Location and Events
The community of Pismo Beach draws tourists year round for its mild climate and California beach town atmosphere. But originally, tourists came to Pismo Beach for the clams. There were hundreds of them all over the beach and tent campers lined the shore to spend their vacations digging. Most of the oblong shaped large clams started to disappear in the 1980’s but that didn’t deter the steady flow of tourists. They came for the beach, surfing, oceanfront rooms and seafood. Clam chowder never left town and in October, a contest on the pier tests the competition.
This year the festivities begin on Saturday morning, October 18, with the 62nd annual parade. There are always a few larger than life size clams marching to the pier in costume. Then the beach fills with families digging for the infamous pismo clam. They are hard to find although they still exist but the fun is in the search. Regulations strictly protect taking clams smaller than 4 1/2 inches and most people put them back in the sand in the same hole after their photo shoot is complete.
In the afternoon, the pier fills with the aroma of sizzling onions and garlic, potatoes and celery and many secret ingredients know only to the chefs. The clam chowder cook-off takes place on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 when the best chowder cook is crowned. Tastings are held on both days and beer and wine, soft drinks, bread and other accompaniments are available.
Pier Activities and Beyond
Pomeroy Street, in Pismo Beach, goes directly to the pier with souvenir shops, salt water taffy and ice cream stores along the way. The Splash Café, usually with a line around the corner, also serves clam chowder for another tasting option. For a full seafood dinner with views of the pier, several restaurants on Pomeroy have outdoor seating.
Just north of town, Shell Beach Road travels along the ocean with stunning views of the shore. Rocky cliffs dominate the landscape. Some of the most spectacular California coastline scenery warrants a walk along the pathway in the small community of Shell Beach, just a few miles from the pier.
Numerous resort style hotels offer ocean front rooms. And restaurants that seem to glide above the beach serve fresh fish (and also chowder). A few of the old time beach motels have been redecorated and fill to capacity most weekends.
The Clam Festival, in mid October, is an event that celebrates the Pismo Beach culture from the early days. But there’s more to do in October. Jubilee by the Sea Jazz Festival takes place Oct. 24-26 and Pumpkins on the Pier happens on Oct. 25.
October brings clear days and colorful sunsets to Pismo Beach. The locals celebrate the subtle California autumn and bring new life to the timeless old wooden pier.
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