Once known as the "Clam Capital of the World," Pismo Beach is a classic California beach town with a laidback attitude and a delicious local seafood scene  Book a surfing lesson to experience the world-famous waves or plan an ATV adventure across the dunes—Pismo is the only state beach in California where you can drive vehicles on the sand. Dine on steamed clams and fish and chips at Wooly’s, just steps from the Pismo Beach Pier, and then wake up early to snag a warm pastry from the Old West Cinnamon Roll Company. While California’s beach culture is deservedly famous worldwide, many residents of the Golden State (myself included) know that the reality of a beach day is often more about fighting for space on the sand than lying back and soaking up the sun. The Central Coast region , though, more than lives up to the state’s carefree reputation, and there’s one spot that’s a particularly rewarding choice for some good old-fashioned R&R by the waves.…