Shell Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Shell Beach cliffs and Pacific Ocean at sunset.  Pismo Beach area, California Coastline
Shell Beach cliffs and Pacific Ocean at sunset.  Pismo Beach area, California Coastline
Cliff access walkway at Shell Beach, Pismo Beach area, California Coastline. Beautiful lighting, golden hour, sunset Pacific Coast
Looking towards the city of Pismo Beach from this beautiful city park.
The high tide tonight at Shell Beach gave us quite a show. There was a large pod of dolphins off shore and birds flying and diving into the water everywhere; the Pelicans were my favorite to watch. Usually we come here during low tide to explore the pools, but this was a different experience and one not to be missed.

Popular places to visit

Activities


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 Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (458 reviews)
Great location! The room was comfortable with a nice feel. I appreciated the attention to detail the little extra amenities.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Shell Beach Inn
Cottage Inn By The Sea

Cottage Inn By The Sea

3 out of 5
2351 Price St Pismo Beach CA
The price is AU$197 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
AU$197
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,190 reviews)
Clean and very beautiful view!

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Cottage Inn By The Sea
Oxford Suites Pismo Beach

Oxford Suites Pismo Beach

2.5 out of 5
651 Five Cities Dr Pismo Beach CA
The price is AU$442 per night from 14 Feb to 15 Feb
AU$442
14 Feb - 15 Feb
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,727 reviews)
Staff were wonderful. Clean room. Excellent breakfast.

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2241 Price Street Pismo Beach CA
The price is AU$237 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
AU$237
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,603 reviews)
Early check in 2 hours before. Great clean room. Good breakfast on the outdoor patio looking at the ocean.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel
Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo

Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo

3 out of 5
1631 Monterey St San Luis Obispo CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$248 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$248
1 Feb - 2 Feb
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,334 reviews)
VERY nice property and resort fees waived for Expedia clients.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo
Edgewater Inn And Suites

Edgewater Inn And Suites

2 out of 5
280 Wadsworth Ave Pismo Beach CA
The price is AU$144 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
AU$144
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach motel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,623 reviews)
The staff was super attentive and checked in with us to see if we needed anything throughout our stay. The room was comfortable, well stocked, and the location was perfect.

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Edgewater Inn And Suites
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

Nice Flat Water - cool Breeze no people - it works.

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
Rugged beach.

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
Sunset over Pismo Beach. #beachbound

Downtown Pismo Beach

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

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

Downtown Pismo Beach
View from above Pismo Beach. #PismoBeach

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 Surf Shop.

Pismo Heights
Spot some poppies while hiking months ago

Sunset Palisades

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

Sunset Palisades
Default Image

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 Monarch Butterfly Grove.

Pacific Estates


Shell Beach Travel Guide

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