Shell Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A coastal landscape with rocky outcrops in the water, a distant mountain range, and a clear sky.
A coastal landscape with waves crashing onto the shore, a sandy beach, and houses on a hillside in the background.
A paved pathway leading to a white archway, surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants, with a rocky outcrop and the ocean in the background.
A coastal landscape with cliffs, a clear blue sky, and a calm sea.
A rocky shoreline with waves at sunset.

Stay near popular Shell Beach attractions

A rocky coastline with waves crashing against large boulders and cliffs.
Photo by Krystalvation
Open Photo by Krystalvation

Margo Dodd Park

8.2/10 (211 reviews)
After visiting Margo Dodd Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Pismo Beach. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
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Activities

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

NZ$35
per traveller
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Paso Robles: Scenic Sidecar Vineyard Tour

Paso Robles: Scenic Sidecar Vineyard Tour

NZ$125
per adult
Paso Robles: Scenic Sidecar Vineyard Tour
The Fremont Theatre is one of the last Streamline Moderne building in existence.

Essential Downtown SLO: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

NZ$18
per adult
Essential Downtown SLO: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Long, Wide, Low and stable with Giant paddle tires, this is the Only REAL Dune Buggy Experience at the Oceano Dunes.

Dune Buggy, UTV or ATV Experience at Pismo Beach

NZ$247
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Dune Buggy, UTV or ATV Experience at Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo Self Guide Walking Tour

San Luis Obispo: GPS-Guided Walking Audio Tour Via App

NZ$18
per traveller
San Luis Obispo: GPS-Guided Walking Audio Tour Via App
Scenic Sidecar Vineyard Adventure San Luis Obispo

Scenic Vineyard Tour Adventure San Luis Obispo

NZ$79
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Scenic Vineyard Tour Adventure San Luis Obispo
See all activities in Pismo Beach

Our pick of the best Shell Beach Hotel Deals

The Palomar Inn

The Palomar Inn

2 out of 5
1601 Shell Beach Road Pismo Beach CA
The price is NZ$161 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$161
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
The Palomar Inn
Shell Beach Inn

Shell Beach Inn

2 out of 5
653 Shell Beach Rd Pismo Beach CA
The price is NZ$366 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
NZ$366
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (532 reviews)
"Clean room"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2026

Shell Beach Inn
Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo

Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo

3 out of 5
1631 Monterey St San Luis Obispo CA
The price is NZ$299 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
NZ$299
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo
Spyglass Inn

Spyglass Inn

3 out of 5
2705 Spyglass Dr Pismo Beach CA
The price is NZ$313 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$313
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,757 reviews)
"It’s was ok. Not what it’s advertised as."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2026

Spyglass Inn
Pacific Point Resort

Pacific Point Resort

3 out of 5
2555 Price Street Pismo Beach CA
The price is NZ$522 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$522
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,305 reviews)
"Property was perfect, although still under construction, We enjoyed our stay, perfect location and the rooms were excellent thank. You we will return."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2026

Pacific Point Resort
Oxford Suites Pismo Beach

Oxford Suites Pismo Beach

2.5 out of 5
651 Five Cities Dr Pismo Beach CA
The price is NZ$228 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$228
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,036 reviews)
"Horrible staff Brianna was rude"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2026

Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
See all 1,276 properties in Shell Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Shell Beach

Find the best Shell Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Shell Beach
Learn more about Shell Beach
A coastal city at sunset with a pier extending into the ocean, a lit-up waterfront, and a backdrop of mountains.

Downtown Pismo Beach

If you're spending some time in Downtown Pismo Beach, Pismo Beach Surf Shop and Pismo State Beach are top sights worth seeing.

A pier extending into the ocean at sunset with a lifeguard tower on the left.

Pismo Heights

Though Pismo Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pismo Beach Surf Shop and Price Anniversary House.

855634304

If you're spending some time in 855634304, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets and Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

A sunset over a calm sea with palm trees and a distant mountain.

Sunset Palisades

While Sunset Palisades isn't home to many top sights, Avila Hot Springs and The Spa at Dolphin Bay are some notable places to visit nearby.

Pacific Estates

Though Pacific Estates may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pismo Beach Premium Outlets and Pismo Beach Surf Shop.

Shell Beach Travel Guide

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