$1,512,179Average Value$900Average Price per Sq Ft30Homes For Sale
One of the most scenic locations on the Central Coast
Set about 12 miles south of San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach is one of the most scenic spots on California’s Central Coast, with dramatic cliffs, white sandy beaches and sweeping Pacific vistas. The local economy is driven by tourism, and culture is centered on surfing and other outdoor recreation. Many of the town's roughly 8,000 residents are retirees, but access to highly rated schools and nearby employment hubs also draw families and young professionals.
Temperatures and home prices in Pismo (as it's locally known) are largely on par with Avila Beach just north, but the two have distinct differences. South-facing Avila is known for its year-round sun, while in Pismo, summer tends to be foggy. “If a new client doesn’t like fog at all, I'm probably going to remove Pismo from their search,” says longtime Central Coast resident Kim Conti DeGroot, principal broker with Kimberly’s Global Real Estate. That said, she notes that Pismo is usually clear during September, October and November. “That’s really our summer,” she says. Pismo is also convenient to a wider range of amenities than Avila.
Locals head to the beach on sunny days in Pismo Beach.
Many homes in Pismo Beach have a view of the ocean.
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Endless opportunities for water recreation, beach lounging and hiking
Pismo State Beach spans 17 miles of coastline and is anchored by the Pismo Beach Pier. The 1,200-foot pier, renovated in 2020, is popular for fishing, watching the sunset and scouting for dolphins and migrating whales. Set along a coastal bluff, Pismo Preserve offers 11 miles of scenic trails and several lookout points.
Between October and February, thousands of monarch butterflies shelter on the towering eucalyptus trees at Monarch Butterfly Grove, where walking paths lead to the beach. Oceanfront community parks in Pismo include Dinosaur Caves Park, where stairs lead down to small caves and tidal pools that can be explored during low tide. Every month from April through December, Dinosaur Caves Park hosts Art in the Park, with over 50 artisan vendors and live music.
Pismo Beach is a great destination spot for travelers.
Psimo Beach has many outdoor attractions.
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An overall pricey market with diverse housing options that also cater to lower price points
As of early 2025, Pismo Beach’s median home price is nearly $1.5 million — a 35% increase since early 2024 and more than three times the national average. Zoning and environmental regulations limit new large-scale housing developments, contributing to the city’s low housing inventory. “It’s definitely a lot harder to build on the coast,” Conti DeGroot says.
Mid-20th-century beach bungalows and coastal cottages are concentrated near downtown, while further inland in Pismo Heights, homes sit higher in elevation with unobstructed views of the coast. Shell Beach has luxury oceanfront homes that can go for upwards of $5 million. Condo units range from modest and inland to upscale and bayfront, and there are several senior living communities with manufactured homes.
Pismo Beach is full of many different housing styles.
Modern homes scatter the hill sides in Pismo Beach.
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A lively beachfront downtown with chain conveniences further inland
Adjacent to the main beach and pier, Downtown Pismo Beach is a walkable hub with locally owned cafes, seafood restaurants and bars — many with outdoor patios offering ocean views. The retail scene here comprises surf, bike and souvenir shops. Downtown is fronted by a promenade that spans the length of the beach and leads to the pier, where there are three vintage Airstreams: one serves gourmet street food, one sells bait and tackle, and one operates as a visitor center. Further inland, shopping and dining are less focused on tourism, and locals can find a variety of grocery, restaurant and retail chains. Pismo Beach Premium Outlets has over 40 mainstream and designer retailers.
Downton Pismo Beach is located just beside the ocean.
Downtown Pismo Beach has many shopping and dining options to explore.
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A weekly farmers market and annual community events at the pier
The pier hosts the Pismo Beach Farmers Market on Wednesday evenings, March through October, as well as community events throughout the year. Pismo Beach’s 4th of July fireworks display is among the most popular on the Central Coast, and in September, the Billabong Still Frothy Surf Festival attracts surfers of all ages from all over the country. The annual Clam Festival in October features live music, clam chowder competitions and a clam-themed parade.
The iconic pier at Pismo Beach attracts local fisherman and tourists.
There are dog friendly beaches in Pismo Beach.
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Served by two highly rated school districts
Most of Pismo Beach is zoned for Lucia Mar Unified School District, which serves roughly 10,000 students and receives an A-minus rating from Niche. The A-plus-rated Central Coast New Tech High School is a college-prep school of choice, and according to Niche, is the best public high school in San Luis Obispo County.
Northern Pismo Beach is zoned for the A-rated San Luis Coastal Unified School District, which serves about 7,500 students and is named as the best district in San Luis Obispo County by Niche. High schoolers in both districts can enroll in a variety of hands-on career courses and earn dual enrollment credits through a partnership with Cuesta College.
Arroyo Grande High School was rated an A- school overall by Niche.com.
Shell Beach Elementary.
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Most crime can be traced to tourists, not locals
According to the Pismo Beach Police Department, most local crime is committed by tourists during the summer months. According to the most recent data from the California Department of Justice, Pismo Beach's rates of both violent and property crime fell between 2022 and 2023; the latter year saw the lowest annual rate of property crime in 10 years.
Access to public transportation and major highways
Highway 1 and 101 merge in Pismo Beach, providing commuters with direct access to hubs along the coast. SoCo Transit and Regional Transit Authority make stops here and throughout San Luis Obispo County. Dignity Health Arroyo Grande Community Hospital is about 4 miles away. The small San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP) is 8 miles away, with direct flights to several U.S. hubs, as well as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO); both of these major airports are within a 3 1/2-hour drive of Pismo Beach.
Written By
Lauren Schott
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Palacios
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Deborah Bento,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Pismo Beach, CA sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Pismo Beach, CA over the last 12 months is $1,285,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Front-row sunsets and effortless coastal luxury define this newly built, west-facing Mediterranean-inspired home with panoramic ocean vistas and a stunning foothill backdrop in Pismo Beach. Designed for comfort, accessibility, and modern living, this exceptional residence features owned solar, an in-home elevator serving the first through third floors and abundant storage throughout. A paver
Lindsey HarnChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Located in the desirable Village at Pacific West community, this two-story single-family home offers a functional and inviting layout in Pismo Beach. The main level features an open-concept living space with the kitchen, dining, and living areas seamlessly connected, along with a conveniently located laundry area. Sliding door access from the living room and kitchen leads to a private backyard
Experience the essence of refined coastal living in this elegant luxury condominium located within the renowned Dolphin Bay Resort. Perched atop the scenic bluffs of California's Central Coast, this residence offers a rare opportunity to own a resort-style home with access to world-class amenities and services. This single-level suite welcomes you with custom travertine stone flooring that flows
Perched dramatically above the Pacific along Shell Beach’s coveted Shoreline Drive, this Contemporary Coastal retreat captures panoramic ocean views from every room. Thoughtfully redesigned with an emphasis on natural light, clean architectural lines, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, this residence perfectly balances refined sophistication with relaxed seaside living. The open-concept main level
Discover one of the most extraordinary oceanfront properties on California’s Central Coast. Set atop a dramatic 3.12-acre bluff this prestigious gated Spanish-style estate offers unobstructed views that sweep endlessly across the Pacific—from the rugged cliffs of Avila Beach to the distant silhouette of Point Sal. With an impressive 6,275 square feet of interior space, the existing 6-bedroom,
WALK TO THE BEACH! Perfectly positioned just four blocks from the beach and pier, this fully turnkey new home showcases stunning ocean-shore views that define true coastal living. THIS SINGLE FAMILY HOME HAS NO HOA OR MONTHLY DUES. Great second home or convenient year round residence with easy freeway access both north and south. Boasting 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms, this beach home delivers
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE THIS LEGACY PROPERTY. IT IS A 7 UNIT MULTI FAMILY COMPLEX, ONE BLOCK FROM THE BEACH, IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE OF PISMO BEACH. THER ARE 3 STAND ALONE UNITS, A DUPLEX, AND 2 UNITS AT REAR OF THE PROPERTY. THERE ARE 4 GARAGES THAT ARE RENTED OUT AS WELL. RENTS ARE BELOW MARKET, BUT HUGE UPSIDE POTENTIAL, WITH THE CITY ALLOWING UP TO 4 SHORT TERM RENTAL LICENSES FOR THE
Location, Location, Location! Introducing an exceptional investment opportunity: Premier Shell Beach Complex! Once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire this 5 units apartment complex in beautiful Shell Beach of Pismo Beach. Perfectly situated just steps from the Pacific Ocean and Spyglass Park. This impressive five-unit apartment complex—on the market for the first time since 1986.Units #1
PANORAMIC OCEAN + CANYON VIEWS in Pismo Heights + TWO separate living areas! **PRICE IMPROVEMENT** Lovingly remodeled creating a flexible floor plan with 2 separate living areas, each their own with balcony and deck access making it perfect for multigenerational living. Or, rent the downstairs which has a separate entry, for longer term rental. As you enter the main living area through the
Michelle McElrathKeller Williams Realty Central Coast
Discover this private, island-inspired sanctuary just minutes from the coast. This beautifully refreshed 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a serene escape with lush landscaping, multiple slate patios, and a tranquil courtyard that evokes the feeling of Hawaii. Enjoy peekaboo ocean views from your own backyard oasis.Inside, fresh interior paint and a reimagined stacked stone fireplace create a
Kristi DonatiThe Avenue Central Coast Realty, Inc.
Welcome to Coastal Living in the Heart of Downtown Pismo Beach! This fully furnished 3bd 2ba 1,880sqft beautifully designed three-story beach home blends modern comfort with unbeatable walkability—just moments from the sand, shops, restaurants, and the iconic Pismo Pier. The ground level features a spacious garage, offering ample parking and storage for bikes, surfboards, and all your beach gear.
Welcome to coastal living in the heart of Shell Beach. This beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home offers a light-filled, flexible floor plan and exceptional indoor-outdoor spaces just moments from the ocean. The main level features an inviting covered entry, warm wood flooring, and a spacious bedroom with adjacent full bath—ideal for guests or single-level living. A second downstairs
Front-row sunsets and effortless coastal luxury define this newly built, west-facing Mediterranean-inspired home with panoramic ocean vistas and a stunning foothill backdrop in Pismo Beach. Designed for comfort, accessibility, and modern living, this exceptional residence features owned solar, an in-home elevator serving the first through third floors and abundant storage throughout. A paver
Lindsey HarnChristie's International Real Estate Sereno
Welcome to 178 Cliff Avenue—a rare, ready-to-build lot in the heart of Shell Beach! Skip the years-long permitting process and start building your dream home today. This 3,750 square foot lot is perfectly positioned just steps from the beach and Dinosaur Caves Park with unimpeded views of the Pacific Ocean. The property includes fully approved and permitted construction drawings designed by
Shell Beach Charmer for Rent Walk to the Bluffs & Catch Ocean Views Live the ultimate coastal lifestyle in this beautiful three-bedroom, two-bath home located in the heart of Shell Beach. Just a block from the ocean and a short stroll to the bluffs, this beautifully maintained residence offers charm, comfort, and unbeatable access to the best of the Central Coast. Step onto the welcoming front
Feel at home in this modern bungalow in Shell Beach, the perfect base camp to experience BoHo living on the Central Coast.This beach hideaway features modern design details, including an Ipe Brazilian walnut wood rainscreen exterior combined with a functional "Baja Coast" styled interior. The kitchen boasts energy-efficient SMEG appliances, custom plywood cabinetry, quartz countertops, and
Seize the opportunity to rent a delightful condo in a scenic beach town. This spacious residence offers 1,682 square feet of well-designed living space, featuring two bedrooms, a generous den, and three bathrooms. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from its prime location.Key Features• Accessibility: Easily enter the main-level living area through the front door or the attached two-car
Kim Conti DeGrootKimberly's Global Real Estate Corp
HUGE STUDIO Private entrance and private patio. Fully furnished or unfurnished. Walk to the beach. $2,700 month all utilities paid, includes water, electricity, trash, pest control and wi-fi. $150 discount for tenants who wish to pay utilities. Security deposit $2,700. The space is 540 sq ft studio in sought after Shell Beach area. The space features large full kitchen, large closet, private
Very bright and sunny home on a quiet street and backs up to the beautiful Pismo preserve and hiking trail for complete privacy. Well maintained newer home with panoramic ocean views from Avila beach to Pismo dunes with city lights views at night from most of the house. Master bedroom and full bath, kitchen, dining, living room and half bath on upper level. Kitchen is open to dining and living
Live at ease with an ocean breeze :) NEWLY RENOVATED Light and bright 2 bedroom 1 bath a block up from the Monarch Butterfly Grove! Unit shares one wall with the next door but has a private washer/dryer, garage, back and side yards. Looking for minimum 6 month lease. Pet friendly with additional deposit.
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