Iconic California pier to close as monster tides threaten coast

An iconic pier in San Luis Obispo County is closing for the weekend as massive tides are expected to batter the coast.

The Pismo Beach Pier will be closed from midnight on Saturday until 5 a.m. on Sunday due to “dangerously large” waves, city officials announced Friday.

The closure of the popular tourist destination comes amid high surf warnings from the National Weather Service and guidance from the State Office of Emergency Services, according to the city.

An aerial view of a beach at sunset, showing intricate 3D sand art patterns near a pier and coastal town. — The Pismo Beach Pier will be closed through early Sunday morning due to forecasted high tides and “dangerously large” waves. Experience Pismo Beach

Warning sign over the Pismo Beach Pier. — The temporary closure of the Pismo Beach Pier comes as a result of National Weather Service reports and guidance from the State Office of Emergency Services. City of Pismo Beach

Beaches will remain open, though city staff say they will continue to monitor tide and wave conditions closely throughout the weekend, implementing closures as needed.

The high surf advisory is set to remain in effect until 9 p.m. Friday, with high surf warnings in effect through 3 a.m. Sunday. Coastal flood warnings will remain in effect from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

An aerial view of Manolo Froelich creating a 3D optical illusion using sand and a rake at the Pismo Beach Sand Art Festival. — The pier’s closure aligns with the annual Pismo Beach Marching Band Review, which brings middle and high school bands from across the Central Coast to the area. Experience Pismo Beach

The advisory and warnings affect all beaches across San Luis Obispo County and central coast beaches in Santa Barbara County. The high surf advisory predicts “large breaking waves of 10 to 15 feet with dangerous rip currents” and the high surf warning cautions against 18-to-25-foot waves.

But these coastal areas may be in for more than a weekend-long advisory, as a series of west-northwesterly swells are expected to extend into next week with a high likelihood of significant flooding in low-lying areas.

A Friday visitor to the pier said he saw chain-link fence being installed at the end of the tourist attraction.

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A wide-angle, high-angle shot captures a sunset over a calm ocean, with a long wooden pier extending into the water. On the wet sand in the foreground, intricate geometric patterns are etched, resembling a large mandala on the left and a complex Celtic knot design on the right. Several people are scattered along the beach and the pier, adding a sense of scale to the vast landscape. The warm glow of the setting sun reflects off the water and wet sand, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. — Manolo Froelich uses a rake to create 3D optical illusion sand art during the Pismo Beach Sand Art Festival in Pismo Beach, California. Experience Pismo Beach

“I remember back in the day like 50 60 years ago. They never shut the pier down. The waves would crash over it. It was so exciting,” the visitor commented on the city’s Facebook post. “Now a days they have to make sure everyone is so safe.”

Other landmarks across San Luis Obispo County — including the Cayucos Pier, Morro Bay Harbor entrance and Oceano Dunes — may also face the brunt of the towering tides.

California State Parks announced Thursday that beach camping reservations at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area would be canceled through Monday as a result of the forecasted tides.

A sign on a sandy beach reading — While the city has not yet announced any beach closures, they will closely monitor conditions throughout the weekend and announce closures as needed. Mariia – stock.adobe.com

The Pismo Pier’s closure also comes amid a heavy weekend for tourists. The city is set to hold its annual Pismo Beach Marching Band Review, which brings middle and high school bands from all over the Central Coast to the area for the weekend.

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