(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Hardly ever crowded any week days 10 to 15 people out. surf at pier consistent. lots of close outs. (Pismo is famous for them). Almost always ridable surf in the early AM.Fairly friendly crowd.... been surfing it for 50 + years daily.”
Jimmy from UNITED STATES - 18 Aug 2025
Pismo Beach Pier Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 14 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.9(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.0(1: Pismo Beach Pier is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.3(1: Pismo Beach Pier is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in San Luis Obispo. 5: the best break in San Luis Obispo). |
Difficulty Level: 3.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 1.8(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Pismo Beach Pier can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.8(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Pismo Beach Pier, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Pismo Beach Pier are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.6(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.5(1: Often too crowded. 5: Pismo Beach Pier is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.9(1: Getting to Pismo Beach Pier requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 3.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.1(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.7(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Pismo Beach Pier for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 3.6(1: Camping at Pismo Beach Pier is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.2(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Pismo Beach Pier is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.7(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.1(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Pismo Beach Pier, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.6(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Pismo Beach Pier where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Often packed & crowded, certainly so if the conditions are anything better than lousy. Water quality is down-right Sickening especially in the Fall & Winter. The Pigeon Poop from the million pigeons at the Pier, routinely causes serious Eyes, Nose, Throat, Respiratory, and Gastro Infections. Occasionally Good Surf.”
Tigger from UNITED STATES - 24 Dec 2011
Nearest