California’s storied Pacific Coast Highway gets a lot of press, and rightfully so, but people often miss one of the best places on PCH in their rush to get to Big Sur or Carmel…Pismo Beach.
Located in San Luis Obispo County on California’s central coast, Pismo Beach is a premier surfing destination. Beyond the surf, outdoor adventure seekers will love the moderate climate, many hiking and biking trails, as well as hot springs and water sports. To me it felt like the quintessential small beach town, unpretentious and friendly.
Whether you seek a beach destination for a romantic getaway, solo escape, girl’s weekend, family holiday, corporate retreat, or to catch the perfect wave, Vespera Resort On Pismo Beach is perfectly positioned for a sun and sand filled stay. Within view of Pismo’s 100-year-old pier, Vespera Resort is one of the newest and most upscale hotels in Pismo.
Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. When you enter the reception, an open floor plan includes the bar and restaurant, plus lots of seating around a fireplace. It’s a bit like walking into a friend’s living room. While the days are warm, in the winter, nights are chilly and the fire is welcome.
Or, relax around the outdoor fire pit with cocktails and snacks while enjoying the starry skies and sound of the waves breaking just a few feet away.
photo courtesy Vespera On Pismo Beach
Dining at Vespera on Pismo Beach
Vespera offers several casual options for dining on site, including Pequin Coastal Cocina serving upscale food with views of the ocean. Pequin is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Star Bar is the outdoor poolside bar, and Blend Bar features tequila-inspired cocktails but offers a full bar menu plus food service. I ate at Pequin and tried the chicken taquitos and the roasted chicken mole, both very good. I also sat at the bar and had a delightful local sparkling wine by Laetitia. Room service is also available. There were quite a few locals at the bar and I got some great wine tasting tips.
Things to do and eat around Pismo Beach
Minutes from the pier you’ll find great coffee at Scorpion Coffee on PCH. Be sure to stop in Old West Cinnamon Rolls–even if you can’t eat the homemade sweets you can savor the aroma as they are baked fresh all day long. I also had a good cappuccino there. Surfside donuts is another popular spot that serves coffee.
I went to Giuseppe’s Italian for dinner on a Monday night. It was packed for the early seating, but things opened up pretty quickly. Giuseppe’s is a local favorite, and the portions are generous, so go hungry. Try to get a table with a clear view of the wood-fired pizza oven. The pizza maker is quite entertaining.
Discover Monarch butterflies in Pismo, hike the Pismo Preserve, or rent an e-bike and bike to breakfast at the Lido on Shell Beach. I took a surf lesson with Central Coast Surf School proving that no matter how old you are, it’s never too late.
However, if you don’t want to surf you’re only a short drive away from Avila Beach, Arroyo Grande, Cambria, or the city of San Luis Obispo.
There’s great wine in Edna Valley, Michelin-star dining in San Luis Obispo, Hearst Castle in San Simeon, and my favorite wine tasting room in Avila, Sinor-LaVallee.
photo courtesy Vespera on Pismo Beach
Rooms at Vespera on Pismo Beach
Vespera Resort has 124 rooms and suites with three different room types and three suite options. All rooms have a light and spacious feeling and are decorated in colors reflecting the seaside environment.
Most rooms have ocean views and private balconies. The premium rooms, with two queen beds and a sofa bed, can accommodate up to six people. Standard rooms and ocean view rooms will accommodate up to four people. Suites include separate living rooms, kitchenettes, and sofa beds.
My premium room had a king-size bed with Marriott’s signature mattress and bedding for a dreamy night’s sleep. I also had a separate desk and chair, sofa, and table. The amenities included an espresso/coffee maker and tea kettle, mini-fridge, refillable aluminum water bottles, binoculars for stargazing, hairdryer, and smart HDTV.
The oversized bathroom with a floor-to-ceiling rain shower and handheld attachments felt luxurious, not to mention the double sinks. Body soap, shampoo, and conditioner came in eco-friendly refillable fixtures.
Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach also offers ADA accessible mobility and hearing-enhanced rooms. ADA bathrooms with roll-in showers or accessible tubs, grab bars, lowered fixtures and handheld shower wand.
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Amenities
- Swimming pool and jacuzzi for soaking after a day of surfing.
- Fitness center with Techno gym equipment. Plus filtered water and aluminum cups.
- Outdoor lawn
- Beach chairs and umbrellas for 2 people
- Boogie boards and kites
- Fishing gear
- Lawn games
- Enhanced wifi
- Room service
- Yoga on the lawn
Valet parking $45 per night with in and out privileges. $35 per night resort fee that includes: resort shuttle service within Pismo Beach from 8 am to 8 pm.
Pet friendly $200 non-refundable deposit.
Vespera Resort Pismo Beach embodies the essence of a casually luxurious California beach vacation.
You can check rates on the hotel website or on Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com
My stay at Vespera was hosted.
