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    Margo Dodd Park

    4.6 (33 reviews)

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    Margo Dodd made history by becoming the first woman appointed to the city's Parks & Recreation Commission, marking a notable achievement.
    Darrell P.

    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 got some of that "May Grey" that covered our view of the sunset.
    Tony H.

    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.

    Because we always love a good sunset moment! ;)
    Shayla B.

    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.

    Ocean View
    Dong Wook C.

    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.

    Elizabeth G.

    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.

    Great area to bird watch and smell some poop!
    Bacong F.

    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!

    Lovely sunset
    Mike Y.

    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.

    Sara B.

    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.

    Paul M.

    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!

    Beautiful view
    Jeff T.

    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.

    Christopher U.

    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.

    Tiffanie A.

    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.

    Happy Sunday everybody
    Ania K.

    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...

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

    Beautiful view! A great place for a romantic date with yourself or someone you enjoy spending quality time with!

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    2 years ago

    The stairs to the tide pools were closed and right before memorial day weekend, too! Do better, Pismo Beach!

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    13 years ago

    Best sunset spot EVER. The view is AMAZING! Definitely drop by for a quick stop if your passing the area. It's worth the 5 mins.

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    13 years ago

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    So beautiful and peaceful, with a cute little gazebo and breathtaking views...so glad we wandered upon this little gem!

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    Review Highlights - Margo Dodd Park

    There's also a gazebo for weddings and whatnot, which I'm sure gets utilized a ton during the spring/summertime.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

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    Dinosaur Caves Park

    Dinosaur Caves Park

    4.5
    (205 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    Such an idyllic park. We stopped by to give our pup some nice playtime and relaxation and were…read moregreeted with the sight of families enjoying the play structure, beautiful cave and rock formations cliffside, various coastal flora and green grass. It is called dinosaur caves park due to the caves and some dinosaur sculptures located in the play area. Apparently there use to be a big dinosaur centerfold but that was taken away. A great walk and area to coast for a bit (pun intended) but bring your own shade.

    My family and I saw this park while driving to Solvang a few weeks ago and knew we had to check it…read moreout on our way home! Dinosaur Caves Park is just gorgeous! A lovely neighborhood park with amazing views of the ocean! The park was clean and well maintained - they offered bathrooms as well! Swings, slides, spiny rides - you name it. Our daughter had a blast! After our daughter enjoyed the park, we walked around the trails and took so photos of the flowers and ocean views. Why is it called Dinosaur Caves Park? Apparently per the information area, there used to be a massive dinosaur statue that was eventually taken away - caves? I did see a cave or 2 when we were checking out the ocean views. Overall, I think Dinosaur Caves Park is a great place to get out and stretch your legs - it's especially nice to let the kiddos get some energy out before heading back to your roadtrip!

    Photos
    Rawr!
    Rawr!
    Beautiful views
    Beautiful views
    Beautiful plant life throughout the park!

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    Beautiful plant life throughout the park!
    Avila Beach

    Avila Beach

    4.3
    (235 reviews)
    4.1 mi

    I never realized just how close I was to Avila Beach each time my husband and I would take…read moreroadtrips to Santa Barbara. I'd passed Avila Beach off the 101 countless times and never knew! Actually, I had never known about Avila Beach until one night, as I was scrolling through instagram, it showed up on my feed. Someone I was following had posted a short reel and I immediately took to how pretty it was. Anyhow, fast forward to just a few days later (and this is the part that seemed 'meant to be'), we were on our way to Pismo for a little weekend trip when I see an exit for Avila Beach just shortly before Pismo. "No way!" I thought .... This whole time it was just right there? And so, as we checked into our hotel in Pismo we quickly diverted our original plan - rather than Pismo it's off to Avila we go. Just a short 10min drive and there we were. Shops, restaurants, the pier .... Just beautiful. I have to say - that little discovery really made our weekend memorable. I don't know what it was but my family and I really enjoyed the afternoon that we'd spent here. There was something for everyone. I had my jolt of much needed caffeine from Kraken coffee (located right off the beach), my daughter got ice cream (husband did as well). The whole afternoon in this little newfound escape was perfect. The beach is beautiful, there are a few shops and eateries that offer both sweet and some savory. It's a lively place to hang out and relaxing enough to bum out too.

    Avila Beach is a coastal town in San Luis Obispo County. And the town has a beach. So I always…read morewondered when referring ti the beach... should it be called Avila Beach's beach. Anyway, the beach is beautiful and family friendly. It had a less commercial retail vibe than Pismo Beach and pier. The waters are a bit calmer than other coastal towns due to the beach being within the San Luis Obispo Bay. They have old fashion steel swing sets on the on the beach (right side of the pier). Speaking about the pier. The pier was originally built in 1908. It's about 1685 feet long. It has been storm damaged many times and repaired, and is still standing. Though right now the far portion of the pier is not open due to retrofitting upgrades. Lots of folks fish off of the pier and take in the sights. I got pretty close to a sea otter enjoying a meal and grooming himself. He was floating right next to the pier. Totally awesome.

    Photos
    Avila Beach
    Summer
    Summer
    Avila Beach

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    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve

    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve

    4.9
    (12 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    One of the most beautiful and secluded areas I've been to. If you walk down to the dunes via…read moreStrand Street towards where the vehicles congregate you may see a tribune you have to cross. Head east from there as there is a gap between areas that are protected.

    I can only assume that Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve gets so little traffic because it's getting…read moreconfused for the more X-treme Oceano Dunes SRVA (which is awesome in its own right). While they are immediately adjacent, they are worlds apart. Making a pilgrimage through the dune grass, away from the ATVs and Jeeps whirling their wheels into sand pits, you'll be rewarded with quiet warmth and geographic perfection. Hours can be spent watching the wind blow miniature canyons into the silk-fine sand, or diving down the tallest dunes only to fall onto the natural pillows of pure beach. Completely protected from cars, traffic, and (frankly) assholes, the Natural Preserve is an arid oasis. I like to imagine that if I were a Chumash living in the area generations ago, I would have a pretty awesome home going in the Dunes. It shouldn't cost you anything to get there. In Oceano, drive to the end of Pier Ave. and park for free either on the street or in the lot, near all the ATV rentals. Walk south about half a mile along the beach, then veer east toward a natural lake. You'll see markers restricting motor vehicle access - go beyond them, and keep going until you hit a clearing...you'll know the Dunes when you see them - they'll make you feel like you've landed on the moon. By far one of my favorite places in SLO County - a definite must for someone looking to relax and soak in some unique, natural beauty. Enjoy.

    Photos
    Made it to the clearing!
    Made it to the clearing!
    Looking eastward toward the Dunes
    Looking eastward toward the Dunes
    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve

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    Avila Sea Caves

    Avila Sea Caves

    3.9
    (20 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    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

    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.

    Photos
    Monday, July 24th, 2023 - View from Cave
    Monday, July 24th, 2023 - View from Cave
    Avila Sea Cave Entrance
    Avila Sea Cave Entrance
    Avila Sea Cave Graffiti

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    Avila Sea Cave Graffiti

    Margo Dodd Park - parks - Updated August 2026

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