Hungry for Chowder?

After watching the sunset and sinking your toes in the warm sand, you may be getting a bit hungry.   And what better way to enjoy your time on the Central Coast than to have a bowl of clam chowder.   So, I’ve listed for you some great places to savor this delicious thick, creamy soup. Whether you enjoy a bowl with crumbled oyster crackers on top, or go all out for the big sourdough bread bowl-filled delight, you are sure to enjoy.

But, first, a little about the origins of the dish.   First, the word chowder is derived from the French word for caldron or pot, chaudière.   In the days of ships and sailors, seamen would throw their catch of the day in a large kettle and cook the fish and shellfish with bits of potato, bacon, celery, and onion.   Depending on the region and the catch of the day, some areas were known for their lobster chowder, some for seafood chowder, some for a tomato-based stew, and others for the creamy white version served here on the Central Coast.   So, now that you are hungry, where should you go to try this local favorite?

Splash Café – Serving more than 30,000 gallons a year, this place has the best, creamiest, richest clam chowder in the area.   Not only are they award-winners, but magazines like Gourmet and Bon Appetit have requested their recipes.   Splash has three restaurants to serve you:   197 Pomeroy, Pismo Beach, 1941 Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and 893 Higuera in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Steamers – If you want to dine with a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, head to 1601 Price Street in Pismo Beach.   Their clam chowder is thick and tasty, with plenty of clams – and great views of the sparkling ocean below.

Custom House – Located at 404 Front Street in Avila, this restaurant offers indoor or outdoor seating while you enjoy your bowl of clam chowder.

Giovanni’s Fish Market – If you want to grab a bowl of clam chowder and head to the beach in Morro Bay, try Giovanni’s.   Their chowder is rich and creamy, and especially yummy if you order it served in a sourdough bread bowl.

Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant – For an informal spot in Morro Bay, you might try this bustling restaurant which serves good, hearty clam chowder.

Dorn’s Original Breakers Café – If you want something a little less informal, head to 801 Market Avenue in Morro Bay. This family-owned restaurant has been serving a rich, creamy clam chowder with views of the bay for years.    

If your wedding guests are arriving to town before the wedding ceremony, make sure they stop off at one of the places above for a hot bowl of clam chowder!

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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