The beach offers a number of activities to visitors including surfing, snorkeling, sunbathing, kiteboarding, bodyboarding, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife watching, fishing, boating (non - motor), horseback riding, volleyball, paddleboarding, clam-digging, and beachcombing. You can also surf and kiteboard near the waters under favorable conditions. You can dig at the beach for the famous Pismo clams – however, be sure to follow the local regulations while doing so. The beach area is a regular haunt for wildlife enthusiasts as the 1,000-feet long pier offers an alluring view of the migrating humpback whales. Moreover, the lagoon near the North Beach Campground area is a perfect spot for bird watching and wildlife photography while also featuring a campground and walking trails. The city of Pismo Beach, known as "the clam capital of the world," hosts an annual three-day Clam Festival which sees clam digging contests, clam bake-offs, and surf contests being organized all over the beach and the adjoining areas. The Pismo Pier Plaza has also been recently renovated and features a playground offering a variety of nautical-themed rides, along with several shops and restaurants. You can also head to the nature preserves and parks which are located nearby including the Pismo preserve, Oceano Dunes, and Price Historical Park to get a unique insight into central California’s biodiversity and history.