Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo Beach
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Dinosaur Caves Park Pismo Beach California

4.7
·5k reviews·Pismo Beach, United States

Oceanfront park with dramatic cliffs, sea caves, a playground, and scenic walking paths offering breathtaking coastal views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Best cave viewing

CrowdLow
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Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo Beach

Dinosaur Caves Park Pismo Beach California

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Best cave viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Oceanfront park with dramatic cliffs, sea caves, a playground, and scenic walking paths offering breathtaking coastal views.

4.7
(5k reviews)

"A breath of fresh air with stunning views and a clean, well-maintained park perfect for families."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oceanfront Bluffs & Sea Caves

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 .

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Kid-Friendly Playground

Kid-Friendly Playground

Central park area

A vibrant playground with dinosaur and animal-themed structures, perfect for little adventurers to burn energy .

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Scenic Walking Paths

Scenic Walking Paths

Throughout the park

Meander along well-maintained paths offering panoramic ocean vistas and opportunities for birdwatching .

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Cave Views

While Dinosaur Caves Park offers stunning ocean vistas year-round, accessing the actual sea caves is tide-dependent. Check tide charts before your visit to maximize your chances of seeing the caves, especially if you're interested in tidepooling or exploring the shoreline. Arrive early to secure parking, particularly on weekends or holidays.Reddit

Cliff Edge Safety First

The park's dramatic cliffside location provides breathtaking views, but it also means being mindful of safety, especially with children or pets. Stay on designated paths and keep a close eye on little ones near the bluffs. While the caves themselves are inaccessible from the park, the views are spectacular.InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Low tide mornings
Why
Best cave viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Too Places in California Part 20 #dinosaurcavespark #pismobeach #pismobeachcalifornia #sanluisobispo #californiahiddengems #californiacoast #californiabeach
@peterowenfilms
75.4K likes • 1.2M views

Check Tide Charts First

Access to sea caves is tide-dependent. Consult tide charts for the best viewing opportunities.Reddit :ocean:

Pack a Picnic Basket

Enjoy a meal with a view! Plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables are available.InstagramReddit :sandwich:

Riding our Aventon bikes to the caves in Pismo Beach. #centralcoastpictures #centralcoast #pismobeach #pismo #pismocaves @Aventon
@pbl_805
24.8K likes • 241K views
✨NO HIKING REQUIRED ✨ 📍Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo Beach, California ⽳ The park’s name is derived from the sea caves located along the coastline below the bluffs. While visitors cannot access the caves directly from the park, they add to the area’s geological interest and provide a unique feature to the landscape. 🌊This is a beautiful oceanfront park located in Pismo Beach, California, which is ...
freespiritmadhutravels
60 likes • 4.1K views

Keep Little Ones Close

The cliff edges are beautiful but can be steep. Supervise children closely near the bluffs.InstagramReddit :child:

Binoculars for Birdwatching

Spot seabirds and marine life from the bluffs. Binoculars enhance the experience.Reddit :bird:

📍Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo, California. 🦖Location: Shell Beach section of Pismo Beach at the corner of Price Street and Cliff Avenue. Approximately 1 mile north of downtown Pismo. . . . . . . . . . . . #dino #dinopark #dinosaur #dinosaurcavespark #park #kidspark #dinosaurparty #kidsfriendly #pismobeach #pismo #dinoegg #dinosauregg #california #cali #californiabucketlist #californiaadventure #cali...
sushmitamajumdaar
31 likes • 698 views

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.Reddit :ocean:

Pack a Picnic Basket

Enjoy a meal with a view! Plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables are available.InstagramReddit :sandwich:

Keep Little Ones Close

The cliff edges are beautiful but can be steep. Supervise children closely near the bluffs.InstagramReddit :child:

Binoculars for Birdwatching

Spot seabirds and marine life from the bluffs. Binoculars enhance the experience.Reddit :bird:

Arrive Early for Parking

Especially on weekends or holidays, parking can fill up quickly. Beat the rush!.Reddit :car:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(5k reviews)

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

Stunning ocean views
Great playground
Clean and well-maintained

What People Dislike

Strong sea smell
Cliff edge caution

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.Instagram It's about a mile north of downtown Pismo Beach. Ample parking is available within the park.Reddit

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.TikTok

Yes, biking is a great option! Many visitors enjoy cycling along the coast to reach the park, as seen in some social media posts.TikTok 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.Reddit 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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.InstagramReddit

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.TikTok

🎫 🏞️ 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.InstagramReddit+1 Some visitors even enjoy kayaking nearby.Instagram

Absolutely! The park features a fantastic playground with dinosaur and animal themes, making it a hit with children.Instagram+1 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.Reddit

Yes, dogs are generally allowed in Dinosaur Caves Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.Reddit 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.Reddit 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.Instagram+1 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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dinosaur Caves Park is a fantastic destination for families. The well-equipped playground with its fun dinosaur and animal themes is a major draw for children.Instagram+1 Beyond the playground, the open grassy areas are perfect for kids to run and play. Parents will appreciate the clean restrooms and picnic tables for convenient family meals with a view.Reddit Remember to supervise children closely near the cliff edges, as the views are stunning but the drop-offs are significant.InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Lovers & Photographers

For those who appreciate natural beauty, Dinosaur Caves Park offers dramatic coastal scenery with its oceanfront bluffs and sea caves.Instagram The walking paths provide excellent opportunities for leisurely strolls with constant ocean vistas. Photographers will find stunning sunset opportunities and unique geological formations to capture.Instagram+1 Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various seabirds, and if you're lucky, you might even see marine life like otters.Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers & Road Trippers

Dinosaur Caves Park is an ideal stop for day-trippers and road trippers along the California coast. Its convenient location in Pismo Beach makes it an easy addition to any itinerary.TikTokInstagram The park offers a refreshing break with its beautiful views, clean facilities, and engaging playground, allowing visitors to stretch their legs and enjoy the ocean air.Reddit Ample parking makes it a hassle-free stop, and the free admission adds to its appeal for budget-conscious travelers.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Sea Caves

The park's namesake, the sea caves, are a major draw. While you can't directly access them from the park's main area, they are visible from the bluffs and can be explored more closely from the shoreline during low tide. Adjacent Margo Dodd Park offers better vantage points and a path down to the beach.Reddit Remember that cave access is entirely dependent on the tide; check tide charts carefully before planning your visit. The crashing waves against the cave mouths create a dramatic and mesmerizing spectacle.

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.Reddit

Family Fun at the Playground

Dinosaur Caves Park is a hit with families thanks to its well-equipped playground. Featuring a variety of structures, including those with dinosaur and animal themes, it provides ample opportunity for children to play and explore.Instagram+1 The playground is situated in a safe, accessible area of the park, allowing parents to relax while their children have fun.

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.InstagramReddit

Coastal Walks and Wildlife Spotting

The park boasts scenic walking paths that meander along the oceanfront bluffs, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.InstagramReddit These trails are well-maintained and provide a gentle, enjoyable stroll for visitors of all fitness levels. As you walk, keep an eye out for local wildlife; seabirds are commonly seen soaring overhead or nesting on the cliffs, and sometimes marine mammals like otters can be spotted in the water below.Reddit

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.Reddit

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