Down by the Boardwalk

Just a few years old, Central Coast beach resort Vespera, adjacent to the Pismo Beach Boardwalk, feels new with its upscale nautical navy and white beach house design, swanky lobby lounge, and oceanside pool. 

Vespera provides easy access to the famous stretch of surf and sand. Explore the casual beach town or stroll miles of pristine beaches and the iconic pier to admire the rolling surf hugged by dramatic seaside cliffs. Find trails for hiking, biking, and running or hop on a beach cruiser to explore the town and local Butterfly Grove. 

Choose from room options like a breezy ocean view or boardwalk suite with high ceilings, expansive windows, and a crisp white coastal vibe. Most of the 124 guestrooms come with private balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Bathrooms are donned with Carrara marble and white subway tiles. 

Star gazers will appreciate the collapsible mini telescope provided with a stargazing map to peruse the night sky – a nod to how “Vespera” is derived from the evening star and the Chumash First Nations, who inhabited California’s Central Coast region and used the stars to cross the Santa Barbara Channel. 

At one of the many firepits, toast to your good fortune with a cocktail from their tequila-focused menu like the Kiwi Paloma, Baja Mule, Hot Lips, or Mexican Coffee. Pequín, the indoor-outdoor dining concept, serves Baja coastal fare all day with local ingredients and seafood from nearby Morro Bay. Portions are huge – one quality entrée like the tender Braised Short Rib or the gigantic Grilled Lobster is enough to feed two. Dogs are treated to a Puppers menu and water bowls, complementing Pismo’s dog-friendly beach right outside. 

Busy families will appreciate other hotel amenities like a washer and dryer available for guests, a business center, and kitchenettes in select rooms.

Pro Tips:  In the surrounding town, clam chowder or fish and chips is a Pismo Beach must while lines form at popular spots like Hotlix Candy Shop (where lollipops come with bugs inside), Hoagies (for sandwiches, tri-tip wraps, and seafood), and Old West Cinnamon Rolls, where six different kinds of gooey bun goodness are sold. 

Thirty minutes away in the Central Coast town of SLO (San Luis Obispo), stroll the Thursday night farmer’s market on a closed-off street filled with food vendors or just a 15-minute drive away, savor some of the best Edna Valley wines like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay from Saucelito Canyon Vineyard or Edna Valley Vineyard.