Pismo Beach. Comprised of
houses, several hotels, restaurants, stores, a library and a kayak
rental shop, the community is positioned at the top of a cliff, and
is flanked to the east by California State Highway 101, and taller
cliffs.
For tourists and Central Coast
locals, this is one of the fun spots to come and park your car, then
wander down the winding steps to the beach among the tidepools and
coves. Kayakers love to launch from the gentle waters at Shell
Beach, slightly protected by the natural curve of the coast from
Avila Beach to the north.
In Shell Beach you can fish from the cliffs, sit on a park bench and
look out at the expansive ocean, explore the sandy beaches and
coves, or bring a picnic basket or your take-out sandwich to dine
outdoors with sweeping views.
If you're looking for ocean view hotels, Shell Beach opened a luxury
resort several years ago,
Dolphin Bay Resort. It isn't cheap, but it is luxurious with
suites the size of condos. Granite counter top kitchen and snack
bar, a dining room table, living room with plasma television, washer
and dryer, outdoor swimming pool, and another set of steps down to
Shell Beach beaches are just a few amenities.
The main attraction in this little town are the vistas
of the Pacific Ocean. Drive down to Ocean Boulevard where parking and a
set of stairs provide access to the sandy beach below. There's a perfect
lookout gazebo in a very small Margo Dodd park. Take a picnic basket
and enjoy breathtaking sunset views.
Bring a fishing pole...fishermen love to cast lines from
the stretch of cliffs at this location which provides several benches for
sitting and waiting for a bite on the line. Also popular in Shell
Beach is kayaking. Sports enthusiasts carry their boats down the the 100
or so steps to launch off from the beach.
Binoculars, a swim suit and a picnic basket will make
for a scenic and fun filled afternoon to watch the waves crash, watch the
birds splash and the kids romp at beautiful Shell Beach.
Shell Beach Library
230 Leeward Avenue
(805) 773-2263
Central Coast Kayaks, Shell Beach
(805) 773- 3500
The Cliffs at Shell Beach
Resort offers Ocean Views and Beach Access
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