The first wharf was built in 1882, followed by a full-length pier built in 1924 by William Woodrow Ward who allowed full use of it by the public. After storm damage, the pier was renovated in 1985. Visitors Information Center
Corner of Hinds Ave. & Dolliver (Hwy. 1)
Open: Mon.- Fri. 9 am - 5 pm & Sat. 11 am - 4 pm
800-443-7778

This classic beach town is located on California's famous central coast, half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Pacific Coast Coast and 101 Highways.

Pismo Brach offers long white beaches for taking a pleasant stroll or for just enjoying the spectacular views of the Pismo Beach sunset. Enjoy Pismo Beach's great weather and fabulous area wineries.  Prefer a more active vacation? Golfing, riding the dunes in a four-wheel ATV, horseback riding, surfing, body boarding, or fishing from our 1200-foot pier can all be part of a Pismo Beach vacation. Take a leisurely walk on our award-winning boardwalk adjacent to the Pismo Beach pier.

Pismo Beach adopted the name "Clam Capital of the World" in the 1950s. The city holds the Clam Festival every October, complete with clam chowder competitions and a clam-themed parade. At the southern end of Price Street upon first entering Pismo Beach, a gigantic concrete clam statue greets visitors. Clamming once drew thousands of clammers to the beach during low tides and is still legal; however, due to over-harvesting by humans and the protected sea otter (which feasts on clams), few clams are to be found. An 8 inch shell of the Pismo clam (Tivela stultorum) is on display at the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce.

In "Ali Baba Bunny", Bugs Bunny and his traveling companion Daffy Duck emerge from a burrow, believing they have arrived at Pismo Beach "and all the clams we can eat".

In the TV movie "Dragnet 1966", Bill Gannon retires to Pismo Beach due to poor health. After eight months and three weeks of eating Pismo Beach clam chowder, Bill's health returns, his teeth stop falling out and he is able to be reinstated with the LAPD. Explaining to Joe Friday the reason for his restored health he states, "The clams, Joe. The clams."