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Clam Sculpture: A Pismo Beach Icon

Snap a photo with Pismo Beach's iconic Clam Sculpture, a tribute to the city's clamming history and quirky coastal charm.

The Clam Sculpture in Pismo Beach is a tribute to the city's history as the 'Clam Capital of the World'. Though the clams are not as abundant as they once were, these large concrete sculptures serve as a reminder of the town's clamming past and are a popular photo spot for visitors.

A brief summary to Clam Sculpture

  • Pismo Beach, Downtown, California, 93449, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the nearby beach for a full coastal experience.
  • Look out for local events or festivals that celebrate the town's seafood heritage.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Pismo Beach Pier, head south along the boardwalk. Continue until you reach the end of the pier, where you'll see the Clam Sculpture in a small park area. The sculpture is easily visible from the boardwalk.

  • Public Transport

    From the Pismo Beach Transit Center, take a local bus towards downtown Pismo Beach. Get off at the stop nearest to the Pismo Beach Pier and walk south along the beach boardwalk. The Clam Sculpture is a short walk from the pier. Bus fares are typically $1-3.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Pismo Beach. A short ride from a central Pismo Beach location to the Clam Sculpture will likely cost between $10-$20. Be sure to confirm the fare before you start your trip.

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Discover more about Clam Sculpture

The Clam Sculpture in Pismo Beach stands as a testament to the city's rich history and enduring connection to its clamming heritage. Once known as the 'Clam Capital of the World,' Pismo Beach was famed for its abundant Pismo clams, which were even harvested with plows. While those days are gone, the city still honors its past with these iconic sculptures. The most photographed clam sculpture is located at the south entrance to Pismo Beach, just off US Highway 101 at Price Street and Ocean View Avenue. These oversized clams, often adorned with holiday-themed decorations, provide a fun and quirky welcome to the city. The sculptures serve as a reminder of the Pismo clam (Tivela stultorum) and its importance to the area. Though the sculptures are the main attraction, visitors can also learn about clamming rules and regulations posted near the sculpture. While in Pismo Beach, be sure to try the local clam chowder, a culinary staple, even if the clams are now sourced from elsewhere. The annual Clam Festival in October is a celebration of this heritage, featuring clam chowder competitions and a clam-themed parade.

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