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There’s something about Pismo Beach in the fall that feels a little brighter, a little slower, and a whole lot more joyful. Maybe it’s the golden light on the ocean at dusk, or maybe it’s the return of the town’s beloved seasonal traditions. Either way, autumn is one of the best times to plan a trip down the coast.
Golden light washes over the Pismo Beach Pier at sunset.
The marquee event of the season is the 79th Annual Clam Festival, happening October 18-19, 2025. For nearly eight decades, this festival has been the heartbeat of the community. It kicks off with a hometown parade before spilling into two days of live music, food vendors, and family activities. The highlight for many is the Clam Chowder Cook-Off, where local restaurants go head-to-head, ladling out samples for visitors to taste and vote on. It’s friendly competition with a delicious payoff.
Crowds fill the Pismo Pier Plaza for the annual Clam Festival.
This year also brings something brand new: the Sand Art Festival, set for November 6-8. During the weekend, the beach becomes an open-air gallery as artists sketch elaborate designs right in the sand. Some pieces are whimsical, others intricate, but all share one thing in common: by evening, they’re gone with the tide. Visitors can stroll the beach, snap photos, or meet artists from around the world. Stay through the weekend to celebrate Harvest on the Coast with SLO Coast Wine to enjoy the ultimate pairing of wine and waves.
A whale drawn in the sand with a rainbow in the background.
Together, these events embody the spirit of Pismo: festive, creative, and grounded in the natural beauty of the coast.
Of course, a fall getaway isn’t only about events. Pismo offers a softer pace this time of year. Morning beach walks might bring sightings of humpback whales just offshore. Afternoons are ideal for browsing the shops downtown or grabbing a pastry from a local café. And as the sun dips, the walkable downtown lights up in neon, a nostalgic nod to its mid-century roots.
Neon letters glowing in the Pismo Pier Plaza at sunset.
The best way to enjoy it all? Make it a long weekend. The city’s lodging specials mean you can stay steps from the sand, with packages designed to make your trip more affordable. Pair a stay by the ocean with these fall festivals, and you’ve got the makings of a tradition worth repeating.
Paid for by the Pismo Beach Conference and Visitor Bureau
(805) 668-7354