Historic home and ranch of John Micheal Price the founder of Pismo Beach


A visit to the park 

What You Will Experience 

Just as California became a state, John Michael Price established Rancho del Pismo, and founded the town of Pizmo, today known as Pismo Beach.

A visit to Price Historical Park located on the Rancho del Pismo grounds is like taking a step back into history. The park features the Price Anniversary House, Meherin House, Juan Bautista de Anza Trail, El Camino Real, Ortega-Price Tri-Gable Adobes, a windmill, orchard, farm implement garden and stones from the corrals of early Pismo. You will also find exhibits and displays that showcase life in Pismo Beach as it was in 1893. 

Docent-Led Guided Tours  are conducted on the second Sunday of each month at 2 pm and 3 pm and the third Wednesday of each month at 11 am, noon, and 1 pm. Tours on other days and times can also be scheduled by appointment with 48 hours notice. 

Plan Your Visit

When is the park open?

The park is open from dawn until dusk, 7 days a week,

How can I tour Price House?

Docents-guided tours are conducted on the second Sunday of each month at 2 pm and 3 pm and the third Wednesday of each month at 11 am, noon, and 1 pm.  Tours can also be scheduled by appointment with 48 hours’ notice. Schedule a tour.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to visit the park or to tour the Price Anniversary House. Donations are welcome.

Is there handicapped parking?

Handicapped parking is available in the parking area.

Can I hold an event at the park?

The rental of the park is not available at this time. We hope to provide that opportunity soon.

Is there a restroom at the park?

Restrooms are available and open during park hours.

Tour Price Anniversary House

In 1893, not long before they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, John Michael Price and his wife Andrea moved into their new two-story redwood home.  Both remained in the home until their death.

The home was used by family members, rented, and eventually was no longer occupied.

For decades the Price Family Home was forgotten, lay abandoned, in total disrepair, and threatened with demolition. Luckily, the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society notified Pismo Beach that the home belonged to John Price.  This led a group of community members and The City of Pismo Beach to see beyond the shambles and recognize it as a historic resource worthy of being preserved for posterity.

Today this beautifully restored historic house museum provides the perfect setting for visitors to acquaint themselves with the attributes of the 19th century.

Friends of Price House invite you to come to the Price Historic Park and experience the historic homes, one-of-a-kind exhibits, memorable holiday events, and much more.

Docents-guided tours are conducted on the second Sunday of each month at 2 pm and 3 pm and the third Wednesday of each month at 11 am, noon, and 1 pm. Tours can also be scheduled by appointment with 48 hours’ notice. Groups with over 10 people, 2 weeks notice. Schedule a tour by clicking the schedule tour button.

Historical Notes

A collection of historical notes about Rancho del Pismo, the Price Family, the Meherin Family, Vaquero Juan Miguel Prais, and the founding of Pizmo (Pismo Beach) just as California became a state.

The Life of John and Maria Price

Read Historical Note

The Ortega-Price Tri-Gable Adobe

Read Historical Note

Inherited.
What Happened Next?

Read Historical Note

Price Historical Park News

The latest news and stories about the preservation, programs, and events from Friends of Price House.

Click the photo to read the article .


Friends of Price House

About 

Before the restoration of Price House could even start, the City of Pismo Beach and community leaders worked for years to ensure the future of Pismo Beach’s oldest house. 

Formed in 1992 by city parks commissioners, city employees, and volunteers, Friends of Price House now has a six-member board of directors and close to 150 annually renewing members.


Today, funds raised through the efforts of the Friends of Price House are used to support continuing restoration efforts,  outreach, and educational activities, as well as for the maintenance of the structures and museum exhibits.

Friends of Price House, Inc. (FOPH) is a 501 3C Non-profit organization.

Contribute Now
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Our Historic Renovation and Restoration Projects

Restoring and maintaining historic properties preserves the architectural, and aesthetic character and heritage of an area, and helps to provide a sense of place and continuity.

At Price Historical Park we are continuously working on projects to protect the past, as well as adding amenities for the enjoyment of the community and visitors to Pismo Beach.

Price House

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General maintenance 

Meherin House

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Interior restoration

All Projects

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Visit projects page

Join, Renew or Give a Gift Membership 

You can join by mail today

Whether you live, work, are frequent Pismo Beach visitors, or just appreciate history, your membership supports the restoration and preservation of the history and heritage of the founding family of Pismo Beach, California.

History is Calling Your Name 

Friends of Price House relies on the efforts of individuals like you, to keep the history alive.

We have several volunteer opportunities available, depending on your interest and availability.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us with restoration and maintenance efforts. They are also essential to the preservation of photos and documents, special events, fundraising, tours and more.

Learn More About  Volunteering

Meet Our Leadership Volunteers 

Each board member applies his or her expertise, passion, and commitment to ensure the success of  Friends of Price Park.  Established in February of 1992

2024 Board of Directors

Joseph Michael Scott

President

Julie Tazzano

Vice President

Jeannie Nix

Secretary 

Dave Watson

Treasurer

LaDean Talcott

Director

Michael Devine

Director

Judy Anderson

Director

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Friends of Price House, Inc. (FOPH) is a 501 3C Non-profit organization.  Copyright  2023 Friends of Price House . All Rights Reserved. Reusers may distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, so long as attribution and/or photo credit is given to Friends of Price House. The license allows for commercial use. If you remix, adapt or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms. Historical photos  from the Effie McDermott Archives may not be used for commercial purposes without the permission of the owner.  Website : Joseph Michael Scott