Shell Beach Travel Guide

Pismo Beach

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


Top hotels in Shell Beach

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! (457 reviews)
Clean room. Nice warm pool. Great communication on check e.

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

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 3.286.252 ₫ per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
3.286.252 ₫
4.393.029 ₫ total
3 Feb - 4 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! (1,337 reviews)
Great overall stay.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown

3 out of 5
1845 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo CA
The price is 3.351.924 ₫ per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
3.351.924 ₫
3.810.970 ₫ total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,839 reviews)
Fresh remodeled hotel 5/5 stars Great breakfast, nice gym

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown
SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2241 Price Street Pismo Beach CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is 3.914.081 ₫ per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
3.914.081 ₫
4.489.372 ₫ total
21 Jan - 22 Jan
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! (1,601 reviews)
Great stay. Easy access to the beach. Clean rooms

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel
Cottage Inn By The Sea

Cottage Inn By The Sea

3 out of 5
2351 Price St Pismo Beach CA
The price is 3.035.571 ₫ per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
3.035.571 ₫
3.481.647 ₫ total
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! (1,184 reviews)
Cute little stay with my partner. Would happily return again for the ocean view and that exceptionally cozy fireplace!

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Cottage Inn By The Sea
Madonna Inn

Madonna Inn

3.5 out of 5
100 Madonna Road San Luis Obispo CA
The price is 3.914.081 ₫ per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
3.914.081 ₫
5.337.072 ₫ total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,346 reviews)
The Madonna has the best pool vibes on the Central coast. We even lucked out in January.

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Madonna Inn
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(15 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
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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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