Where Creativity, Connection, and the Coastline Meet
Pismo Beach Retreats creates unforgettable, creativity-fueled getaways designed for writers, authors, artists, and dreamers of all kinds.
Inspiring Your Next Chapter by the Sea
Meet the passionate individuals who fuel creative courage—one retreat, one story, one wild idea at a time.
Patti Stueland
Patti Stueland loves gathering people—especially near the ocean—which makes her new venture, Pismo Beach Retreats, a dream come true. She designs and hosts retreats where groups can unwind, laugh, create, and enjoy the magic of California’s Central Coast. Her signature style? Warm hospitality mixed with coastal charm, thoughtful structure, and just the right amount of fun.
With a rich background as a program director and a certified life coach, Patti brings a unique blend of organization, intuition, and encouragement to every retreat she leads. She has spent years helping individuals discover their strengths, set meaningful goals, and step confidently into their next chapter—wisdom that now shapes the experiences she curates for her guests.
Patti is also the author of Living Your Best Dash, a heartfelt guide to living with joy, intention, and purpose in the moments that matter most. When she’s not hosting or writing, you’ll find her exploring new places, traveling the world for inspiration, walking the beach, or dreaming up her next adventure—always leading with gratitude and a contagious love for life.
Jeannie Bruenning
Jeannie Bruenning is an author, publisher, and playwright with a knack for turning everyday moments into stories—and stories into unforgettable adventures. As co-founder of Pismo Beach Retreats, she brings her love for building intentional spaces to the Central Coast, creating restorative, inspiring environments where writers, artists, and makers can unplug, refocus, and begin—or finally finish—their best work.
Through her publishing company, A Silver Thread, Jeannie helps writers bring bold ideas to life, championing projects that shimmer with originality. She also leads groups through The Artist’s Way, guiding creatives on a journey back to their imaginative center with laughter, curiosity, and just the right amount of challenge. With Jeannie, the creative process feels less like homework and more like an epic quest you’re glad you signed up for.
Above all, Jeannie is a master at setting the table and inviting creatives to come. Whether she’s hosting a retreat, crafting a new play, or curating a gathering that feels like a cross between a workshop and a treasure hunt, she creates spaces where people feel free to explore, dream big, and take brave steps toward the stories they’re meant to tell.
A Coastal Escape for Mind and Soul
Hear from our guests who have found peace and inspiration at Pismo Beach Retreats.
“The Pismo Beach Retreat was exactly what I needed to reconnect with my creativity. I left with fresh clarity on my next project and a renewed sense of purpose.”
Megan R.
Author
“The retreat gave me the space and guidance to tap back into my creative flow. I left feeling lighter, clearer, and excited to begin my next chapter.”
James L.
Writer and Artist
“A perfect blend of calm, beauty, and creative exploration. I gained surprising insights into my project and came back feeling completely refreshed.”
Lilly M.
Yoga Instructor
“This getaway helped me break through creative blocks I’d been struggling with for months. I returned home energized, inspired, and ready to dive into my work again.”
Theresa T.
Photographer