<P> The first European land exploration of Alta California, the Spanish Portolà expedition, passed through the area, traveling up today's Price Canyon from Pismo Beach, where they camped on September 4, 1769 . Franciscan missionary and expedition member Juan Crespi noted in his diary that they found a native village near the creek . </P> <P> Pismo Beach is located on the Rancho Pismo Mexican land grant made to José Ortega, grandson of José Francisco Ortega, in 1840 . In 1846 José Ortega sold Rancho Pismo to Isaac Sparks . John Michael Price bought most of the rancho from Isaac Sparks . Price established the town of Pismo Beach in 1891 . His homestead is now Price Historical Park . His home is a registered historical landmark . </P> <P> The name Pismo comes from the Chumash language word for tar, Pismu', which was gathered from tar springs in Price Canyon near Pismo Beach . The tar was a valuable product which the Chumash Indians used to caulk their seagoing canoes, called tomol, which traveled along the coast and out to the Channel Islands . </P> <P> The first wharf at Pismo was built in 1882, followed by a full - length pier built in 1924 that was financed and constructed by William Woodrow Ward who allowed full use of it by the public . After it suffered considerable storm damage, the pier was renovated again in 1985 . Pismo State Beach is named for the city of Pismo Beach . </P>

Where did the name pismo beach come from