Perfect Coastal Getaway: Pismo Beach and Long Beach Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Relaxing Coastal Day

Pismo Beach, CA, USA on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Old West Cinnamon Rolls

Start your morning with indulgent cinnamon rolls at this cozy bakery open from 7am, perfect for a sweet and satisfying breakfast.
USD5, 1h

9:30am

Walk along Pismo Beach Pier

Enjoy a peaceful stroll on the pier for beautiful ocean views and fresh sea air; it’s a great way to start your day.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Visit Monarch Butterfly Grove

Explore the seasonal Monarch Butterfly Grove where thousands of butterflies cluster in eucalyptus trees (best from late October to February, but still worth a visit for the scenic hike).
USD5 per vehicle parking, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Splash Cafe

Savor the world-famous clam chowder at this highly rated local eatery, open from 11am to 8pm.
USD15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Pismo Preserve

Hike scenic trails with stunning coastal views in this 900-acre nature preserve open from dawn to dusk.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Ventana Grill

Enjoy Mexican coastal cuisine with ocean views; open until 9pm, perfect for a relaxed dinner with your mom.
USD30-45, 1.5h
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Day 2: Travel & Leisure

Pismo Beach to Long Beach, CA, USA on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Penny’s All American Cafe

Fuel up with classic American breakfast in a retro diner setting; it opens at 7am.
USD10-15, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Pismo Beach to Long Beach

A scenic and approximately 3.5-hour drive covering about 190 miles along US-101 S and I-405 S.
Gas approx. USD20, 3.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Michael’s on Naples Ristorante

Enjoy delicious Italian fare in Naples Island, Long Beach's charming waterfront neighborhood.
USD25-40, 1h

2:30pm

Check-in and rest

Arrive at your accommodation to relax and freshen up for the afternoon.
Varies, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Aquarium of the Pacific

Explore one of the largest aquariums in the U.S., featuring marine life from the Pacific Ocean; open 9am–6pm (last entry 5pm).
USD36, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Boathouse on the Bay

Dine on fresh seafood with water views in Long Beach’s Marina District, open until 9pm.
USD35-50, 1.5h
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Day 3: City and Culture

Long Beach, CA, USA on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

Enjoy innovative breakfast dishes and great coffee in downtown Long Beach, open from 7am.
USD10-15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Shoreline Village

Stroll around this charming waterfront shopping and dining complex with colorful shops and great photo ops.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Take a Harbor Cruise

Enjoy a scenic 1-hour harbor cruise for views of the Queen Mary, the port, and Long Beach coastline. Most companies start tours around 10am; book in advance.
USD25, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at George’s Greek Cafe

Taste authentic Greek cuisine in a colorful setting; open 11am–9pm.
USD15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

Explore contemporary Latin American art in the only museum of its kind in the U.S., open 11am–5pm.
USD10, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Lasher’s Kitchen

Enjoy modern American cuisine in a cozy setting, perfect for a relaxing dinner, open until 9pm.
USD30-45, 1.5h
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Day 4: Nature & Relaxation

Long Beach, CA, USA on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Attic on Broadway

Try creative breakfast dishes and southern-inspired comfort food, open 7am–2pm.
USD12-18, 1h

9:30am

Explore El Dorado Nature Center

Hike peaceful nature trails through lakes and forests; park open daily 6am–10pm with free admission.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch Picnic at Bluff Park

Grab some takeaway sandwiches from Sweet Venezia and enjoy a picnic with stunning ocean views at Bluff Park.
USD10-15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Queen Mary

Tour the historic ocean liner and learn its storied past; open 9am–5pm.
USD40 for tour, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Long Beach Waterfront

Unwind with a walk or find a café to enjoy the sunset by the water.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Parkers’ Lighthouse

Savor fresh seafood and great service in a stylish setting by the harbor, open until 10pm.
USD35-50, 1.5h
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Day 5: Arts & Shopping

Long Beach, CA, USA on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Blondies

Enjoy hearty, freshly made breakfast with friendly service; open from 7am.
USD10-15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Long Beach Museum of Art

Delight in modern coastal art with ocean views; museum open from 12pm-5pm but grounds are lovely for a morning walk.
USD10, 1.5h

11:30am

Explore Bixby Knolls Shopping District

Browse local boutiques, specialty shops, and charming cafés in this trendy neighborhood.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Stache Bar & Grill

Enjoy upscale pub fare and craft cocktails in downtown Long Beach, open from 11am–10pm.
USD15-30, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Naples Canals

Take a peaceful stroll through the picturesque canals of Naples Island.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles

Experience iconic soul food in a casual setting, open until 10pm.
USD15-25, 1h
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Day 6: Departure Day

Long Beach, CA, USA on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

End your trip with a delicious breakfast featuring creative dishes and excellent coffee, open from 7am.
USD10-15, 1h

9:30am

Leisurely morning walk at Junipero Beach

Enjoy the surf and sand one last time before departure.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Check out and travel home

Prepare for your departure with ample time for traffic and airport or home arrival.
Varies, Varies
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