Historic home and ranch of John Michael 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
The 1893 Price House, a two-story redwood residence, was established as the final home of John Michael Price and his wife, Andrea, shortly before their golden wedding anniversary.
The couple remained in residence for the duration of their lives; however, the subsequent decades saw the property transition through periods of tenancy before ultimately falling into vacancy and significant structural decay.
By the late 20th century, the Price Family Home stood abandoned and was slated for demolition. Its preservation was catalyzed by the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society, which formally identified the site’s provenance. This discovery prompted a collaborative restoration effort between the City of Pismo Beach, Friends of Price House, and local stakeholders.
Recognizing the structure as a vital historic resource, these groups successfully rehabilitated the property to serve as a cultural landmark for future generations.
Now functioning as a meticulously restored historic house museum, the site serves as an educational conduit to the 19th century.
Managed by the Friends of Price House, the museum and the surrounding Price Historic Park offer a curated environment featuring:
Authentic period architecture and artifacts.
Specialized exhibits detailing local pioneer history.
Seasonal interpretive programs and community events.
Visiting and Educational Tours.
Docent-led interpretive tours are provided to facilitate public engagement with the site’s history.
Schedule Times: Second Sunday of each month, 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Third Wednesday of each month, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM.
Group and Private Reservations: Private Tours may be arranged with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Large Groups (10+): Require a minimum of two weeks’ notice to ensure docent availability. Registration: To request a specific date and time, please utilize the automated scheduling system. 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.
Friends of Price House
About
Friends of the Price House Founded in 1992 by city officials and dedicated volunteers,
The Friends of the Price House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the stewardship of Price Historical Park in Pismo Beach. The organization’s primary mission is to preserve and restore the 1893 Price House—the historic home of Pismo Beach founder John Price—and its surrounding rancho grounds.
Through exhibits, restoration projects, and community outreach, the Friends of the Price House advances public education regarding the rich history and prehistory of the Central Coast.
For more information, visit pricepark.org
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.
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.
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
2026 Board of Directors
Joseph Michael Scott
President
Julie Tazzano
Vice President
Jeannie Nix
Secretary
Dave Watson
Treasurer
LaDean Talcott
Director
Michael Devine
Director
Doreen
Curtze
Director
Cain
Silvey
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