Pismo Beach History The History of people at Pismo Beach starts at least 9,000 years ago with the Chumash Indians, who referred to the area as a place to find pismu, or tar. The Pismo Beach region has an interesting history going back in time to 1769, when Don Gaspar de Portola and parties camped in the area. According to the diary of Costanso, a member of the Portola party, "the party continued over the sand dunes and then descended to the beach, along which they walked for several miles before camping for the night. Near their camping place was an Indian village of some forty people." Undoubtedly, the beach walked upon by the Portola party was that known today as Pismo Beach. Activities Clamming - license required Surfing Fishing - no license required for pier fishing Sea Kayaking - explore the coastline in Pismo and Shell beach Biking, roller blading, surreys, & banana bikes - miles of biking trails Horse back riding Volley ball - courts are located on the beach in front of the Sea Gypsy Motel Tennis - public courts are at the corner of Wadsworth & Bello Streets in Pismo Sand dunes - rent ATVs, take a HumVee dune tour, or even a guided nature walk Bowling - corner of Pomeroy & Dolliver Mineral springs - naturally heated mineral springs: Sycamore and Avila Hot springs Golfing - Black Lake and Avila Beach golf resorts Monarch butterfly grove - Located at the North State Beach Campground, you can see thousands of Monarch butterflies on their migratory path from October to February. Lopez Lake - 20 min from downtown Pismo