Insight Weekly- Kim Wybenga - California Welcome Center

September 9, 2024

WELCOME IN…ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU!

The notion of traveling to unknown places and experiencing new territory has been the cornerstone of any great ADVENTURE. As Heller Keller once quoted, “Life is either a daring ADVENTURE or nothing at all.” Traveling is how our perspectives get broadened, and our eyes are opened to the world around us. Travel takes time and often planning is necessary to feel confident about exploring new territories. Even the most ADVENTUROUS person prefers not to waste time or money when contemplating their travel plans. The best way I can phrase it…We don’t know what we don’t know! Though our eyes are longing to see new places, our minds yearn to be expanded, and our hearts are open to new possibilities, the thought of wasting time and money is never a desired outcome.

Thankfully we have the luxury of a local California Welcome Center right here on the Central Coast. Serving approximately 300,000 visitors per year and making 40,000 direct interactions with the public, it has been a tremendous asset to those who travel up and down our highways and byways of California as well as locals.

As the old saying goes, “All who wander are NOT lost! So, if by chance you, your friends or family have the inclination to explore all that the California Coastline has to offer …You may just have won the jackpot! Supported and staffed by our South County Chamber of Commerce team, our (CWC-Pismo) California Welcome Center is located off Hwy 101 right in the heart of the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets at 333 5 Cities Dr. #100, Pismo Beach, Ca. 93449. Once inside, you will be greeted by a friendly face and given travel facts and destination information, all presented to you on state-of-the-art monitors. And for those who like to leave with something in their hands we have an array of travel guides and brochures that can change the course of your life. From maps and insider tips, to recommendations of some of our finest local restaurants, wineries, and live entertainment, the CWC-Pismo can help you make the most of your precious time. Think of our staff at the CWC as your own personal local travel concierge. With the resources available at our center, you are sure to make enough memories to fill your suitcase!

Though the CWC-Pismo has been in existence since 2015, in 2020 the decision was made to give the South County Chambers of Commerce a significant role at the CWC by placing them in charge of the day-to-day operations of the center. It was then that the vision was cast for the center. Through effective sponsorship, partnership with the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets (a Simon Center) and innovative advertising, the goal of becoming a thriving California Welcome Center has been realized!

New to the CWC-Pismo are the eye-catching souvenirs that are now available. Purchasing a fun novelty item is not only a wonderful way to support our local California Welcome Center, but it is also a creative outlet to celebrate and share the uniqueness of our Central Coast. Speaking of outlets, you’ll find our CWC-Pismo strategically placed in between Coach and Guess at Pismo Beach Premium Outlets (a SIMON Center). 😊

ADVENTURE AWAITS us all if we desire to embrace it! Even those of us who live here on the Central Coast should consider taking a moment to visit our local CWC-Pismo. Whether it be a newly established restaurant, tavern, live entertainment venue, the opening of the most recent retail stores or exploring more of the great outdoors, it would be a shame for any one of us to miss out on the vast ADVENTURES that AWAIT US ALL!

Hours of operation are as follows:

Guest Services with personalized assistance 11am-4pm daily and 11am-5pm Friday and Saturday

Open Self Seve 10am-7pm daily and 10am-8pm Friday and Saturday

South County Chamber CEO Jeff Chambers said, “I am excited with our new concept, retail souvenir offerings and partnerships. I hope that the community utilizes this valuable resource to find the hidden gems of the central coast.”