On the Central Coast of California, Pismo Beach is known for its unique and delicious Pismo clams. The Chumash people who once lived in this area discovered an abundance of clams in the sand.
During the 1940’s, Pismo Beach was an ideal beach stop for vacationers exploring the Pacific coastline from Southern to Northern California. Its miles of sandy beaches are still the main draw, but also the historical pier is a favorite for visitors to walk on and take in the panoramic views of the area.
Hollywood elite stopped in Pismo Beach before staying in San Simeon at the Hearst Castle, and soon the beach town became a favorite stopover for those traveling to Carmel, Monterey and San Francisco.
Incorporated as a city in 1946, Pismo Beach is celebrating it’s 75th anniversary with a clam festival during the weekend of Oct. 15 - Oct. 17. The streets will be filled with live music, there will be a clam festival parade, clam dig and exciting surfing competition.
Local hotels are offering specials and some restaurants will showcase clams on their menu. One of the hotels is the newer Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach.
Built in 2019, the onsite restaurant Somerset Grill features tasty bivalves on the menu. Dine on the alfresco patio for panoramic ocean and sunset views. Inside the comfortable contemporary dining room, guests sit in plush booths near the open kitchen featuring a wood-fired grill.
Chef Frank Barajas makes a Seaside Chowder filled with warm baby clams, bay shrimp, white fish and applewood smoked bacon. This chef is a celebrity in Pismo Beach after winning the Top Chef competition at the 16th Annual Taste of Pismo Beach. He is a culinary artist who crafts coastal dishes with regional and seasonal ingredients.
Guests staying overnight in one of the spacious guestrooms and suites will enjoy oceanfront views from their balcony. Complimentary morning yoga is available to guests starting at 8 a.m. During October the mild weather provides the perfect temperature for yoga and stretching on the beach. The Pacific Ocean, surfers and recently redone pier are the perfect backdrops.
After yoga, treat yourself to hot out-of-the-oven cinnamon rolls from the nearby Old West Cinnamon Rolls. This shop has been around for over 40 years making handmade and freshly baked cinnamon rolls with a variety of toppings.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach offers guests a luxury beach living experience. The outdoor terrace next to the beach features a large heated pool and hot whirlpool. There are plenty of chairs to soak in the views and sunshine. The grass area has firepits with white Andirondack chairs, and hanging lights provide a festive atmosphere during the day, at sunset and in the evening.
Inside the beautiful wood floor lobby, the living area is decorated in coastal blues, creams, and gray colors. Restoration Hardward furniture and lighting offer sophistication, while the art throughout the hotel features local attractions and events. Photos of 1940s and 1950s Woodie cars and station wagons hang on the walls. It's a homage to the beach and surf culture in the area.
Other works of art include butterflies to honor thousands of monarch butterflies who visit the nearby Monarch Butterfly Grove from October to February. Pismo Beach is one of only five sites in California that over 10,000 bright orange and black butterflies flock to for shelter and warmth. They cluster in the grove's eucalptus trees at Pismo State Beach.
Learn more about the upcoming Pismo Beach 75th Anniversary festivities and specials at Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, a shining star in Central California.
