Pismo Beach, California: Ventana Grill; restaurant review

Ventana Grill  

2575 Price St., (805) 773-0000.  L M-Sat, D daily; $$$.  Reservations advised. 

Diners come to the Ventana Grill for the extraordinary ocean view and gigantic portions—the burrito was described by a waitress as “the size of a small child,” though that is an unfortunate choice of wording and an exaggeration.  Particularly tasty items include fish tacos, sea scallop salad, and tortilla soup.  Tortillas are made fresh in house, and margaritas are always unblended.  Reserve a window booth.




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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Pismo Beach, California: Pismo Lighthouse Suites; hotel review

Pismo Lighthouse Suites  

2411 Price St., (800) 245-2411, (805) 773-2411.  70 rooms.  Some gas fireplaces.  Heated pool; hot tub; fitness room.  Afternoon cookies at check-in; continental breakfast.  Pets ok. 

ocean view from Pismo Lighthouse Suites in Pismo Beach, California

Built in 1994, this bluff-top property holding the Pismo Lighthouse Suites is positioned right off the freeway and features extraordinary views from some rooms.  It is a five-minute drive from downtown and the town’s landmark pier.  An expansive continental breakfast that includes fresh fruit and make-your-own waffles is served in the morning in a dedicated breakfast room.   The pool and hot tub are situated bluff top with an ocean view, and a second-floor roof-top activity deck has putting greens, Ping Pong, a life-size chess set, and badminton.  Complimentary use of clay tennis courts can be reserved less than one mile away, and beach access is just next door from a scenic coastal walkway.  Beds are double-sheeted and topped with a light duvet—all in white—and decor is ocean city-themed.  Each unit has two ceiling fans but no air conditioning.  Note that the best views are found in the 3-story Oceanfront building (#3).



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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers (view from room 3301)

Pismo Beach, California: Hotlix; things to do

Hotlix  

179 Pomeroy St., near the Pier, (805) 773-1942.  Daily 8am-8pm.  

Though it looks like your everyday candy shop in the front, with taffy and chocolates and other classic treats, Hotlix becomes a little more unusual in the back.  That’s where you’ll find the special tequila suckers with a worm inside, not to mention ant, scorpion, and cricket candies and more!  

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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Pismo Beach, California: Monarch Butterfly Grove; things to do

Monarch Butterfly Grove 

On Hwy. 1, at south end of city, (800) 443-7778.  November-February; Docent Trailer open daily 10am-4pm; talks daily at 11am & 2pm.  Free.  Free parking on either side of Hwy 1. 

The monarch colony at Monarch Butterfly Grove is one of the largest in the nation.  An unusual variety, their relatively long 6-month life span is attributed to a unique fat-storing system (the more common variety of monarch lives only 6 weeks).   On sunny days you’ll see them fluttering about, but on overcast days they huddle together in cozy clusters in a grove of eucalyptus and pine trees.  The beach is a short walk away.



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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers