Spyglass Park

Located in the Shell Beach region of the city of Pismo Beach, Spyglass Park is spread over four-and-a-half acres of grassy area and is situated upon a bluff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The park area also has a strip of beach area lying between the bluff-top park and the ocean. 

The park has been renovated fairly recently and while the beach area lacks lifeguards, the park offers a variety of amenities to visitors such as sitting areas, walking paths, barbecues, tidepools, showers, drinking fountains, and restrooms. The park permits dogs on leash and offers access to people with disabilities.

The park offers a great number of activities to visitors including biking, swimming, surfing, tide pooling (during low tide), wildlife watching, picnicking, fishing, and beachcombing. Access to the beach area can be found via a trail near the park which leads to a coastal storm drain. A short walk from there through the rocky parts of the beach area will lead you to a more sandy area of the beach. You can comb the beach for shells and even surf on the water under favorable conditions. We recommend visiting the beach during low tide in order to conveniently access the sandy part of the beach, while also being safe from the surrounding rocks and strong water currents. The oceanside offers a delightful view of the white sands of the Oceano Dunes, which are visible from a distance. The renovated park also has a children’s playground offering engaging rides for kids like tire swings and dune buggies.

To access the park, simply divert towards Spyglass Drive from Shell Beach Road, which is located near US Highway 101. Free on-street parking is available on Spyglass Drive.

The park offers a great number of activities to visitors including biking, swimming, surfing, tide pooling (during low tide), wildlife watching, picnicking, fishing, and beachcombing. Access to the beach area can be found via a trail near the park which leads to a coastal storm drain. A short walk from there through the rocky parts of the beach area will lead you to a more sandy area of the beach. You can comb the beach for shells and even surf on the water under favorable conditions. We recommend visiting the beach during low tide in order to conveniently access the sandy part of the beach, while also being safe from the surrounding rocks and strong water currents. The oceanside offers a delightful view of the white sands of the Oceano Dunes, which are visible from a distance. The renovated park also has a children’s playground offering engaging rides for kids like tire swings and dune buggies.

If you're looking for a restaurant, there are several great options nearby. SeaVenture Beach Hotel & Restaurant is eight minutes away and has a picturesque view of Pismo State Beach. The restaurant’s Executive Chef, Steven Smeets, has designed a wonderful menu inspired by Californian cuisine. Another option is Mei’s Chinese Restaurant which is located a couple of minutes away has been family-run since 1994 and has excellent crispy dumplings and soups. For a more budget-friendly and family-oriented option, Brad’s Restaurant opened in the 1950s and is famous for its classic American dishes like their clam chowder bread bowl and bacon cheeseburger.

If you are looking for a hotel near Spyglass Park, there are several great options. The Casitas of Arroyo Grande, located a short drive away, is a luxurious bread and breakfast accommodation sprawling over a seven-acre estate – it offers a variety of deluxe amenities including elegantly furnished rooms, private wine tours, and lavish fondue dinners. Another great and more affordable option is the 3-Star SeaCrest Ocean Front Hotel whose amenities include barbecues, hot tubs, and waterfront terraces. Spyglass Inn situated a short walk away, offers accommodation at budget-friendly prices.