woodlands and the California coastline.
Established by The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County in 2014, the Pismo Preserve has become a favorite for locals and visitors. With its expansive network of trails meandering through groves of oaks and ridgelines, nature's beauty is your playground.
The Prismo Preserve is also an ecological treasure that includes rare plant species and various wildlife habitats. For these reasons, visitors are encouraged to stay on the trails so as not to disrupt the ecosystem.
The preserve has ADA-compliant restrooms, a kiosk picnic area, and a parking lot, ensuring all can enjoy this natural wonderland. If you're in a wheelchair or have difficulty walking, make a reservation for the Freedom Trax, a battery-operated off-road attachment for manual wheelchairs. With the wheelchair secured to the top of the Trax, you can navigate the terrain with a handheld remote control. And best of all, it's free!
Another reason to visit Pismo Preserve is its proximity to other natural wonders, like Spyglass Beach Tide Pools. This makes planning a double dose of outdoor fun in a day easy!
Pismo Preserve: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One of Pismo Preserve's biggest attractions is its expansive trails, which are popular with equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers. These narrow trails are shared by all except the Vamonos Trail and Lover's Point Trail, which are for hiking only.
A fun fact is that mountain bikers must have a bell on their bike. Ringing the bell alerts horseback riders, hikers, and cyclists that you're approaching since the paths are narrow and are to be shared.
Equestrians will appreciate the large parking area for trailers, but remember to reserve these coveted free spots. The Pismo Preserve has also provided rakes and shovels to clean up after your horse. They also ask to pick out your horse's hooves before riding the trails to help prevent the spread of weeds.
A cool feature for animal lovers is the diverse ecosystems and varied topography that are home to various wildlife. On your trek, you may see lizards and snakes along with various birds, while the presence of grazing cattle in the spring reminds you of the preserve's roots as a working ranch.
One popular feature is the Avila Outlook on the Panhandle Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the California coast. On a clear day, the Pacific Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see.
After working up an appetite by hiking, biking, or horseback riding, head to restaurants like Hapy Bistro and Rosa's Italian Restaurant. Here, you can savor fine cuisine, refuel, and reflect on your adventurous day.
Whether you seek a bird' s-eye view of Pismo Beach, witness California's diverse landscapes, or explore the miles of trails, Pismo Preserve will highlight your vacation.
Getting There
- Start your journey from the heart of Pismo Beach.
- Head towards US Highway 101 and take Exit 191B.
- Follow the exit ramp to the east side of the freeway.
- Continue until you reach the very southern end of Mattie Road.
- Address: 80 Mattie Rd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Local Tips
- Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends.
- Cell service is good throughout most of the park.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for hiking.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.
- Consider donating to the Pismo Preserve.
