I’m thinking of spending a couple of days in Pismo Beach sometime in the next couple of weeks, just to unwind and chill. I don’t surf, but I do like beaches in general.
So, interesting places to go and things to do? Say, anywhere between San Luis Obispo and Santa Monica? Places I shouldn’t miss? Food is not high on the agenda, by the way.
Roddy
I like the Best Western Shore Cliffs Lodge in Pismo (the one next to the Ventana Grill).
If you like bike riding, the cruise up through Shell Beach to Avila Bay is kind of neat, or you can go south past Oceano towards Guadalupe depending on what kind of shape you’re in. You can rent ATVs in Grover Beach right at PCH across from the entrance to Pismo State Beach if you want to ride around on the dunes.
Avila Hot Springs has a nice pool/mineral springs complex and the Avila Valley Barn next door is a kind of neat farmer’s market-type place.
If you want to go up the coast a bit further, Los Osos Oak Preserve and Montaña De Oro State Park are well worth a stop.
Thanks, but I’m not going anywhere near Albuquerque.
So one eats clams in Pismo Beach?
These look lovely, thank you.
Roddy
That was an oyster, but I don’t think they grow in the area.
People do go clamming at Pismo Beach, but you need a permit and there are other restrictions (area, time of year, etc.).
The penalties are ferocious–one mother and son were cited for 200 undersized clams without a license back in the late 80’s – $10,000+ fine. I believe the penalty may be $100 now for each violation.
Other things to do ocean wise is hanging around Avila Beach; one of my friends took a picture of a Great White last week hanging around the area near the Port San Luis pier (pinnipeds like to rest underneath it). The shot itself showed a head out of the water, mouth wide open and all you saw were teeth. It was the distinct nose that suggested to me that it was a GW. They’ve heard rumors the shark is enormous --20 feet long. I seriously doubt that, but the picture I saw didn’t suggest that it was a juvenile either. But there’s nothing to reference the size, so this is pure speculation.
FWIW, the water up there is cold (60°F) and this is about as warm as it gets during the year. In addition, the coastal marine layer can be a problem; it might be foggy this time of year or it might not; check the extended weather forecast.
When you drive by the Madonna Inn, drop into the resaturant/gift shop, go downstairs, and use the restroom. You will thank me. 
Pismo clam. They grow up to seven inches.
A. Pismo Clam is the name of a character in W.C. Field’s The Bank Dick.
As far as food goes I’d suggest eating at the Hitching Post in Buelton. By far the best steak hous I’ve ever been to. Also you’ll be in the heart of wine country so I’d suggest going wine tasting. The Foxen Canyon tour will cover most of the good wineries in the area but not my favorite, Kennith Volk Vineyards. There are some closer tours to piano if you’re iterested.
Another great resteraunt is Rick’s down the Orcutt. And the only freak hike that has been left out is climbig Madonna peak which over looks SLO. Also depending on your interests there is some great high school football in the region with at least one of the local team competing for the state title every year, or at least California’s version of it.
Thanks for the links.
We went clam digging once or twice when I was a child in Oregon. That was enough for my lifetime. And clams don’t agree with my digestion very well, unfortunately. So I’ll probably not be doing anything clam-my…
Roddy
You are close to some excellent wine country, both north and south. Paso Robles has some really excellent wineries. South, in the Santa Maria area, is Sideways country.
If you’re hungry…
If you like Cinnamon Rolls, they have some great ones at Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo–enough sticky sugary-ness to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Dells Pizzeria in Shell Beach makes a decent pie and Italian food. Juanita’s in Grover Beach is a good hole in the wall place, but the service gets slow if they’re busy at all. Alex BBQ has a good reputation and reviews, but my meals there have been rather mediocre. The Olde Port Inn on the pier at Avila used to have really good seafood, but it’s been a while since I’ve eaten there.