Elmer Ross Beach(Shelter Cove)

Located between Dinosaur Caves Park and the Inn at the Cove hotel, Elmer Ross Beach is one of the quieter beaches in the Shell Beach region of Pismo Beach city. The bluff side beach can be accessed via ramps and stairs present near the waterfront side of the hotel. The beach area is also considered a part of Shelter Cove, and the rocks situated west of the beach ensure that the water on the beach has milder waves. The beach has pale cream-colored sand and has a smoother terrain than other beaches in the region. The beach doesn’t have lifeguards, showers, or restrooms but it does have a sitting area and allows pets on a leash. The Inn at the Cove hotel discourages street parking within its premises, so it is recommended that you park at the Dinosaur Caves Park and from where you can walk to the beach.

The beach offers a variety of activities including beachcombing, tide-pooling, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. There are natural rock formations present on the beach which are located on the bluff side adjacent to Dinosaur Caves Park including tunnels, inlets, and caves along with tidepools which visitors can explore when the tide recedes. During low tide, you can check out tidepools left by the retreating water which reveal interesting marine creatures like sea urchins and starfish. The area is also home to dolphins, sea otters, whales, and seals along with a variety of marine seabirds. You can kayak from the beach and explore wondrous sea caves and archways present in the region. If you are traveling with family, head to the adjacent Dinosaur Caves Park to access a children’s playground. You can also check out the gazebo situated on a cliff near the hotel, which offers a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean.

The beach offers a variety of activities including beachcombing, tide-pooling, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. There are natural rock formations present on the beach which are located on the bluff side adjacent to Dinosaur Caves Park including tunnels, inlets, and caves along with tidepools which visitors can explore when the tide recedes. During low tide, you can check out tidepools left by the retreating water which reveal interesting marine creatures like sea urchins and starfish. The area is also home to dolphins, sea otters, whales, and seals along with a variety of marine seabirds. You can kayak from the beach and explore wondrous sea caves and archways present in the region. If you are traveling with family, head to the adjacent Dinosaur Caves Park to access a children’s playground. You can also check out the gazebo situated on a cliff near the hotel, which offers a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean.

If you're looking for a restaurant, head to Pismo Fish and Chips to enjoy some great seafood including their signature fish and chips and calamari rings – it’s also family-friendly and has a good kid’s menu. If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you can check out Oasis Restaurant & Catering that’s renowned for its Mediterranean classics like lamb kabobs, tagines, and baba ganoush, and Turkish coffee. Another great alternative is F.McLintocks Saloon and Dining House, a high-end steakhouse with a Wild West-themed ambiance and whose popular in-house includes prime ribs.

If you are looking for a hotel near Elmer Ross Beach, there are lots of great nearby options. You can stay at Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo, a 3-Star hotel that is situated 15 minutes away and has a lively pool and picturesque hotel grounds. Alternatively, you could head to The Tides Oceanview Inn & Cottages which is a short drive away and is situated on a bluff giving a great view of Pismo State Beach and offering spacious and pet-friendly accommodation. You can also check out the Palomar Inn, a budget-friendly option that is a couple of minutes away.