View from inside a tent looking out at a wooded campsite with a campfire.

Best Clam Chowder in Pismo Beach!

Colder Days? More Clam Chowder.

Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl with the Pismo Beach sign in the background

This month’s newsletter is a little different—we’re celebrating a big day in Pismo Beach! February 25th marks National Clam Chowder Day, and if there’s one thing Pismo does best, it’s chowder. Nearly every restaurant in town has its own delicious take, and we’re here to help you find the best bowls.

But before we dive into the ultimate chowder roundup, here are a few exciting happenings around town you won’t want to miss!

A Splash of Wine & Whales

A Splash of Wine & Whales event poster for March 15 at The Cliffs Hotel in Pismo Beach

February is also Humpback Whale Awareness Month! To celebrate the marine mammals of our waters, the Pismo Beach Stewardship and Educational Outreach program is hosting an entire weekend dedicated to whales.

From March 14th to March 15th, join us for any of these exciting weekend events:

  • March 14th, 6 PM: Sunset Sand Art with Avery
  • March 15th, 10 AM. Beach Clean-Up at the Pismo Beach Pier.
  • March 15th, 6 PM. A Splash of Wine and Whales at The Cliffs

The evening event at The Cliff’s Hotel on March 15th will immerse you in the world of whales as local expert Adam Ernster shares stunning footage and a personal presentation. There will be small bites and local wine offered at the welcome reception alongside local artists and partner organizations.

GET TICKETS

Still Feeling the Love? Escape to Pismo Beach!

Valentine’s Day may have passed, but the romance doesn’t have to end! Treat your loved one (or yourself!) to a spontaneous getaway in beautiful Pismo Beach. Find great deals on lodging and create a romantic escape any time of year.

VIEW FEBRUARY LODGING SPECIALS

20 Bowls of Pismo Beach Clam Chowder

Pismo Beach earned it’s title as the Clam Capital of the World. With it’s clamming history and a huge annual festival dedicated to the Pismo clams, it only make sense that clam chowder is taken very serious here. There’s an entire event dedicated to crowning the best clam chowder in town, and the competition gets steeper every year. Don’t worry… the list below will share who won the 2024 Clam Chowder Cook-Off (in case you missed it this year).

To celebrate National Clam Chowder Day properly, we’ve compiled this list of everywhere you can find a bowl of chowder in this town. Normally we’d suggest trying them all, but that sounds like a dangerous feat.

Rock & Roll Diner- Won Judge’s Choice

The Rock & Roll Diner sign and awning with an American flag

Starting off with the Judge’s Choice at the 2024 Clam Festival Cook-Off!

ROCK & ROLL DINER

Ada’s Fish House- Won People’s Choice

A bowl of clam chowder served with a glass of red wine and shrimp cocktail

Always a fan favorite, crowned the People’s Choice Winner for the 2023 AND 2024 Clam Festival Cook Off!

ADA’S FISH HOUSE

Wooly’s

Clam chowder served in toasted sourdough bread bowls

Ocean views and a hearty bowl of comfort to match them? Head to Wooly’s.

WOOLY’S

Splash Cafe

Clam chowder in a bread bowl topped with crab, on the Pismo Beach boardwalk at sunset

A Pismo Beach icon, famous for its creamy and crave-worthy chowder.

SPLASH CAFE

Brad’s

Rich, classic, and always satisfying!

BRAD’S

Cracked Crab

The finest seafood in their typical casual style!

CRACKED CRAB

Sunsets at Pismo

Savor sunset vibes with every spoonful on the Pismo Beach pier.

SUNSETS AT PISMO

Old SLO at The Cape

The newest spot in town isn’t letting anyone down with their giant bread bowl.

OLD SLO AT THE CAPE

Hoagies

Bold, flavorful chowder with bacon to top it off.

HOAGIES

Pismo Fish N Chips

Golden-fried perfection pairs perfectly with their chowder.

PISMO FISH N CHIPS

Cool Cat Cafe

Chow down on a classic-style bowl.

COOL CAT CAFE

Zorro’s Cafe and Cantina

Putting a baja twist on the coastal classic.

ZORRO’S CAFE

Marisol Restaurant at The Cliffs Resort and Spa

Luxury meets comfort in this elevated chowder.

MARISOL

Penny’s All American Cafe

Homestyle goodness in every spoonful!

PENNY’S ALL AMERICAN CAFE

SeaVenture Beach Hotel and Restaurant

Clam chowder with a view and a glass of local white wine.

SEAVENTURE

Burgers & More Co.

Love in every bite of this tasty, classic approach.

BURGERS & MORE CO.

Blast and Brew

Warm chowder and a cold beer? Yes, please!

BLAST & BREW

Lido at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

A sophisticated spin on a seaside favorite!

LIDO

The Break

Golden potatoes, bacon, and browned butter go down too easily.

THE BREAK

Cypress Beach House

Chowder next to a fire on a rooftop overlooking the beach? Enough said.

CYPRESS BEACH HOUSE


That’s all for the clam chowders! If you made it this far, you must truly love a good bread bowl of chowder. Don’t miss the next Clam Chowder Cook Off at the Pismo Beach Clam Festival in October!