Shell Beach Panoramic Walk

San Luis Obispo, CA Print   Leave a comment

Description

This is one of the most beautiful spots on earth! It is on the grounds of the Shore Cliff Hotel but the public can take a stroll here. On one side of you are sea stacks jutting out of the blue-green sea. On the other side, the waves roll into Pismo Beach. There are two gazebos, both with wonderful views of the sea below and the sound of sea gulls calling out. This is probably one of the nicest places one could get married and almost every time I've been here there's been white chairs set out for a wedding (the air is cold though).  As you walk along you look down at steep rock cliffs where pelicans stand on ledges and the ocean crashes and swirls against the rock walls. It is mesmerizing. Flowers dot the path. If you want to walk further, you can walk along Price St. There are several restaurants along this stretch of road that also have marvelous views. Ventana Grill, next door to Shore Cliff Hotel, has a happy hour every day 4:30-6:30pm. 
For access to the beach, walk east to Seacrest Hotel. There are public stairs and a handicapped lift. You can explore the amazing Pismo Caves at the beach below.
If you're hungry, check out the restaurants in Pismo town.

Photo Gallery

The flower-covered hills to the north.	Jutting sea rocks over mirrored water in the early morning.	Sunset behind gazebo at Best Western Shore Lodge Inn, and wedding ceremony chairs.
Tranquil nighttime view- wow!	Aaaaaah...California!	Pismo Beach at night, view to the east of our walk...
Magnificent shade of blue...the ocean and gazebo at the Best Western Shore Lodge Inn.	View from the gazebo.	I love to look down through trees at the sea!
The familiar rock you always see from the freeway is right by you!	View from a second gazebo on the grounds of the Best Western Shore Lodge Inn, looking towards Pismo Beach.	Spring flowers by the sea.
Look down on swirling water crashing into rock coves below.	Pelicans hanging out on the rocks below.	View of Pismo pier through the trees.
The happy pelicans.	A funny way to sleep!	Pelican balancing on a tree stump.
The pelicans can't complain about the view!	Flowers and white picket fence with view of Pismo Beach.	The rocks below. I love this vantage point!
View of Pismo Caves from above.	Looking down at the wonderful sea.	Purple poppies and a view.

Directions

Shore Cliff Hotel is located at 2555 Price Street, Pismo Beach CA 93449.
If you are not staying at any of the nearby hotels or going to any of the restaurants, you can park at Dinosaur Caves Park. You can then walk 19 mins to the gazebo, on a sidewalk with no shade, so bring a hat!
Some people park closer, just a 7 min walk away, at Pismo Clay Courts, but I think they might be private.

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Overall Visitor Rating:

Kim 09/21/2010 10:00	Perfect :)
Rosa 07/07/2010 11:54	I know this view well. we lived in here for 5 years we spent many hours riding our bikes along the coast from here to Santa Barbara, but Shell Beach is our favorite, maybe someday we'll be back...
adam 02/10/2010 14:44	indescribable
Ana 10/09/2009 15:18	Wow! Great rocks!