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Q: Who is Margo Dodd? A: Margo Dodd was a pioneering figure in Pismo Beach, California, recognized for her significant contributions to the community. She made history by becoming the first woman appointed to the city's Parks and Recreation Commission, marking a notable achievement in local governance. In honor of her dedication and service, the city named a picturesque ocean-bluff park after her - Margo Dodd Park. Margo Dodd Park - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=o2Ga7pGvRstJA3JO6RPScA About the park: This isn't your typical park with swings, slides, or grassy picnic vibes. Margo Dodd is more like a scenic pit stop sent from the coastal gods. Think: gazebo with Pinterest wedding energy, dramatic ocean cliffs, and pelicans flying by like they own the place (but they kinda do). Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=3XOud3tTqkVErS3RiHUKYQ Came here on a whim, just taking a drive near the coast as we made our way north toward Hearst Castle. We weren't looking for anything specific - just stretching our legs - and stumbled onto this little bluffside park. The ocean views? Unreal. The rocky outcroppings and tidepools? Peak nature moment. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=DJfOrPAOB7FhTfDb_VQoog It's the kind of place that makes you forget about your phone - until you realize you NEED to take a thousand photos for your yelp* review. (Guilty.) Gazebo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=QwJxUhuaB9wvWS0r9iLXTw AR & I were there around noon on a quiet Thursday, so no chance of catching a golden-hour sunset, but even in broad daylight it was stunning. Peaceful, quiet, and not crowded at all. The kind of accidental find that makes road trips so worth it. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=RTXlsiL-wt3INIr_VP7j7w Just a heads-up: there's not much in terms of amenities (no bathrooms, no picnic setups), and parking is limited. But for a quick, beautiful stop with views for days? Totally worth it. If you're down for a quiet moment, some salt air, and a postcard-worthy view, this spot delivers. Parking is just street-side and super limited. Go early or be ready to do a little walk. I'm sure it's crowded on the weekends or summertime. Come for the gazebo, stay for the Instagram content. HA! - Big Aloha!
We didn't get to catch the nice sunset that you see in most of everyone else's pictures since the nightly overcast rolled in during a late May evening, but overall this is a really nice little park with some great costal views. There's a couple short walking trails along the bluffs where you can get a little closer to see the birds out below. Park of the walking trails leads you over to the kids park/playground Dinosaurs Cave Park. The park is near a residential area, small with a good amount of parking. Nothing too busy with a lot of people around.
Who would have thought that this small local park would have some of the most magical sunsets in town?! I mean... Geezus! The views alone are gorgeous, but experiencing a sunset here can be pretty damn epic! As far as the actual park goes; there's really not much to it. You've got a cute little gazebo setup, some rest benches and picnic tables, and a short pathway that'll take you along the coastal bluffs. What it lacks in size, it most certainly makes up for in beauty. Seeing and hearing the blusterous waves crashing against the sea cliffs is truly quite numbing. There's such a blissful calmness to this park. It's amazing that it isn't more popular, but hey... I ain't complainin'! Perhaps that most intriguing experience at Margo Dodd park is watching the sunset. The colors in the sky can be so beautiful, especially when they're reflecting off the cliffs. I mean really, if you wanna see gorgeous sunsets sans Pismo crowds, this is the perfect spot to do it. I look back at the photos from my adventures here, and I'm still taken aback. It's definitely one of those local hidden gems that you won't take for granted.
Beautiful place for photos. Wonderful ocean views. Cute gazebo. Dog friendly. Water fountains onsite for humans and fur babies. Lots of opportunities to view sea birds. Street parking.
Absolutely breathtaking! Surely you will be in awe of the coastal scenery. From the sunrises to the sunsets this area is one of the beautifuliest here in Pismo beach. During the weekdays it is so quiet and peaceful. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks is music for the soul.
Had a picnic at the park. Nice covered gazebo or lawn area. Lots of birds so it is a little stanky when the wind blows right in your face. Love the calmness of this area that was walking distance from the dinosaur park. This area is amazing to discover and explore!
Margo Dodd Park is a small strip of land along side the ocean in a residential area. The park itself does not offer much except for a great view of the rock formation in the ocean and cliff along the coast. Oh, come here during sunset and you will be rewarded with lots of beautiful photos.
Seriously why all the high ratings. It's literally right next to dinosaur park. It's just a look out spot that has a gazebo that a bunch of 20 something year olds were hanging out in smoking. The rock caves are covered in sea birds and it smells really bad. Skip it! You aren't missing out on anything.
GO PINCH YOURSELVES THESE BEACH /PARKS ARE REAL! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Go 2 short blocks over & you too can "discover" yet another "locals" only secret. It is a nice stairway that leads to the hidden beach below this cute park....but only at low tide! When the tide goes higher, you can get "trapped" (this can also happen at the other Shell Beach Beaches). Usually, you will just get your sneakers wet, but sometimes the water could wash you out to sea. This long stairway down, is good for stair exercise & is most times unoccupied. I used to live just up the street & it was so cool to go down & watch & touch the ocean. There are a couple of benches on the cliff between Pier & Margo Dodd proper, so they are great for a bench picnic. You can get some Pizza from up the street at Del's, or some pricer goodies from DePalo's, down the road a bit (next the overpriced Shell Gas Station...hint...go to the Foothills & route 1 station). Anyway, Margo's is cute & well maintained. While the Gazebo & views are cool, I really like the huge rock filled with tons of Seagulls.... be careful looking over, but down at the bottom there is a cool sea-cave. From here to Dinosaur Caves Park, which is right there, there used to be public accessible Caves many decades ago....thus the Cave name. There are no known Dinosaur Fossils in the area...but you can find vintage pics of the fake Dinosaur that was built years ago & then sadly destroyed (maybe at DCP's monthly art/crafts fair...along with some simple snacks). While Margo Dodd & Beach are cool, the beach at Palisades Park is far more impressive & not really Yelped much. It is a long big beach at low tide & is a nature preserve, with tons of amazing tidal pools filled with all kinds of sea creatures.... great for both kids & nature lovers. As far as, living here is concerned, the beachfront houses are amazing in price & view... but are still cheaper than many areas in Hawaii or California. Simply renting a house or one of the very rare apartments, up the block, are not too insanely priced, but are tiny, with tiny bathrooms & no AC. The few rentals are owned by people that live in places like Fresno or Bakersfield, who had bought these places eons ago, before the prices went nuts. Even renting can be a real battle, with dozens of people fighting over a nice rental. I was blessed to be a winner & eventually bought my place. This beach community that extends from the "The Inn on the Cove" down to the nudist "Pirates Cove" is fantastic in so many ways. If you explore, walk, or Kayak down this part of the coast, you can even find tiny beaches that few know about or can access. Beyond Shell Beach, there are multitudes of unpopulated beaches that few tourists know about ( some I have a list for). The distinction between what is a Park, Beach, or Beach/Park is a nebulous one & many on the Coast are really both. You can find many by using the Satellite viewing, on Goggle Maps, but be very careful and do not try to follow some of the obsessed Surfers down steep inclines unless you are a goat, or an OCD surfer. Another thing, is that the water is very cold, and you need a wetsuit if you will spend much time in the water...or get hypothermia. Anyway, this Park, like so many others here, are almost devoid of people on weekdays, before or after sunrise/sunset time....so it can be quite serene. Sunset can sometimes be hassle when some jerk parks their crap car & plays loud hip-hop... if so, you can always walk or drive to the next little oasis. Welcome to a near Paradise!
Holy hell, I thought my local SoCal park was cool because it had nice tennis courts. Words cannot express how picturesque the views are at this park. It's a great place to bring your significant other or just to take out a book and relax. There's also a gazebo for weddings and whatnot, which I'm sure gets utilized a ton during the spring/summertime. We parked near the dinosaur park and just walked the rest of the way. If you walk further down along the coast, you'll eventually come across some stairs going down to the shore, and exposing some of the caves that you can check out. The waves were coming up pretty close to the stairs, so I'd recommend avoiding during high tide! Also there were signs to beware of sharks, which is a given around these NorCal waters. Note that this park is across from a very lucky residential neighborhood.
This spot was the place recommended for ocean sunset picture spots in the Pismo Beach area. It was gorgeous. The stairs down to the beach below are a bit tricky (two foot drop from the bottom one) but being in the park area and the gazebo and benches. Perfect.
Absolutely gorgeous view from the top of the cliff, and even better if you take the stairs down to the bottom. So many cliffs and giant rocks, caves, tunnels, it's just awesome. We watched the sunset, best time to go. However, be prepared to be attacked by a million annoying ass flies and to look like an idiot as you are constantly smacking yourself to get them off.
Sometimes I have to pinch myself because things seem too good to be true... My friends home is directly across the street from this park with the most unbelievable views of the pacific coast! Waking up to a misty morning & watching the sun come out very slowly to views of this park is something I'll never forget. I sat on the balcony watching so many different people coming & going and some would sit on the park benches for hours. I don't blame them! The views from every part of this little park are spectacular. I also loved seeing all the small & large furry babies enjoying it! Some people would even come out here in the middle of the night. The night views are just as special as the day views. If you ever find yourself anywhere near this place please take the time to stop & clear your mind here because every minute here was so worth it. I think of this place every day and I hope to go back very soon...
Just a quick trip to gather my thoughts and take in the amazing views. This is always a beautiful place to stop, take a seat, and reflect. It is so peaceful and comforting here with the ocean air and the sound of the waves. read more
This precious gem is located in the Shell Beach area, adjacent to 'Dinosaur Caves Park' with plenty of parking. Here, you can admire the caves in the water (even more if you bring your binoculars). You'll find a gazebo, benches to sit and enjoy the beautiful views and simply relax. This is such a peaceful spot, clean, grassy, and dog-friendly. I liked that the water fountains also have a bottom bowl fountain for the doggies! Such a cool thing to help keep our furry babies hydrated. They also have a poop-bag dispenser in case you forget to bring any. Overall, we enjoyed the tranquil setting of this park dedicated in honor of Margo Dodd, a civic and community leader. read more
1 year ago
Q: Who is Margo Dodd? A: Margo Dodd was a pioneering figure in Pismo Beach, California, recognized for her significant contributions to the community. She made history by becoming the first woman appointed to the city's Parks and Recreation Commission, marking a notable achievement in local governance. In honor of her dedication and service, the city named a picturesque ocean-bluff park after her - Margo Dodd Park. Margo Dodd Park - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=o2Ga7pGvRstJA3JO6RPScA About the park: This isn't your typical park with swings, slides, or grassy picnic vibes. Margo Dodd is more like a scenic pit stop sent from the coastal gods. Think: gazebo with Pinterest wedding energy, dramatic ocean cliffs, and pelicans flying by like they own the place (but they kinda do). Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=3XOud3tTqkVErS3RiHUKYQ Came here on a whim, just taking a drive near the coast as we made our way north toward Hearst Castle. We weren't looking for anything specific - just stretching our legs - and stumbled onto this little bluffside park. The ocean views? Unreal. The rocky outcroppings and tidepools? Peak nature moment. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=DJfOrPAOB7FhTfDb_VQoog It's the kind of place that makes you forget about your phone - until you realize you NEED to take a thousand photos for your yelp* review. (Guilty.) Gazebo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=QwJxUhuaB9wvWS0r9iLXTw AR & I were there around noon on a quiet Thursday, so no chance of catching a golden-hour sunset, but even in broad daylight it was stunning. Peaceful, quiet, and not crowded at all. The kind of accidental find that makes road trips so worth it. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=RTXlsiL-wt3INIr_VP7j7w Just a heads-up: there's not much in terms of amenities (no bathrooms, no picnic setups), and parking is limited. But for a quick, beautiful stop with views for days? Totally worth it. If you're down for a quiet moment, some salt air, and a postcard-worthy view, this spot delivers. Parking is just street-side and super limited. Go early or be ready to do a little walk. I'm sure it's crowded on the weekends or summertime. Come for the gazebo, stay for the Instagram content. HA! - Big Aloha! read more
We didn't get to catch the nice sunset that you see in most of everyone else's pictures since the nightly overcast rolled in during a late May evening, but overall this is a really nice little park with some great costal views. There's a couple short walking trails along the bluffs where you can get a little closer to see the birds out below. Park of the walking trails leads you over to the kids park/playground Dinosaurs Cave Park. The park is near a residential area, small with a good amount of parking. Nothing too busy with a lot of people around. read more
Who would have thought that this small local park would have some of the most magical sunsets in town?! I mean... Geezus! The views alone are gorgeous, but experiencing a sunset here can be pretty damn epic! As far as the actual park goes; there's really not much to it. You've got a cute little gazebo setup, some rest benches and picnic tables, and a short pathway that'll take you along the coastal bluffs. What it lacks in size, it most certainly makes up for in beauty. Seeing and hearing the blusterous waves crashing against the sea cliffs is truly quite numbing. There's such a blissful calmness to this park. It's amazing that it isn't more popular, but hey... I ain't complainin'! Perhaps that most intriguing experience at Margo Dodd park is watching the sunset. The colors in the sky can be so beautiful, especially when they're reflecting off the cliffs. I mean really, if you wanna see gorgeous sunsets sans Pismo crowds, this is the perfect spot to do it. I look back at the photos from my adventures here, and I'm still taken aback. It's definitely one of those local hidden gems that you won't take for granted. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful place for photos. Wonderful ocean views. Cute gazebo. Dog friendly. Water fountains onsite for humans and fur babies. Lots of opportunities to view sea birds. Street parking. read more
3 years ago
Absolutely breathtaking! Surely you will be in awe of the coastal scenery. From the sunrises to the sunsets this area is one of the beautifuliest here in Pismo beach. During the weekdays it is so quiet and peaceful. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks is music for the soul. read more
Had a picnic at the park. Nice covered gazebo or lawn area. Lots of birds so it is a little stanky when the wind blows right in your face. Love the calmness of this area that was walking distance from the dinosaur park. This area is amazing to discover and explore! read more
5 years ago
Margo Dodd Park is a small strip of land along side the ocean in a residential area. The park itself does not offer much except for a great view of the rock formation in the ocean and cliff along the coast. Oh, come here during sunset and you will be rewarded with lots of beautiful photos. read more
Seriously why all the high ratings. It's literally right next to dinosaur park. It's just a look out spot that has a gazebo that a bunch of 20 something year olds were hanging out in smoking. The rock caves are covered in sea birds and it smells really bad. Skip it! You aren't missing out on anything. read more
2 years ago
GO PINCH YOURSELVES THESE BEACH /PARKS ARE REAL! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Go 2 short blocks over & you too can "discover" yet another "locals" only secret. It is a nice stairway that leads to the hidden beach below this cute park....but only at low tide! When the tide goes higher, you can get "trapped" (this can also happen at the other Shell Beach Beaches). Usually, you will just get your sneakers wet, but sometimes the water could wash you out to sea. This long stairway down, is good for stair exercise & is most times unoccupied. I used to live just up the street & it was so cool to go down & watch & touch the ocean. There are a couple of benches on the cliff between Pier & Margo Dodd proper, so they are great for a bench picnic. You can get some Pizza from up the street at Del's, or some pricer goodies from DePalo's, down the road a bit (next the overpriced Shell Gas Station...hint...go to the Foothills & route 1 station). Anyway, Margo's is cute & well maintained. While the Gazebo & views are cool, I really like the huge rock filled with tons of Seagulls.... be careful looking over, but down at the bottom there is a cool sea-cave. From here to Dinosaur Caves Park, which is right there, there used to be public accessible Caves many decades ago....thus the Cave name. There are no known Dinosaur Fossils in the area...but you can find vintage pics of the fake Dinosaur that was built years ago & then sadly destroyed (maybe at DCP's monthly art/crafts fair...along with some simple snacks). While Margo Dodd & Beach are cool, the beach at Palisades Park is far more impressive & not really Yelped much. It is a long big beach at low tide & is a nature preserve, with tons of amazing tidal pools filled with all kinds of sea creatures.... great for both kids & nature lovers. As far as, living here is concerned, the beachfront houses are amazing in price & view... but are still cheaper than many areas in Hawaii or California. Simply renting a house or one of the very rare apartments, up the block, are not too insanely priced, but are tiny, with tiny bathrooms & no AC. The few rentals are owned by people that live in places like Fresno or Bakersfield, who had bought these places eons ago, before the prices went nuts. Even renting can be a real battle, with dozens of people fighting over a nice rental. I was blessed to be a winner & eventually bought my place. This beach community that extends from the "The Inn on the Cove" down to the nudist "Pirates Cove" is fantastic in so many ways. If you explore, walk, or Kayak down this part of the coast, you can even find tiny beaches that few know about or can access. Beyond Shell Beach, there are multitudes of unpopulated beaches that few tourists know about ( some I have a list for). The distinction between what is a Park, Beach, or Beach/Park is a nebulous one & many on the Coast are really both. You can find many by using the Satellite viewing, on Goggle Maps, but be very careful and do not try to follow some of the obsessed Surfers down steep inclines unless you are a goat, or an OCD surfer. Another thing, is that the water is very cold, and you need a wetsuit if you will spend much time in the water...or get hypothermia. Anyway, this Park, like so many others here, are almost devoid of people on weekdays, before or after sunrise/sunset time....so it can be quite serene. Sunset can sometimes be hassle when some jerk parks their crap car & plays loud hip-hop... if so, you can always walk or drive to the next little oasis. Welcome to a near Paradise! read more
Holy hell, I thought my local SoCal park was cool because it had nice tennis courts. Words cannot express how picturesque the views are at this park. It's a great place to bring your significant other or just to take out a book and relax. There's also a gazebo for weddings and whatnot, which I'm sure gets utilized a ton during the spring/summertime. We parked near the dinosaur park and just walked the rest of the way. If you walk further down along the coast, you'll eventually come across some stairs going down to the shore, and exposing some of the caves that you can check out. The waves were coming up pretty close to the stairs, so I'd recommend avoiding during high tide! Also there were signs to beware of sharks, which is a given around these NorCal waters. Note that this park is across from a very lucky residential neighborhood. read more
6 years ago
This spot was the place recommended for ocean sunset picture spots in the Pismo Beach area. It was gorgeous. The stairs down to the beach below are a bit tricky (two foot drop from the bottom one) but being in the park area and the gazebo and benches. Perfect. read more
10 years ago
Absolutely gorgeous view from the top of the cliff, and even better if you take the stairs down to the bottom. So many cliffs and giant rocks, caves, tunnels, it's just awesome. We watched the sunset, best time to go. However, be prepared to be attacked by a million annoying ass flies and to look like an idiot as you are constantly smacking yourself to get them off. read more
Sometimes I have to pinch myself because things seem too good to be true... My friends home is directly across the street from this park with the most unbelievable views of the pacific coast! Waking up to a misty morning & watching the sun come out very slowly to views of this park is something I'll never forget. I sat on the balcony watching so many different people coming & going and some would sit on the park benches for hours. I don't blame them! The views from every part of this little park are spectacular. I also loved seeing all the small & large furry babies enjoying it! Some people would even come out here in the middle of the night. The night views are just as special as the day views. If you ever find yourself anywhere near this place please take the time to stop & clear your mind here because every minute here was so worth it. I think of this place every day and I hope to go back very soon... read more
Gorgeous views of the ocean and the different rock formations. This small park was easy to find and parking was readily available along the street. The small white gazebo was adorable and luckily we arrived after a wedding ceremony. The park had a few benches for people to sit on and watch the beautiful ocean and sunset. I saw a group of people kayaking through the cave tunnel and around the different rock formations. The largest rock had many seagulls (or pelicans?) chilling on it and flying around. The smell at the park wasn't the most fragrant but the view was nice. read more
19 years ago
For the same reason why I am infatuated with nearby Eldwayen Ocean Park, one simply cannot deny the beauty that you see from this park. Margo Dodd does not feature BBQs as does Eldwayen, however, Margo Dodd does have a made-for-getting-married-in gazebo. THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE: OCEAN VIEW + GAZEBO + SUNSET (i.e., for good measure) = F#CKIN ROMANCE!!! read more
11 years ago
10 years ago
Was in SLO visiting for the weekend and yelped "watch sunset" near by and was led to this awesome park. Easily one of the top 3 sunsets I've seen ever. Would come back to watch the sunset again when I'm in town. read more
13 years ago
10 years ago
A picture worthy view! Definitely come here if you want a picture by the ocean, without the hassle of actually going down to the ocean. Family pictures also look great in the cute, little gazebo! Easy access & parking is not a problem! read more
11 years ago
11 years ago
Gorgeous! This place has to be one of the prettiest spots on the central coast. Perfect place for people watching, picnics and watching the sunset. I'm not sure if the "downstairs" beach is part of the park, but it's right next door. Both the park and the beach have amazing views which makes them perfect for photo ops. I saw tons of teenage girls taking Instagram photos... so that should say something about the view. read more
10 years ago
This is a very pretty park in Shell Brach, with a peaceful atmosphere where benches on bluffs overlooking the ocean remind you to stop and breathe, appreciate our beautiful land and sea. We were able to see whales frolicking around in the mid afternoon waters, as well. I wondered if anyone could possibly get tired of the view there... then realize how silly that was lol. read more
10 years ago
Pass the park signboard and you will see the stairs going down to the beach area. There are beautiful rocks. Only negative point- there is kind of water/waste outlet there. It spoils the scenery. read more
6 years ago
