10 California Seafood Shacks That’ll Be Packed Labor Day Weekend (And 6 Off-The-Radar Finds With Ocean Views)
Labor Day weekend has long been the unofficial farewell to summer, and in California, there’s no better way to celebrate than by indulging in fresh seafood with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
Over the years, I’ve explored nearly every stretch of our golden coastline, from bustling piers to hidden coves, in search of the perfect plate of fish tacos, buttery lobster rolls, and creamy clam chowder.
Some iconic restaurants buzz with holiday crowds, while tucked-away gems remain fiercely protected by loyal locals. This guide will help you navigate both, ensuring your long weekend is filled with unforgettable coastal dining experiences.
1. The Crab Cooker – Newport Beach
Walking into The Crab Cooker feels like stepping into Newport Beach history. The bright red building has been serving simple, perfectly prepared seafood since 1951, and I swear the recipes haven’t changed a bit.
My family makes a beeline for their legendary clam chowder and mesquite-grilled fish skewers every summer. The plastic plates and casual vibe belie the absolute freshness of everything they serve.
Expect long lines this holiday weekend – locals and tourists alike flock here for their seafood fix. Pro tip: call ahead for their market side and grab some smoked fish to enjoy later at home.
2. Malibu Seafood – Malibu
Perched right on Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu Seafood serves up no-frills excellence with waves crashing in the background. Former commercial fishermen opened this place, and their expertise shows in every bite.
The fish and chips remain my absolute favorite – crispy, never greasy, with that perfect flake inside. Their outdoor picnic tables offer million-dollar views that fancy restaurants would charge triple for.
Last Labor Day, I arrived at 11am and still waited 45 minutes to order! Worth noting: they’re cash-only, so hit the ATM beforehand. The fresh fish market section lets you bring home whatever delighted your taste buds.
3. Phil’s Fish Market – Moss Landing
Tucked between Monterey and Santa Cruz, Phil’s Fish Market sits in working Moss Landing Harbor where fishing boats deliver their daily catch. The cioppino here became famous after beating Bobby Flay in a throwdown – and trust me, one spoonful explains why.
Seagulls watch hopefully as diners devour seafood at picnic tables. The market buzzes with energy as Phil himself often works the counter, greeting regulars by name.
My secret order? Their seafood sandwich on sourdough with a side of garlic bread. The portions run enormous, so consider sharing unless you’re planning a post-meal nap. Holiday weekends transform this local haunt into a bustling seafood celebration.
4. Neptune’s Net – Malibu
Motorcycles line the parking lot at Neptune’s Net, where surfers, bikers, and Hollywood celebrities create the most eclectic crowd in Malibu. Featured in countless movies, this roadside seafood shack delivers ocean views that stretch forever.
The steamed seafood counter offers healthier options, but I can never resist the fried fish basket. Something about salt air makes those crispy morsels taste even better!
Finding a table becomes an Olympic sport during holiday weekends. Friendly advice: send one person to order while another stakes claim to precious seating. The cold beer selection perfectly complements their seafood, making this PCH landmark worth every minute of the wait.
5. Spud Point Crab Company – Bodega Bay
Family-owned Spud Point sits right across from working fishing boats in Bodega Bay. Their crab sandwiches have ruined me for all others – generous chunks of sweet meat with minimal mayo on fresh bread.
Carol makes her clam chowder fresh each morning using a secret recipe that locals would start riots over if she ever stopped. The tiny shack offers limited seating, but the harbor wall works perfectly for impromptu picnics.
Fishing families run this place, and they close when they sell out – which happens lightning-fast on holiday weekends. Arrive early or face the crushing disappointment of seeing the ‘Sold Out’ sign. Their homemade hot sauce adds the perfect kick to everything on the menu.
6. Point Loma Seafoods – San Diego
Generations of San Diegans have celebrated special occasions at Point Loma Seafoods. Their recent renovation expanded the space but preserved the magic of watching boats unload their catch while you eat.
Their smoked fish sandwich deserves its legendary status – I dream about that perfect combination of smoky flavor on sourdough. The sushi counter offers boat-to-plate freshness that puts fancy restaurants to shame.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the harbor view while you dine. My strategy involves sending friends upstairs to secure seating while I brave the ordering line. The fish market section tempts you to recreate the experience at home, though somehow it never tastes quite the same.
7. Santa Barbara Shellfish Company – Santa Barbara
Sitting literally at the end of Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Shellfish Company occupies prime real estate with 360-degree ocean views. Waves crash beneath your feet while you crack into local spiny lobster – an experience that epitomizes coastal California dining.
Counter seating lets you watch chefs transform just-caught seafood into simple, perfect dishes. My standard order: local sea urchin served in its spiky shell with lemon and nothing else.
The tiny restaurant fills quickly, creating an intimate atmosphere where conversations flow between neighboring tables. Everyone bonds over the shared pleasure of impossibly fresh seafood. During holiday weekends, put your name on the list and stroll the wharf – the wait passes quickly with those views.
8. Barbara’s Fishtrap – Half Moon Bay
Barbara’s weathered wooden building has withstood coastal storms since 1971, serving comfort seafood that warms the soul. The tiny dining room with its nautical decor makes you feel like you’re eating in a ship’s galley.
Enormous portions of crispy fried seafood come with spectacular harbor views. Their clam strips – increasingly rare on modern menus – transport me straight back to childhood beach trips.
Foghorns punctuate conversations as fishing boats bob just outside. During crab season, their crab louie salad showcases sweet local Dungeness that was likely swimming that morning. Labor Day brings tourists in droves, but the efficient staff keeps food moving quickly despite the crowds.
9. Splash Café – Pismo Beach
Lines snake down the block at Splash Café, where people willingly wait for their famous clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. I’ve driven two hours out of my way just for this chowder – rich, creamy, and loaded with clams.
Their tiny interior features whimsical ocean murals and communal tables where strangers become friends over steaming bread bowls. The secret? They smoke their bacon before adding it to the chowder, creating depth that imitators can’t match.
Beach views may be lacking, but the quality makes up for it. Smart visitors order extra bread bowls to take home and freeze. During holiday weekends, their staff operates with military precision to keep the inevitable crowds moving.
10. San Pedro Fish Market – San Pedro
Controlled chaos defines San Pedro Fish Market, where the “world-famous shrimp tray” feeds entire families. The massive waterfront market lets you select your seafood, then watch as cooks grill it with their signature garlic-butter sauce.
Communal picnic tables stretch seemingly forever under basic metal roofing. The no-frills atmosphere focuses entirely on the food – mountains of shrimp, whole fish, and sides served on metal trays.
Live music often accompanies weekend meals, creating a festive party vibe. My insider tip: their michelada pairs perfectly with seafood on hot days. Labor Day transforms this already-busy market into a seafood festival where patience becomes essential but rewards prove worth it.
11. Fish 101 – Encinitas
Hidden among Encinitas surf shops, Fish 101 champions sustainable seafood in a modern, minimalist space. Their blackboard menu changes daily based on what local fishermen bring through the door.
The fish tacos elevate the form to art – perfectly grilled fish topped with cabbage slaw and house-made crema on corn tortillas. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame glimpses of ocean between buildings, reminding you how close your lunch was swimming just hours ago.
Locals guard this gem jealously, making it my go-to when avoiding holiday crowds. Their commitment to sustainability extends to compostable packaging and careful sourcing. The craft beer selection showcases local breweries, creating perfect pairings for their fresh-caught specialties.
12. Nick’s Cove – Marshall
Weathered wooden cottages on stilts extend into Tomales Bay at Nick’s Cove, creating the most romantic seafood setting in California. The historic restaurant dates back to the 1930s, when it served as a hunting and fishing lodge.
Local oysters arrive at your table minutes after being pulled from the bay visible through picture windows. Their seafood stew warms body and soul on foggy Northern California days, loaded with whatever’s freshest.
The boat shack at the end of their pier offers intimate seating for sunset cocktails. Holiday weekends fill their reservation book solid, but midweek visits often reward with immediate seating. Their commitment to local farms means even the vegetables taste like they were harvested that morning.
13. Dillon Beach Resort Café – Dillon Beach
Perched on bluffs overlooking the Pacific, this tiny café inside Dillon Beach Resort serves simple seafood with spectacular views. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame waves crashing against the shore while you enjoy local catch.
Their fish and chips feature whatever was caught that morning, battered lightly and fried to perfection. The café’s small size creates an intimate experience where every table feels special.
Families playing on the beach below provide entertainment during your meal. Even on holiday weekends, this remote location north of San Francisco stays relatively uncrowded. Their homemade tartar sauce – bright with fresh herbs and capers – elevates every seafood dish they serve.
14. Sam’s Chowder House – Half Moon Bay
Expansive ocean views compete with the food for attention at Sam’s Chowder House. Their lobster roll – named one of the top five sandwiches in America by NBC’s Today Show – features chunks of Maine lobster lightly dressed with butter in a toasted brioche roll.
The sprawling deck offers front-row seats to Pacific sunsets. While tourists flock to the main restaurant, locals know to grab a seat at the outdoor bar for the same views without the wait.
Fishing boats passing through Pillar Point Harbor remind you where your meal originated. Their sustainable seafood practices include serving local catch whenever possible. During holiday weekends, arrive early for lunch instead of prime dinner hours to minimize waiting.
15. Oyster Loft – Pismo Beach
Floating above busy Pismo Beach, Oyster Loft offers sophisticated seafood with panoramic ocean views. Their second-story location creates the illusion of dining on a luxury cruise ship.
The oyster selection changes daily, featuring varieties from both coasts served with house-made mignonettes. Unlike many spots on this list, white tablecloths and attentive service create an elevated experience that still manages to feel California-casual.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the historic Pismo pier stretching into the Pacific. Locals flock to happy hour for discounted oysters and craft cocktails. Even during holiday weekends, reservations remain available for those willing to dine before sunset or after the dinner rush.
16. The Jolly Oyster – Ventura
Breaking all the rules, The Jolly Oyster operates as a food truck inside San Buenaventura State Beach. Their concept? They sell you fresh oysters and clams, then provide shucking tools and condiments to prepare your own beachside feast.
Picnic tables scattered under palm trees create the most casual dining experience possible. Bring your own wine, side dishes, and creativity – I’ve seen elaborate setups with candelabras and tablecloths alongside simple beach blankets.
The Pacific provides both your view and your meal’s origin. Their sustainable farming practices in Baja California produce some of the sweetest oysters I’ve ever tasted. Holiday weekends transform the area into a community celebration as strangers share shucking tips and sauce recipes.