This has to be one of the prettiest parks with epic ocean views and stunning sunsets…read more I like that it is somewhat hidden in the Shell Beach neighborhood but I love to come here and just enjoy the warm breezes and sunshine. The park offers a couple of picnic tables, bbq pits, benches, and a beautiful grassy area to lay down and read a book. It's very safe here and parking is never an issue. Looking for some chill time, this is the place.

I'm back in Pismo Beach, CA. This little park in the burbs is a special must stop for me. It's a…read morepark but a small green space park that sits on top of a bluff with ocean views and beach access. The park offers a small grassy area, 3-4 picnic tables with bbq grills, trash bins, and several benches with awesome views of the ocean and shoreline. There are no play area, restroom, or parking lot. Focus is on accessing nature. The bluff outcropping are no longer open to venture out onto. The area is roped off with a metal chain with no trespassing signs. The signs are there for a reason, for your safety. The below small swath of sandy beach and tide pools can be accessed by a staircase that is a short walk north of the park. There are no lifeguards. So please be aware of the tides. Parking is all parallel street parking on Ocean Blvd.

There is a beach right next to the behemoth Morro Rock in Morro Bay, CA. The beach access and…read moreparking is totally free. Yup, FREE. Sandy three mile stretch of beach from the Rock to the camp grounds. There are lifeguards on duty, all ready with their gear ready to save a life. I know they are there daily in the summer, not sure about the other months. This is a popular spot with surfers. Good waves. Another tidbit to know is that there are restroom located in the parking lot. Also smack in the middle of the lot is the California State Historical Marker #821-Morro Rock. I think it's worth a quick stop to read the plaque, take a quick moment to soak in the gorgeous direct view of the rock and not to get all sentimental but also reflect on the past, present and future. Another another tidbit is that dogs and horses are not allowed on the beach due to the protected shorebird habitat such as the western snowy plover that nest from March-September and live here. Service dogs on a leash are allowed though. But so many folks broke the rule once the lifeguards left for the day. Ironic, people want wildlife and nature to be able to visit and enjoy but don't want to follow the rules that protect all those things they enjoy. Go figure?!

The last time I was at this beach, I was only 2 years old, so I don't have any memory of it. Last…read moreyear, I decided I wanted to take a trip here with my family. I've lived in California most of my life and have been to almost every beach, so it's funny that this one in Morro never really came to mind especially since it's not that far from us. When I finally came last year, I really enjoyed it. The beach was clean, beautiful, and peaceful. There were lots of sand dollars along the shore and even some wildlife, which made it feel even more special. Since that first trip, we've come back about four more times. There's just something about this place that makes me feel calm and at peace every time I'm here.

Cool location out in a big recreation area, huge fenced large dog area and nice size…read moresmall/scared/timid dog area. Dirt and bark, lots of trees. Bathrooms are very clean. Lots of parking near both yards. Even with the rain, not too muddy after our play time. I'd come here again.

The park itself was nice however my dog and myself were attacked this morning by a big white dog…read morebefore my little guy could even get into the park. As I opened the second fence to let him in (while my dog was still on leash) the big white dog rushed in and attacked my dog I had to pick him up and the dog started jumping on me as we exited the gate. The owner said it had never happened before that he is aggressive in bark only. While I was getting in my car to drive away I heard her say "oh she's not even going to walk her dog" ummm no lady I'm going home where I have a yard and no risk of random attack. My dog is very social and was at doggy daycare daily when we lived in city, so wanted to try it out. My dog was okay just a little shaken up but these public places run the risk of irresponsible dog owners and aggressive pets that maybe aren't accepted at daycare programs.

Locals call this place the Smugglers Cave. Cool name. But it's not really a cave and not near the…read moreshoreline. It's a natural carved tunnel through the a rock formation on a bluff overlooking Avila Beach and the ocean. Sadly though the cave is tagged with graffiti and folks treat the inside of the cave as a trash bin. Disheartening site to see a beautiful work of nature treated like this by those that come to view and hang out. Ironic. The hike from the parking lot is less than half mile one way. It starts at a slight incline. When you get to the point where the path splits to the right and left, turn right... the cave is to the right. You're less than halfway there at this point. The cave overlook has no guardrails, so please pay attention especially with the kiddos. The cliff has a drop. Have your wits about you and stay alert. If you have an overwhelming urge to creep close to the edge to take the perfect selfie, do so cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. Overall the views are gorgeous. But the trash bin cave vibes was a downer.

Date: Monday, July 24th, 2023 Time: around 12:45pm…read more We were at Pirate's Cove so decided to check out a cave. We actually didn't make it all the way down to the beach, but I did go into a cave and enjoy the view on the other side. Not sure if that qualifies as one of the Avila Sea Caves, but I will just assume it does. Parking was pretty easy. There is a small lot. No issues finding a spot since it was a Monday afternoon. We only walked down to the first cave, so probably spent a little more than 15 mins walking around and taking pix. If you enjoy water and a view, I'd say definitely check this spot out. REVIEW #3441

Pismo Beach was exactly the kind of escape I needed A little ocean air, sandy toes, beautiful…read moresunsets, good company, and just enough adventure to make some unforgettable memories. Sometimes you just need to get away, soak it all in, and enjoy where life takes you. Already missing this place!

Stopped by Pismo during recent trip to Morro Bay. Stunning scenery! It really hit my soul just…read morerelaxing on the sand. Didn't get in the water this time. It was also cool to see ATV riders enjoying their ride. Some parts you were able to drive your vehicle down in the sand too! Couldn't be me, I am way too scared tonight get stuck Meet really nice local beach goers near us. Shared their favorite places to eat and their favorite memories. It was a wholesome time. Can't wait to return to Pismo!

Beautiful, peaceful spot with stunning ocean views. Located in South Palisades Park, easily…read moreaccessed from Shell Beach Road at the end of Ebb Tide Lane. Street parking is quite limited since it is a residential area. No nearby restrooms, so keep that in mind. The park itself is clean, secluded, and has a nice grassy area with a walkway and benches perfect for relaxing. The area feels very safe. There is a staircase that leads right down to the beach, where you can explore awesome tide pools during low tide. Overall, we had a wonderful, relaxing time here with our pup.

Amazing little gem! This has wonderful tide pools and a pretty calm looking beach so it looks like…read morea great beach for little kids. Although I did read that during high tide, you don't want to be exploring the tide pools then. I think this is a must see for anyone at any age.

I'm road tripping and happen to be in Morro Bay along the waterfront, Embarcadero Street. On the…read morefarthest side from Morro Rock is the Tidelands Park. "Aarr Matey" . Locals call the park, Pirate Park, due to the child's pirate ship play structure and nautical theme. The park is two acres advertised as having a children's play area, picnic tables with BBQs, green lawns, public parking lot (2), fish washing station, boater side dock with pump out for waste and access to fresh water, public restroom with showers, walking path towards the waterfront shops, boat launch, and stairs accessing the mud flats. The boat launch parking lot is not free anymore. Effective March 2026, ya gotta pay. Pay varies based on lot size. You can pay daily or get an annual pass. But it's free to launch your boat if that's any consolation. If you're looking for a place to launch your personal crafts (small skiffs, kayaks); this is the place. There are two parking lots. One on each side of the park. The lot furthest south has the boat launch and the lot has spaces large enough for trailers. Plus I gotta comment on the children's play area. It's not a typical park like playground, there are no swings or play equipment. They do have a sand filled area with a mini pirate ship and cute nautical themed concrete statues (octopus, seals, whale tail). What can go wrong with rambunctious kiddos and concrete climbable statues?!

I am so glad we discovered this park as it is my favorite park thus far…read more It had the best view of the Morro Bay rock as well as that boat. The kids can climb on with so much fun. It was clean with lots of little squirrels and places to sit.

It should be renamed "Ankle Twist Park"…read more As far as a neighborhood park, it is a nice place to walk to and back home, but as a greater public park area, it really does not compare to other area parks. Since the sunset is generally behind the Spyglass outcropping, you will miss a proper sunset. The view is OK for a few minutes, but is forgetable and cannot compare to the much more expansive views on the many other coves , beaches, and even cul de sacs along this area. Rather oddly, we often take our walks toward Spyglass and the coves/beaches beyond since they are far better...and can offer a great snack or meal at the areas hotel resturants...or even grabbing something from De Palos Deli [& then hitting Spyglass Park or even the Hotel area promenade to then consume coffee and a snack]. The grassy area is pocketed with all too many goffer holes, so it is all too easy to twist an ankle. If you do make it to the water area, the overwhelming number of large rounded and slippy loss huge rocks can definitely pose yet another challenge for proper footing. There are no restrooms, food, parking or facilities since it is a residential area, as opposed to the very nearby Spyglass Park [which has it all, including a playground]. While there are stairs, can end in active surf at high tide and the rocky area is then inaccessible. Even though the stairs are not that old, erosion has heavily damaged the bottom and between the erosion, huge gap, and slippy rocks, it is far from a safe area for kids or older adults. The addition of stairs was more to rescue the local sewage system with retaining walls than to make a useful beach or a park. Sadly, this small rocky cove fails at being useful as a beach, a fishing area, a surfing spot, and a rest area. The most likely visitor are actually tourists who probably have lost their way to better nearby coastal areas. Spyglass Park is literally just a couple of blocks away. That being said, the Park and area are nice places to live and walk around, but as for going to a beach, all locals will walk, bike, & drive to other areas for far better parks, beaches, and more. The areas from Spyglass to Palisades Park is much nicer...as are the coves near Dinosaur Caves....but then again sandy beaches are far better at nearby Pismo Beach or Avila. The neighborhood views in our area can be excellent depending upon where one lives near the park, orientation, elevation, and light pollution. Since I am into various forms of Photography, I do take all kinds of photos from very near this park area. Since the spray and mist can be an issue, I typically take more photos away from this immediate park area and more in residential areas...but then street lights are more of an issue. Unfortunately, there is a large street light right next to the park which degrades the night sky. In my area near the park, I have taken great photos available to those with a elevated porch and good views of the sky, the ocean, and some of the coast. We are lucky to have a good view of the Orion Nebula, distant Fireworks off the distant Pismo Pier, and more.

I think this is our first time to this park and it was quite relaxing here. Great views of the…read morecliff and the ocean. We parked here and took a break during our bike ride! Definitely one of our favorite places to visit, an easy 2 hr drive from our spot!