South Palisades Park(Silver Shoals)

Located in the Shell Beach area of the city of Pismo Beach, South Palisades Park is a bluff-top park that spans a mile in length and has a rocky coastal beach with sparse amounts of greyish tan sand. There is a larger park (also named Palisades Park) which is located north of the South Palisades Park, while to its south is another bluff side park called Ebb Tide Park. 

While the beach area does not have lifeguards or showers, the park offers some amenities including walking paths, sitting areas, and picnic tables – and pets are allowed on a leash.

The park and the adjoining beach offer a number of activities including fishing, biking, picnicking, surfing, swimming, tide pooling, wildlife watching, and beachcombing. You can use a stairway that’s centrally located in the parking area to access the beach, which isn't very sandy and is full of silt due to erosion. When you get to the beach, you’ll find a few rock formations to explore and excellent tidepools – but due to strong currents, we recommend doing this at low tide. South Palisades Park is also great for wildlife enthusiasts – it is home to a variety of animals like sea otters, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The walking paths of the park are also beautiful – they’re interspersed with lively flower gardens. The northern part of the beach area gives a lovely view of oceanfront homes situated upon the bluff, while if you walk south, you’ll reach another beach area located besides Ebb Tide Park. You could also head to Palisades Park through a short walk north via Shell Beach Road to enjoy amenities available there including basketball courts, lawn tennis courts, playgrounds and restrooms.

The South Palisades Park is easily accessible – It’s located at 194 Beachcomber Drive, near US Highway 101. There is also free street parking on Beachcomber Drive.

The park and the adjoining beach offer a number of activities including fishing, biking, picnicking, surfing, swimming, tide pooling, wildlife watching, and beachcombing. You can use a stairway that’s centrally located in the parking area to access the beach, which isn't very sandy and is full of silt due to erosion. When you get to the beach, you’ll find a few rock formations to explore and excellent tidepools – but due to strong currents, we recommend doing this at low tide. South Palisades Park is also great for wildlife enthusiasts – it is home to a variety of animals like sea otters, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The walking paths of the park are also beautiful – they’re interspersed with lively flower gardens. The northern part of the beach area gives a lovely view of oceanfront homes situated upon the bluff, while if you walk south, you’ll reach another beach area located besides Ebb Tide Park. You could also head to Palisades Park through a short walk north via Shell Beach Road to enjoy amenities available there including basketball courts, lawn tennis courts, playgrounds and restrooms.

If you're looking for a restaurant, there are several great options a short drive away. Papi’s Grill is a family-friendly taqueria that offers great Mexican fare at reasonable rates and is famous for its shredded beef tacos cooked in butter, fresh ceviches, and burgers. You can also head to the Blue Moon Over Avila which is famous for its classic French dishes such as the onion soup à la lyonnaise and the escargot, which they serve in an elegant old school dining area and paired with fine French wines. You can also check out the popular Ocean Grill Avila which is nearby – the restaurant is situated near Avila Beach, has been recommended by the San Luis Obispo Tribune, and is known for its fried calamari.

If you are looking for a hotel near South Palisades Park, there are several accommodations located nearby. Inn At The Pier is a luxurious 4-Star hotel with a rooftop bar, fire pit, pool, and hot tub – and many of its rooms have stunning views of the Pismo Beach city skyline. Another great option is the 3-Star Avila Village Inn which has a spa and a golf course and also organizes wine tasting tours. The 2-Star Rose Garden Inn is another good option – it has a very large spa area, hot tubs, and beautiful gardens.