Shell Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Dori Vogel Cirrincione
Photo by Dori Vogel Cirrincione
Photo by Ann Sair
Photo by Ann Sair
Photo by Daria Hendricks
Photo by Daria Hendricks
Photo by Ann Sair
Photo by Ann Sair
Photo by Shereen Ward
Photo by Shereen Ward

Popular places to visit

Margo Dodd Park

Margo Dodd Park

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.

Margo Dodd Park
Eldwayen Ocean Park

Eldwayen Ocean Park

Learn about the local history of Pismo Beach when you spend time at Eldwayen Ocean Park. Wander the beaches and seaside in the area.

Eldwayen Ocean Park
Pismo Beach Pier showing fishing as well as a small group of people

Pismo Beach Pier

Watch whales from the benches that flank this long pier offering unobstructed vistas of the ocean and the hilly environs.

Pismo Beach Pier
Monarch Butterfly Grove

Monarch Butterfly Grove

Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Monarch Butterfly Grove, a lovely green space in Pismo Beach. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Monarch Butterfly Grove
Pismo Preserve

Pismo Preserve

You can take time to visit Pismo Preserve during your travels to Pismo Beach. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area.

Pismo Preserve
Pirates Cove

Pirates Cove

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Pirates Cove during your trip to Pismo Beach? Stroll along the seaside or discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area.

Pirates Cove

Activities

No other surf school even comes close.

Private Group Surfing Class, Pismo Beach California w Instructor

NZ$274
per adult
Private Group Surfing Class, Pismo Beach California w Instructor
Picture 4 for Activity Paso Robles: Vineyard Rides Wine Adventure

Paso Robles: Vineyard Rides Wine Adventure

NZ$148
per adult
Paso Robles: Vineyard Rides Wine Adventure
Paso Robles: Scenic Sidecar Vineyard Tour

Paso Robles: Scenic Sidecar Vineyard Tour

NZ$75
per adult
Paso Robles: Scenic Sidecar Vineyard Tour
Salem Puzzling Adventure

San Luis Obispo Puzzling Adventure

NZ$58
per traveller
San Luis Obispo Puzzling Adventure
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

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

NZ$33
per traveller
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Freshly baked artisan breads.

SLO Downtown Hidden Gems Walking Food Tour 3 Hours with Drinks

NZ$331
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
SLO Downtown Hidden Gems Walking Food Tour 3 Hours with Drinks
See all activities in Pismo Beach

Our pick of the best Shell Beach Hotel Deals

Shell Beach Inn

Shell Beach Inn

2 out of 5
653 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA
Stay at this hotel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (397 reviews)
"Very comfortable accommodations in a beautiful area."

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Get rates
Shell Beach Inn
The Palomar Inn

The Palomar Inn

2 out of 5
1601 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$165 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$165
11 Aug - 12 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 our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.2/10 Good! (557 reviews)
5 Stars
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

The Palomar Inn
Oxford Suites Pismo Beach

Oxford Suites Pismo Beach

2.5 out of 5
651 Five Cities Dr, Pismo Beach, CA
The price is NZ$287 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$287
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,590 reviews)
"This property is very beautiful. the main entrance looks very nice. I like it looks like Spanish architecture. the rooms were very nice and clean. the breakfast buffet is very enjoyable and the kids love the pool and the Jacuzzi. I will return!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
Spyglass Inn

Spyglass Inn

3 out of 5
2705 Spyglass Dr, Pismo Beach, CA
The price is NZ$342 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$342
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,223 reviews)
"It was clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

Spyglass Inn
Edgewater Inn And Suites

Edgewater Inn And Suites

2 out of 5
280 Wadsworth Ave, Pismo Beach, CA
The price is NZ$420 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
NZ$420
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach motel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,239 reviews)
"This property is conveniently located near local businesses and restaurants, and has direct beach access down a set of stairs. The buildings show their age, but the room was clean (though dated). Experienced noisy neighbors on the second night (older building - shared walls are thin). Staff responded ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Edgewater Inn And Suites
Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach

Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach

3.5 out of 5
100 Stimson Ave, Pismo Beach, CA
The price is NZ$372 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
NZ$372
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,418 reviews)
"We have a nice stay."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach
See all 1,236 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Shell Beach

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Saint Andrews

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Saint Andrews and surrounding area, you can visit The Spa at Dolphin Bay and Pismo Preserve.

Saint Andrews
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South Palisades

While there might not be top attractions in South Palisades, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Spa at Dolphin Bay and Avila Hot Springs.

South Palisades
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Pismo Heights

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

Pismo Heights
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Sunset Palisades

While Sunset Palisades isn't home to many top sights, Avila Hot Springs and Pirates Cove are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sunset Palisades
Pismo Beach

Downtown Pismo Beach

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

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

Downtown Pismo Beach

Shell Beach Travel Guide

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