
Dinosaur Caves Park Pismo Beach California
Oceanfront park with dramatic cliffs, sea caves, a playground, and scenic walking paths offering breathtaking coastal views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best cave viewing

Dinosaur Caves Park Pismo Beach California
Best Time
Best cave viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oceanfront park with dramatic cliffs, sea caves, a playground, and scenic walking paths offering breathtaking coastal views.
"A breath of fresh air with stunning views and a clean, well-maintained park perfect for families."

Check Tide Charts First
Access to sea caves is tide-dependent. Consult tide charts for the best viewing opportunities . :ocean:
Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a meal with a view! Plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables are available . :sandwich:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oceanfront Bluffs & Sea Caves
Along the park's edge
Dramatic cliffs meet the Pacific, offering stunning views and access to fascinating sea caves below. A true coastal gem .

Kid-Friendly Playground
Central park area
A vibrant playground with dinosaur and animal-themed structures, perfect for little adventurers to burn energy .

Scenic Walking Paths
Throughout the park
Meander along well-maintained paths offering panoramic ocean vistas and opportunities for birdwatching .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Cave Views
Cliff Edge Safety First
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First
Access to sea caves is tide-dependent. Consult tide charts for the best viewing opportunities. :ocean:
Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a meal with a view! Plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables are available. :sandwich:
Keep Little Ones Close
The cliff edges are beautiful but can be steep. Supervise children closely near the bluffs. :child:
Binoculars for Birdwatching
Spot seabirds and marine life from the bluffs. Binoculars enhance the experience. :bird:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First
Access to sea caves is tide-dependent. Consult tide charts for the best viewing opportunities. :ocean:
Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a meal with a view! Plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables are available. :sandwich:
Keep Little Ones Close
The cliff edges are beautiful but can be steep. Supervise children closely near the bluffs. :child:
Binoculars for Birdwatching
Spot seabirds and marine life from the bluffs. Binoculars enhance the experience. :bird:
Arrive Early for Parking
Especially on weekends or holidays, parking can fill up quickly. Beat the rush!. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dinosaur Caves Park for its breathtaking ocean views, well-maintained grounds, and family-friendly atmosphere. The playground is a hit with kids, and the scenic walking paths offer a relaxing experience. Some find the sea smell strong, and caution is advised near cliff edges, especially with young children.
"This was such a cool place to visit. We have a van and we love to visit parks (city, state, and national parks)! The name intrigued us and we had to visit this cool park. We observed many birds flying over and landing on a large rock viewable from the edge of the park! We spent about six hours at the park and enjoyed all of the ammenities available to park visitors.
Ammenities include clean bathrooms, a playgound, walking paths which lead to beautiful overlooking views of the horizon/ocean. If you passing through Pismo Beach, check this place out!"
Michael
"This beauty is located in the Shell Beach area, adjacent to 'Margo Dodd Park' where you can admire the caves better, (even more if you bring your binoculars).
Plenty of parking. There's a kid's playground, walking trails, benches, lots of grassy areas with flowers, and stunning ocean views. Such a nice, family friendly atmosphere with a relaxing vibe. My dog had a good, happy walk here. The entire park is very clean and nicely taken cared of (but the sea smell was a bit strong for my sensitive nose).
I was happy to see a lovely memorial bench area for 'Kristin Smart' as I followed her case since day one. It is a peaceful place to remember her as she loved the beach.
Overall, it has always been a nice, relaxing time here and will visit every time we're in town."
Betty H
"After a 5-hour drive, stopping here was an absolute breath of fresh air! I was truly in awe of the stunning views and how clean and well-maintained everything was—from the park grounds to the restrooms. The lawns were perfectly manicured, and the surrounding flowers added such a beautiful touch.
The kids had a great time stretching their legs, playing, and enjoying breakfast at one of the shaded picnic tables.
Being able to walk right up to the edge, listen to the waves, and watch the birds—and even spot a few otters—was incredibly relaxing. Such a peaceful and refreshing stop. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone passing through!"
Blossom McCoy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dinosaur Caves Park is located in the Shell Beach area of Pismo Beach, at the corner of Price Street and Cliff Avenue. It's about a mile north of downtown Pismo Beach. Ample parking is available within the park.
While specific public transport routes directly to the park might be limited, you can typically reach Pismo Beach via bus services and then consider a short taxi or rideshare to the park. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Using GPS with the address 'Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo Beach, CA' or '2701 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449' will guide you directly to the park entrance.
Yes, biking is a great option! Many visitors enjoy cycling along the coast to reach the park, as seen in some social media posts. There are scenic routes leading to the park.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available within the park, including areas suitable for RVs and vans. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dinosaur Caves Park is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to visit and enjoy the amenities.
Dinosaur Caves Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check local listings or call the Pismo Beach Parks and Recreation department for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
There is no admission fee to enter Dinosaur Caves Park. It's a free public park for everyone to enjoy the coastal scenery and amenities.
While the park is named after the sea caves, direct access to the caves from the park itself is not possible. The caves are located below the bluffs and are best viewed from the park or adjacent areas like Margo Dodd Park during low tide.
General park rules apply, such as leash laws for pets and respecting the natural environment. Be mindful of cliff edges and supervise children. Some areas might be temporarily closed due to weather or maintenance, as noted in past storm events.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks along the bluffs, explore the playground, have a picnic, watch birds, and admire the ocean views and sea caves. Some visitors even enjoy kayaking nearby.
Absolutely! The park features a fantastic playground with dinosaur and animal themes, making it a hit with children. The open grassy areas are also great for play.
Direct access to the sea caves from the park is not available. However, you can get closer views from adjacent areas like Margo Dodd Park, especially during low tide. Be cautious on the pebbly beach and steep steps if you venture down.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed in Dinosaur Caves Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. It's a great spot for a dog walk with ocean views.
Visitors often spot various seabirds flying and nesting near the cliffs. You might also see marine life like otters from the bluffs. The park is a great spot for birdwatching.
📸 📸 Photography
The cliff edges offer dramatic ocean backdrops, the playground provides fun shots with kids, and the walking paths frame scenic coastal vistas. Look for interesting rock formations and birdlife.
Yes, the western-facing bluffs provide stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular spot for photographers.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be bright, but the dramatic cliffs and ocean still make for great shots.
Drone usage is typically regulated in public parks. It's advisable to check with the Pismo Beach Parks and Recreation department or local FAA guidelines before flying a drone in the park to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and cliffs. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Photographers
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Sea Caves
When visiting the shoreline, be aware of the terrain. The beach can be pebbly, and the steps leading down can be steep and slippery, especially after rain or with high tides. Safety is paramount, so wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution. The experience of being near these ancient geological formations, carved by the relentless power of the ocean, is truly unique and memorable.
Family Fun at the Playground
Beyond the playground, the park offers open grassy areas perfect for running around or enjoying a game. Combined with the stunning ocean views and the gentle sea breeze, it creates a delightful environment for a family outing. Many visitors mention their children having a blast, making it a recommended stop for those traveling with kids.
Coastal Walks and Wildlife Spotting
These walks are not just about the views; they offer a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the fresh sea air. The sound of the waves crashing below adds to the serene atmosphere. Many reviewers highlight the relaxing and refreshing nature of these coastal walks, making it a perfect activity for a leisurely afternoon.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit