Radisson Hotel Santa Maria

PISMO BEACH. Boasting one of the more active waterfronts along the Central Coast, this 23-mile stretch of beach is a...

PISMO BEACH. Boasting one of the more active waterfronts along the Central Coast, this 23-mile stretch of beach is a family-friendly destination for visitors from all over the state, thanks to calm, warm waters that are ideal for swimming, scuba diving, surfing, body-boarding, sea kayaking, and fishing. The beach town prides itself on being the "Clam Capital of the World," and the official clam zone south of Grand Avenue has been known to yield specimens well over 4.5 inches in diameter ­ have care, though, clamming requires a salt-water fishing license.

PISMO BEACH. Noteworthy for its dramatic landscape, Shell Beach is a small waterfront community located just north of...

PISMO BEACH. Noteworthy for its dramatic landscape, Shell Beach is a small waterfront community located just north of Pismo Beach's main drag. The beaches, cut out of jagged crags and steep cliffs, are small, sheltered, and offer varying degrees of privacy depending on the time of year and distance from the road. The beach proper is broken up into a series of coves, some sandy and ideal for swimming and sunbathing, others rocky and marked by harsh sounds of crashing waves. None of the beaches have on-duty lifeguards, so caution and common sense are musts.

AVILA BEACH. One of the Central Coast's most popular beaches, Avila is known for calm, warm waters and beautiful scenery...

AVILA BEACH. One of the Central Coast's most popular beaches, Avila is known for calm, warm waters and beautiful scenery (especially in the summer months, when surrounding hills are in full bloom and hordes of sunbathers flock to the area). Recent development has upgraded public facilities along the beach, and it now features playgrounds, hotdog stands and pretzel carts, cement sidewalks, restrooms and changing facilities, and an occasional picnic table. A handful of restaurants, bars, and shops dots the waterfront business district, providing a respite for those needing to get out of the sun. It's best to arrive early in the morning during peak season because beach space tends to be at a premium.