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.
See properties

Activities

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

AU$196
per adult
Dune Buggy, UTV or ATV Experience at Pismo Beach
Scenic Sidecar Vineyard Adventure San Luis Obispo

Scenic Vineyard Tour Adventure San Luis Obispo

AU$63
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 AU$122 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$122
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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 AU$242 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
AU$242
14 Sept - 15 Sept
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. ...
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$241 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$241
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,423 reviews)
"Beautiful location, clean/solid facility, and accommodatingly kind staff. Especially love the outdoor firepits, the spectacular view of the ocean surrounded by beautiful foliage and rockery. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2026

Cottage Inn By The Sea
Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach

Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach

3.5 out of 5
100 Stimson Ave Pismo Beach CA
The price is AU$362 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
AU$362
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,731 reviews)
"Clean room, ocean views, friendly staff, breakfast was excellent!"

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2026

Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach
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 AU$242 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
AU$242
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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 AU$257 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
AU$257
1 Oct - 2 Oct
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! (1,845 reviews)
"Staff was very welcoming and kind. Room was adequate, although not as nice as I thought a $400+ room could be. The room was clean and we had a nice stay for one night."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2026

Spyglass Inn
See all 1,275 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 State Beach and Pismo Beach Surf Shop 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 Price Anniversary House and Pismo Beach Surf Shop.

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 Monarch Butterfly Grove.

Shell Beach Travel Guide

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