Seafood lovers will find Pismo Beach an easy city to love, and it truly lives up to its 'clam capital of California' tag, so whether it's a pleasant stroll along the white beaches or a hearty meal at the Cracked Crab on Price Street, the feel of living close to the sea is certainly appealing.

There is no dearth of seafood in this cheerfully casual place where house specialties are ordered by the bucket, and the friendly staff make sure your arsenal is loaded with mallet, cracker and other tools before you tuck into snow, Dungeness or Alaskan king crab, domestic gulf shrimp, Jonah crab claws, clams, mussels or slipper lobster. Although it's hard not to be enchanted with the range of seafood on offer here, the daily changing menu thoughtfully includes steaks, chicken and vegetarian choices for the rest.

Clam and jazz festivals make things even more exciting at the Cracked Crab, ensuring a steady stream of customers.