Dinosaur Caves Park

Located in the Shell Beach region of the city of Pismo Beach, Dinosaur Caves Park is spread across 11 acres and is situated upon a bluff with a mesmerizing view of the Pacific Ocean. 

Although there are no lifeguards or showers at either of the beach areas, there are several amenities offered by the park including benches, restrooms, and picnic tables. The area also offers access to people with disabilities and permits pets on a leash.

The park and the beach areas offer numerous activities for visitors including hiking, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, tide-pooling, beachcombing, wildlife watching, and biking. You can also explore the beach area near Margo Dodd Park and check out the wondrous arches, tunnels, and tidepools. However, be cautious as the terrain here is rocky and be vary of the tide currents. Wildlife lovers can check out a variety of exotic species found here such as rare marine birds, seals, and sea lions. You can get a kayak on rent from shops present in Pismo Beach city and set up kayaking tours from nearby beaches such as Eldwayen Ocean Park and explore the splendid Shelter Cove, sea caves, and other rock formations below the bluff. The playground in Dinosaur Caves Park has a variety of wildlife-themed rides and swings for kids, making it ideal for family visits. The park amphitheater also hosts live music concerts, food festivals, open-air movie screenings, and art fairs every month while the grassy reception area is a popular location for wedding venues. The venue hosts craft markets on Saturdays and yoga classes are also held here. Dinosaur Caves Park also hosts the California Coastal trail, which offers a great way to learn more about the regional biodiversity and geography. If you prefer a quieter beach experience, a short walk to the south of the park will lead you to Elmer Ross Beach, which is accessible via a staircase present near the Inn at the Cove Hotel and is one of the more secluded beaches in the city of Pismo Beach.

The park is easy to access – it’s located off of US Highway 101 and is situated between Cliff Street and Shell Beach Road. There is a parking lot offering free parking at Cliff Avenue near Price Street.

The park gets its name from a 50-foot dinosaur-themed attraction that stood on the site in the 1940s, whose mouth served as an entrance to an underground trail leading to a sea cavern. The attraction is long gone while the cavern trail has since collapsed. The area is now quite popular among cyclists, joggers, nature enthusiasts, and home to a popular park complete with walking trails, picnic spots, oceanfront vistas, and a bustling children’s playground. Although direct routes to the coastline below the bluff have weathered away, the park offers two ways for exploring the beach areas surrounding it – you can either simply head to a rocky strip of beach situated near the northern end of the park (adjacent to the neighboring Margo Dodd Park) which is accessible via a staircase, or you can kayak your way below the bluff and explore the shoreside area present there, known as Shelter Cove. 

If you're looking for a restaurant, there are several dining options located a short drive away. Penny’s All American Cafe, a great family-friendly joint located nearby, is a modest cafe known for its delicious breakfast dishes including pancakes and sandwiches. The place offers generous portions at reasonable rates. A menu favorite is their weekend special clam chowder. Another great alternative is Zorro’s Cafe and Cantina, a Mexican restaurant that’s close by and is known for its chilaquiles, tiger shrimp tacos, and margaritas. You can also treat your dogs with their dog-friendly menu. You can also head to Cracked Crab, a New England-style seafood shack that serves freshly caught seafood and crabs that are sourced locally. You shouldn’t miss trying their Crab Bucket and Seafood Bisque.

If you are looking for a hotel near Dinosaur Caves Park, there are a variety of great options. You can stay at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, an opulent 4-Star hotel that’s located nearby and is known for its deluxe suites with private gourmet kitchens. You could also check out the Inn at the Cove, which is a short walk away. The 3-Star hotel has spacious rooms with modern furnishings and great ocean vistas while offering facilities like an oceanfront pool, hot tub, and library. Located a short drive away, the Shell Beach Inn is an ocean-themed motel that offers well-furnished, clean, and spacious rooms at modest prices along with amenities including a private pool, oceanside access, and close proximity to some of the best beaches and restaurants in the city of Pismo Beach.