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