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

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.

So pretty and peaceful. Very nice to walk around and look at tidepools and wildlife.read more

Cove Dwellers…read more Located in Montaña de Oro State Park, Spooner's Cove is an awesome little piece of beachfront with some really interesting features. The Good: *Free! *Literally the only place (besides the camp grounds) in Montaña de Oro that is dog-friendly--altho that doesn't seem to stop anybody. *Restrooms (Vault Toilets [i.e., hole in the ground with a toilet above it]) *Parking lot *Great place for tidepooling (check tide charts) *Sea caves! Again, check the tide charts. *Fascinating rock formations and some that are climbable--if you're brave enough, that is. *Picnic tables The Meh: *Large for a cove, but small for a beach The Ugly: *I'm not sure what it is about this beach, but we saw a bunch of people just grabbing tons of the rocks to take back home with them. One lady had a five-gallon bucket! Conclusion: Great place to stop, have lunch, and explore when visiting Montaña de Oro.

Easy walk onto the beach and bathrooms ( really wet but at least there's a restroom). You can…read moredrive on to the beach if so inclined.

One of my favorite places for beach camping…read more Been here twice already and the sand near the shore is very soft. This was the first time I realized the beaches in California could actually be decent. I've stayed here for a few nights over the weekend and booking a month prior is recommended. The nights are extremely cold, so I'd recommend bringing layers. Friends say it's not the best for surfing, but it's a nice place to ride in the sand dunes. I also recommend bringing wooden boards to block the wind from any sandstorms. Recently, the camping areas had a lot of coal and glass shards beneath the sand. I'd recommend wearing shoes or slippers to prevent injuries. Closer to the shore, the sand is beautiful. On windy days, a sand towel comes in handy. I wouldn't recommend a shower pan because it gets messy, if you're car or tent camping. They have an outhouse that has toilet paper and one toilet. There's also three porta potties, but no running water. Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and bringing your own tap water are essential.

What a great landmark and a historic site to visit! I can't believe there's no charge for parking…read morenor entrance fee to look at this great marvel of nature up close. This is a gigantic rock formed over 20 million years ago from the core of an ancient volcano. You can get a great view from any of the nearby areas but my family and I just walked here from our hotel during our recent stay. There are pedestrian and bike friendly path to get here from the downtown area or from the nearby beach area. You will see several otters as you walk along the path. Since this is a historic landmark, you cannot hike or try to climb the rock. Hope no one is stupid enough to do something crazy in order to post themselves on social media.

A beautiful day within nice walk to the Morro Bay Rock. Temps at 74 degrees. Lots of seagulls dive…read morebombing and sea otters playing in the water. Pleasant and therapeutic. Recommended

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!

Avila Beach is special. Standing on the pier gives great views. And when waves are rolling through,…read moreit's so calming. The Boardwalk has always had beautiful people enjoying the views and vibes every time I've been here. Parking is tough but once you got a spot, you're good. One of my favorite places to get away.

I loved every moment of this trip, especially because of Avila. It's such a beautiful place, and…read morethe people are truly one of a kind. Everyone I met on the pier radiated the best vibes. If you're visiting California, make sure to carve out time for Avila--the breathtaking views are absolutely unforgettable.

Another great spot for beach and tide pools. The beach even has little coves that would be good for…read moreescaping these sun a bit. No bathrooms here though so the ocean will have to be your relief. It wasn't very busy with maybe 4-5 families around with small children.

BEAUTIFUL TIDAL BEACH WITHOUT A REAL NAME…read more~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This fantastic beach which cannot be used at high tide, since it is covered with TONS of H2O!, is AMAZINGLY HUGE AT LOW TIDE & populated WITH STRANGE & WONDERFUL NON-HUMAN CREATURES! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ & SAY HELLO TO YOUR DISTANT RELATIVES! During the lowest tides, many Tidepools are revealed that are tiny worlds to themselves, where the law of the aquatic jungle prevail, over the lives of a plethora of wonderous creatures of all sizes, who evolved way before man walked the earth! (Please see the Pics for Ebb Tide Park that overlooks many views of this Beach...most are pics of a low tide where you can see where the Tidepools, Sand, & Happy Beach goers are) You will discover zillions of Snails; Anemones waving to drag small creatures (or your finger...ha...ha...ha, if are foolish enough to let it digest it) into them; Hermit crabs maybe searching.. for a bigger shell; Sea Urchins as sharp as balls of needles; Tube worms & Sea Cucumbers who look like creatures from a BILLION years ago.... & a huge supporting cast of Shrimps, Barnacles, & multitude more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT MESS WITH THEM nor HURT THEM.... See the SLO Vistor's Guide Website for details at http://www.slovisitorsguide.com/explore-the-tidepools On the Pismo Parks Website, they have it listed as part of the South Palisades Park (on the overlooking cliff), which ironically lacks the staircase down to the water....but you can find staircases on either end which are also small parks on the overlooking cliffs. At the South End, next to Ebb Tide Park which is again just on the Cliff, there is a trail/ staircase which is starts right at the corner of the Cliff's hotel there. At the North End, you have the South Palisades Park Staircase. Between the two staircases & extending at both ends, you have one of the largest nicest Beaches in Shell Beach. It is confusing as to how to find this beach since you can find it on Goggle Maps, but lacks an address & the official Pismo Beach website is also confusing since it names and describes only the overlooking or nearby Parks such as: Ebb Tide (cliff, but no beach access), South Palisades Park (cliff, benches, grass, & beach access), and Palisades Park (which has playgrounds at one end & across Shell Beach road it continues with free Tennis & Basketball Courts. =============================================== Again, at another LOW TIDE, ~~~~~~~~~ you are in for a treat as you can explore the many tide pools, that are populated with a plethora of amazing sea creatures. THEY are eagerly awaiting, HIGH TIDE, ~~~~~~~~~~ to come back. ================================================ Since these creatures are protected or endangered in one way or another, please do not bother them. Looking is fine. They do have some pics of them up on top of the cliff near the staircase that goes to the Palisades (named after the Chumash Village that was there way before the houses, and before an oil refinery....). The word "Pismo" was derived from a Chumash name that named some tar critical to make their boats seaworthy enough to get to the Channel Islands- Goggle it, Dinosaur Caves, & Pismo Beach. While it makes for a nice walk, you would have to either walk back to where you started, or walk up to Shell Beach Road to get back. The Cliff Parks &/or Beach/Parks all along Shell Beach are generally not connected either on top of the Cliffs, nor by the water...unless you use a Kayak or a Surf board. At high tides, the waves go lapping at the bottom of the stairs, and the huge expanse of beach is hidden again... I guess this is why they do not really go into it on the city website. If you happen to dine or stay at one of the three hotels that lines the Cliffs, from the Cliffs, to Dolphin Bay Inn (Lido's), to Spyglass Inn. which all have a continuous concrete walk from Spyglass to the trail/stairs just after Cliffs, then it really is fun to take a walk down to the beach at low tide...but be careful...since those stairs are not the safest. Have fun & be careful....especially with kids.... watch them!!!! Also DO NOT SWIM... IT IS NOT A SWIMMABLE BEACH... IF HYPOTHERMIA DOES NOT GET YOU, THE RIP CURRENTS WILL. Besides, getting DASHED AGAINST THE ROCKS is not great for your COMPLEXION... ... for family friendly swimming, go to nearby AVILA BEACH for that & a bigger selection of kid friendly food. BTW- Now that Yelpers have a "proper" listing to Yelp, go to it! :)