Margo Dodd Park(Shell Beach)

Located in the Shell Beach area of the city of Pismo Beach, Margo Dodd Park is a small grassy blufftop park situated near Dinosaur Caves Park. There is a narrow and rocky strip of beach area near the park which can be accessed via a stairway located near Pier Avenue, which is a few blocks away. The beach doesn’t have lifeguards or showers, while the park amenities including sitting areas, walking trails, and some picnicking tables, but it does not have restrooms or concession stands. The park and beach allow dogs on leash. The park is famous for its blufftop gazebo giving a marvelous view of the Pacific Ocean. 

The park and the beach area offer a number of activities including kayaking, tide pooling, biking, surfing, fishing, canoeing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing. You can explore the beach area which is full of cliffs, caverns, and tunnels. However, watch out for the rocky terrain and the high tide. The beach is a popular destination for tide pooling as the receding tide leaves behind a vibrant marine habitat full of creatures including sea stars, limpets, anemones, and sea urchins. Moreover, you can snorkel in the waters if the currents are mild. Offshore cliffs near the shoreline also offer opportunities for viewing rare marine birds – and you can also encounter seals, otters, and dolphins in the region. Another popular activity is kayak tours where you can check out the sea caverns and coves present in the bluffs and cliffs present in the surrounding waters. You can head to Dinosaur Caves Park in order to access restrooms and a children’s playground.

The park is easily accessible - it’s located near US Highway 101. Free off-street parking is available at the adjacent Dinosaur Caves Park, and you can also park for free on Ocean Boulevard.

The park and the beach area offer a number of activities including kayaking, tide pooling, biking, surfing, fishing, canoeing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing. You can explore the beach area which is full of cliffs, caverns, and tunnels. However, watch out for the rocky terrain and the high tide. The beach is a popular destination for tide pooling as the receding tide leaves behind a vibrant marine habitat full of creatures including sea stars, limpets, anemones, and sea urchins. Moreover, you can snorkel in the waters if the currents are mild. Offshore cliffs near the shoreline also offer opportunities for viewing rare marine birds – and you can also encounter seals, otters, and dolphins in the region. Another popular activity is kayak tours where you can check out the sea caverns and coves present in the bluffs and cliffs present in the surrounding waters. You can head to Dinosaur Caves Park in order to access restrooms and a children’s playground.

If you're looking for a restaurant, head to Kanpai Sushi, an upscale, popular sushi restaurant popular that’s five minutes away – the fish for their sushi comes directly from Japan, and menu favorites include lobster popcorn and crab rolls. You can also check out Sando’s Deli which is located a short drive away and is a family-friendly budget option. Their menu favorites include the tri-tip sandwich and the chicken chimichurri sandwich. Another great option is Cape Cod Eatery and Taphouse which is a couple of minutes away and offers a great outdoor dining experience complete with tap beer, live music on Saturdays, and a delicious variety of seafood.

If you are looking for a hotel near Margo Dodd Beach, there are several great options. The 3-Star Oxford Suites Pismo Beach offers several amenities including a fitness center, heated pool, and complimentary breakfast. The 2-Star Oceano Inn is another option – it’s 10 minutes away and is conveniently located close to some of the best restaurants in the city of Pismo Beach. Another good choice is the BeachWay Inn Motel which has nice rooms with a vintage vibe.