Pismo Beach is one of the Central Coasts outstanding beach towns. Its highlight is Pismo State Beach, which features a wide swath of sand, dunes, good surf fishing, surfing, great camping, and a 1,200 foot visitors pier. Adjacent Oceano Dunes is the only state beach area in California permitting motor vehicles on the beach. The area is famous for the Pismo Clam. Clamming is still permitted on a limited basis. The town stages an annual Clam Festival featuring a parade, clam dig, Clam Chowder Cook-off, and more. Pismo Beach hosts one of the Central Coasts most popular 4th of July fireworks displays at the pier. The beach is also famous for its Monarch Butterfly Groves. Eucalyptus and pine groves behind the beach host large numbers of the colorful butterfly from October to February.
