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Lodging Choices

Pismo Beach HotelsPismo Beach Hotels. Pismo Beach offers a wide selection of hotels, motels and resorts.

Pismo Beach RV ParksPismo Beach RV Parks. Two RV parks in Pismo Beach offers all the amenities for the RV traveler.

Pismo Beach Vacation RentalsPismo Beach Vacation Rentals. Vacation rentals with all of the amenities of home.

Pismo Beach CampgroundPismo Beach Campgrounds. California State Parks operate the North Pismo Beach State Campground.

Pismo Beach Dining

Pismo Beach Dining Guide

Pismo Beach offers a wide selection of dining opportunities.

Downtown Dining Map

BBQ/Grill
Burgers
Cafe
Chinese
Classic American		 Coffee/Donuts
 Deli/Sandwiches
Fine Dining
Italian
Japanese		 Mexican
Nightclub
Seafood
Steakhouse
Thai
Wine Cafes

Things To Do in Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach Activity Guide

Our tour and ride operators can give you a unique perspective of the central coast.
Pismo Beach is surrounded by golf courses and many other sports activities.
Like to try an activity but did not bring your equipment. No Problem!
These other activities are a very integral part of the Pismo Beach experience.
Watchable wildlife seems to around every corner
Explore over a dozen city parks.

Today in Pismo Beach

Today in Pismo Beach

Check out our live cams.
Live, real time data from our downtown weather station. Updates every 5 minutes.
Live, real-time Pismo Beach area temperatures. From Morro Bay to Santa Maria.
Every beach person needs the local tide information.
Need to know the tides before you plan your visit?
Pismo Pier Buoy Report - swell, water temp and more.
Hot in the valley - cool on the coast! Foggy in the valley - warm on the coast!
The latest visitor news from our CVB!

Calendar of Events & More

Pismo Beach Infromation Guide

12-month Event Calendar
Find your way around!
Our history is one of a kind.
Great information.
Images available for publication.

Pismo Beach Travel Log

Pismo Beach Special Packages

Pismo Beach Travel Log is a travel journal, blog, photo gallery, video tours, an active guide to all things Pismo Beach and more.

Wine & Waves

Pismo Beach Wine and Waves

Stay in Pismo Beach, where more than 20 wineries are located within a very short drive.

Wine and Waves

Pismo Beach Wine Tasting

Edna Valley Wine Map

Avila Wine Map

Edna Valley Wine Map

The Wine Makers

Pismo Beach Video Player

Pismo Beach Video Player Video Player with Playlist

Upcoming Events

Pismo Beach is host to some great annual events. Check out our calendar, and plan your stay with us.

2010 Calendar - January 2010

» Every Saturday - Shell Beach Farmers' Market

» Monarch Butterfly Tours

Current Weather

Today's Tides

Visitor Guide

2009 Visitor Guide Flip Book and .pdf

Travel Professionals

High Res images are here.

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Pismo Beach Clams

The Pismo Clam

The Pismo Clam is one of the largest types of clams found along the California Coast. The clams can grow up to seven inches, if not interfered with by hungry clammers and sea otters. Legal size is 4 1/2 inches in diameter; and the proper place to clam is south of Grand Avenue (south of Pismo Beach).

Clams take approximately five years to reach legal size; growing about 3/4 of an inch each year. As clams approach ten years of age, they seldom grow more than 1/8 of an inch per year. The largest living Pismo Clam on record is 7 3/8 inches, however the clam shell on display in the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce is 8 inches in diameter. During high tide, the clam is covered with water and can be found just under the sand's surface with it's siphon extended to the surface. Water taken in through the siphon, passes over the gills where food particles are removed and digested. The water is then expelled through the siphon. A 3 inch clam filters an average of 5,800 gallons of water per year. This amount of water contains approximately 3.88 ounces of food; thus clams are very light eaters.

How To Clam
Before you clam you must obtain a salt-water fishing license, which can be purchased at K-Mart (Arroyo Grande), Longs Drugs (Pismo Beach) and Gotta Go Fish'n (Pismo Beach). Clamming is permitted year-round. You will also need a clam fork and a measuring device called a "caliper"; normally the caliper is attached to the clam fork. If you do not use a clam fork, you can use a modified rake, or any utensil that has prongs a foot or so long.

The limit for clamming is ten clams per day per person. It is a good idea to bring a bucket and fill it with sea water, not fresh water; the clams once in the bucket, will purge themselves of any impurities and will open slightly. This will allow you to remove them from their shells more easily. If you try to remove them from their shells when they are closed, you will quickly learn where the expression "Clam Up" came from.

Clamming Guidelines
According to state law: Clams must measure 4 1/2" in diameter before they can be taken. Undersized clams must be replaced in the very same hole that they were taken from. A saltwater fishing license is required. The annual fee for a saltwater license is approximately $14.20, and a day pass is about $8.40. The licenses are issued by the Department of Fish and Game. Clams may be taken only between a half-hour before sunrise and a half-hour after sunset. The limit for clamming is 10 clams per day per person. Those caught not adhering to any of these guidelines, will be subject to heavy fines.
Pismo Beach Visitors Information Center
581 Dolliver Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
on the corner of Hinds Ave. and Dolliver (Hwy 1)
 Open: Mon. through Sat. 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: (800) 443-7778 or (805) 773-4382
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