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!

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.

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!

Beautiful park and playground for the whole family. The kids had a blast on the playground and then went on a walk with the paths along the ocean. A little scary with little ones because you are by a ocean cliff so keep them close:)

We were there during high tides king tides so we didn’t go down by the rocky caves. But stunning views. Absolutely beautiful November day! We saw whales blowing in the distance as it is migration time for them.

Definitely worth the visit. Unique scenic coves with lots of seagulls and pelicans. Great place to enjoy the beautiful view and relax for a while.

We came too late for tidepooling. Check the tides schedule. It’s a bit of a walk, south of the parking lot to the hotel, then down the stairs to a pebbly beach. Very cool cave and crashing of waves! The lower step where the stairs ends is steep- be careful! Gorgeous spot for picnic lunch! Even on Labor Day there was parking available and open picnic tables.

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.

Wonderful little park, this park is the literal translation that big things come in small packages. This has to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pismo/ Shell beach, the views are spectacular, especially around sunset.

Great little peaceful park with a gazebo, benches and spectacular views of the rocks and ocean.

Very pretty. There were Hundreds of Pelicans there. Totally Awesome.

Went for a visit for a wedding. How beautiful this place is!

Beautiful place, amazing vistas. The birds and sea lions were so fun to watch. We went snorkeling and had a fun time even though there was almost zero visibility, and tons of seaweed. It was great riding the swells through the caves and rocks. Great place to kayak. There is a fun park for kids up the street as well, great place to stop for a picnic.

A perfect spot to sit and watch sunset 🌇 on our Anniversary during the Thanksgiving weekend. Awesome views

Love this spot. This is a spot that we happen to run across by accident. And let me tell you what I'm glad we did. The area is clean, in a residential area. You can stand and take beautiful pictures off of the Bluffs or you can go down and enjoy yourself on the beach. It's nice it's quiet. Don't get me wrong there are people on there but it was very peaceful and relaxing. There are a lot of tide pools in rocks to explore, but be very careful. This is a place, a must see

Awesome place. You can just sit on a bench & enjoy the view or have a picnic. They have 3 bbq grills & 4 picnic tables. They also are two sets of stairs, that lead you straight to the beach. One off Morro & Ocean Blvd, the other off Vista del Mar & Ocean Blvd.

We chanced upon this each and was pleasantly surprised. Spent a lazy afternoon just watching the waves and the kids enjoyed hunting for hermit crabs in the tide pool. Be sure to check for daily tide schedule. Plenty of street parking

Found this by accident. This is simply one of the best spots I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen a lot of beach sunsets. Photos don’t do it justice. The people in the community were very nice, wonderful ocean breeze, clean waters, and just the right amount of sun. Please be a respectful member of the community to keep this as wonderful as it is

This little overlook provides an amazing view! It wasn’t super busy, but it’s surprisingly chilly out so it may be that. Plenty of room for the kiddos to run around and play, just be careful of the construction areas!

We stopped here on a recent Wednesday during low tide in hopes of finding some tide pools. There was ample parking along the street during our visit, but only one set of stairs down to the beach was open. Tide pools were plentiful, but not many sea critters to be found. Very pretty spot though, with lots of interesting rock formations on the cliffs.

My favorite spot to catch the sunset 🌅 There is plenty of seating and many friendly folks who are walking their dogs, drinking wine, doing their workout, hanging out with their families, etc. I’ve also hosted a picnic or two here and it’s been great! Perfect spot for a picnic!

Restrooms are very clean and the park is right off the side of the beach great place to take your kids to wind down and have fun!! 😁😊

Cool park with a playground, picnic area and scary cliffs.

Nice park in Pismo. Good play area for kids, clean restrooms, and a small green space. A sort of treacherous path down to the beach, but good for looking at tide pools during low tide, and surfers were using the path to get to the water too. (Photos are of beach below the park)

Priceless park where you will find parking when you will never find it at Pismo Beach. There is a nice bathroom and the playground is perfect! We enjoyed flying a kite and some time on a beautiful beach where we had it mostly to ourselves.

small park with nice restrooms 🚻 During low tide there is a hazardous trail down the cliff to the beach. Rocky surf spot. Two parks are close, about 5 minute walk.

We just needed a place to eat the amazing cinnamon rolls we had just gotten and found this beautiful park. Great for kids, doggos, and even adults. Ocean view is wonderful and you can take the stairs to the beach.

This park is fantastic! The playground is really cool with lots of fun climbing structure. There are picnic tables with grills, a stunning view out over the ocean, and a path down to a beach (we were unable to take the path due to king tides). Plenty of parking, and two individual bathrooms. What a wonderful spot!

Nice hot springs that' s been open forever! I've been coming here since the 70's and my grandfather used to come here from the 1930's to the 1970's ! Established in 1907, this hot springs has a nice clean single hot pool about 2' deep. You will sit with other folks and though there is some conversation going on, it's done fairly quietly and respectfully most times, obviously you'll get some louder people so expect that on occasion. There is also a nice large comfortable temp swimming pool with a slide and area for kids, with chairs and tables to sit and relax. We went on a weekday from 12-4 and there wasn't a lot of people. Weekends are especially busy at times. There are campsites and some small cabin rentals here also. There is a large grassy area in front of building for picnicking as you can come and go as long as you have wrist band on. No food served here, with vending machines for drinks. You can bring in your own water and munchies if you want. There is what they call an early session that goes from 7am-12 noon for 18$ which is nice also.

I had a great time soaking in the hot mineral springs. The price is great, especially for the morning and evening soaks. The staff is friendly and informative. If you need a towel or a lock for your locker, you can purchase them. They have a couple vending machines for drinks and snacks. They offer massages. This is a very low key, no frills hot springs pool. Bathing suits are required. The water does make your skin and hair feel soft and silky. My sore muscles were relaxed, when I left. The water does have a little of the mineral sulfur in it; so there is the slight, "Sulfur," smell. Don't let that turn you off. They keep the water at about 104°. If you like the warmer water stay near where the water comes into the springs pool. I prefer slightly cooler water; so, I stayed at the far end. I will definitely return when I'm in the area. One of the questions asked was, "Do they have a cold plunge pool? If you are looking for the standard 5'x5' (40°-50°) plunge pool, no, they don't. The swimming pool is heated to 89°. It is a normal, chlorinated pool, but the chemical treatment is perfectly balanced, and you don't smell the chlorine. ***Someone on Google said that they are open until 10:00 p.m. This is incorrect. I confirmed it with the staff. They are only open until 9:00 p.m.

Finally find a spot to relax and unwind both body and mind. Just a clear thinking and a deep inhale exhale. Thank you so much for this wonderful day Avila hot springs.

$18 for 7am to noon. Worth every penny! Shallow mineral springs water pool and larger swimming pool to cool off. Don't be alarmed by the outdoor shower temperature, it warms up quickly. There are separate shower/locker rooms as well. Upon entry, Sunny the friendly resident cat directed us to the pools. Yes, there are PVC pipes in the mineral pool, but this is likely a necessity due to the high mineral content of the water. 10/10, will return!

Really enjoyed the hot springs. It helps take the toxins out of the body and helps to relax everything. Would prefer multiple smaller sized hot springs instead of one large one. But it is what it is. I heard the swimming pool also has minerals in it. That I need to ask questions about and find out. I'll update when I get some answers

10.17.25 & 10.18.25 Hot Spring pool was so nice! They don't have towels for rent or use anymore but you can still shower there. Must bring your own supplies. 8am-12pm $18/person

Can be crowded during day. We reached after sunset, it was pretty good with less crowd on a weekend but the water wasn’t most clean tbh.

While staying at Dolphin Bay we needed whole milk for our kids- and this place delivered. Had checked other “markets” nearby with no success. Pricey, but expected for the location and convenience. A gallon of Crystal Creamery whole mile is $8.99… friendly service and easy to pop in and out. Grabbed some fresh bananas too! Seemed like there were lots of other fun food options but didn’t have time to browse.

What a truly special store; a real gem and, frankly, it made our Pismo trip! Excellent selection of products, fantastic sandwich options and assorted sides (potato, pasta salads etc.), and some truly lovely baked goods, both savory and sweet. The sandwich/deli counter staff were really friendly, informative, and open to alternate sandwich filling choices. Our cashier, Aiden, was an absolute delight being so attentive and kind. Keep doing what you're doing, Depalo & Sons!

First time to check this place out! Fantastic! Their products are of good quality! Wines, pastries, the sandwiches! We went back there the following day to just sit, ate my avocado sandwich which was delicious! My husband enjoyed the scones. Recommend to have more coffee choices maybe in the front? Latte, cappuccino while we enjoy your fabulous food!

The store is very cute. However, we did not like the sandwiches at all. We had the BBQ chicken and grilled eggplant. Neither had any flavor. The eggplant was so bitter that I couldn't finish the sandwich. My husband didn't finish his sandwich either. $14 and $13 wasted.

Very good grocery. Awesome baked good selections with a good choice of cakes. Cheesecake is very good. Everything you could want and more. Looking for hard to find items? This is the place.

Great place to stop off for lunch, right off 101 and next to a gas station. Upscale deli and grocery store, perfect for a picnic on the go. Sandwich, pasta, salads, etc.

We stayed at the spyglass and this place was super convenient. The sandwiches are delicious and had a bunch of novelty sodas. Staff was friendly and we got our sandwiches fast. They have tons of already prepared Italian foods and soups to take home. I would highly suggest this place. Also stays open later compared to other places around there. Nice little store.

Absolutely love the service and the quality of the food offerings. Nice menu with wonderful selections of Seafood, Beef, Pork Chops, etc. Great experience and environment for a comfortable. Our server, Dana made sure the evening was filled with delicious food and drinks for a memorable occasion.

Lovely lunch on the patio. We had a very leisurely meal with great service. We both tried the pear and goat cheese salad. My friend had the bread basket and said the bread was amazing. I added salmon to my salad and it was very well cooked and delicious. A great place for a relaxing meal.

Got the first reservation at 5pm. We were a little bit early and they quickly set up our table. I should've taken pics of the drinks, food and dessert, but I forgot a I enjoyed the outdoor dining and the delicious food. The outdoor patio had plenty of heaters to keep the table warm and spaced out nicely. There was some indoor seating but we preferred outdoor seating. All the dishes were yummy and the service was good. Will definitely come back.

Had a wonderful dinner with my husband and our friends on Thursday evening. We had an Artisan cheese board and fried calamari as starters. All the cheeses were amazing and the Calamari was wonderful! For my main I had the deep sea scallops and pork belly over polenta and carrots. The scallops were perfect and the pork was super tender and delicious. For desert I had the chocolate torte and it was rich and delightful. Service was fantastic and our only complaint was that we chose to sit on the patio and we had a few bees that would not leave us to enjoy our food. We ended up relocating inside to enjoy coffee and desert. Our server was super accommodating and we will definitely go back when we get an opportunity to do so!

We visited the Gardens of Avila Restaurant for my fiancée’s birthday dinner, hoping for a special experience—but unfortunately, it fell short. While the staff was friendly, they didn’t seem very informed about the menu. When we asked about popular dishes or specials, our server simply said, “The menu is small. I serve all of the dishes.” I also asked for a wine pairing with my entrée—especially important considering we’re in wine country—but the server had no recommendations. The wait for our food was over an hour (1 hour and 5 minutes), which really took away from the evening. When the food finally arrived, it lacked flavor and attention to detail. The mashed potatoes, for example, were closer to soup in consistency. To top it off, the bill came out to nearly $150 before tip, which felt excessive for such a disappointing experience. We were really hoping for a memorable and enjoyable night out, but sadly, Gardens of Avila didn’t deliver.

As a local, I appreciate that this place balances refinement with comfort. The bar and terrace are great for a casual meal too, and the kids’ menu is surprisingly solid. Nice to have a place that treats all guests well.

A true hidden gem. Everything here is fabulous. By far the best restaurant burger I've ever had, from San Francisco, Beverly Hills to San Diego. Avila Beach is where you will find it. Fresh veggies from the garden across the street. Very warm and welcoming staff. We will definitely revisit every time.

This restaurant was absolutely amazing. We visited from the east coast and stayed at the hotel on the property. The views were breathtaking the food was delicious. The presentation staff ambiance was 5 star. Will definitely be returning when visiting Cali. The ceviche was my favorite great app for the table. Also great place to celebrate a birthday. My son loved it they made his birthday special added candles to his slice of cake great dessert options.

Food was amazing! We had the steak, molcajete, a chicken steak dish, pozole. The steak had a delicious glaze on it and a nice smoky flavor and the pozole was seasoned perfectly. Would have had a nice view of the bay except the fog came in. Our server Alberta was so attentive and caring. Our kiddo loved his quesadilla and some of my steak plus the yummy desserts. Definitely coming back.

We had reserved a table on a Friday night and were seated right away with a great view. The wait staff were attentive and the margaritas were very good. The food was fine, but my wife felt her fish was a bit bland and my chili relleno’s cheese inside wasn’t melted. The cornmeal crusted calamari were quite good as were the sauces, although my wife found corn meal vs traditional batter a bit weird. If I came back I’d definitely order something else.

Today's night out was spectacular. The atmosphere, the restaurant, the food, EVERYTHING was 💯. A cheery on top for me was my dish; Choppino which was top tier. I will be back soon enough.

The waiter and food were excellent. He recommended the shredded beef birria tacos, sopes, and lobster mac for dinner entrees. He was not wrong. Amazing Mexican food and freshly made tortillas on the side.

This is one of the most highly recommended restaurants I’ve been to in the U.S. — reasonable prices, excellent service, and delicious food with generous portions. Their complimentary appetizer is freshly baked warm corn tortillas served with four different kinds of sauces — a delightful surprise compared to the typical tortilla chips you get at most Mexican restaurants. The clam chowder is an absolute must-try. It’s the best I’ve ever had — rich in both seafood flavor and creaminess. Every spoonful is packed with a variety of seafood, not just clams but also squid and others. The only slight downside was that the soup wasn’t hot enough when served, but other than that, it was nearly flawless. (4.8/5) The fish and chips, on the other hand, are skippable. The fried fish was quite standard and not particularly special. (3/5) Their pasta was amazing. The sauce and penne were already excellent on their own, but the seafood on top was definitely not an afterthought. Both the shrimp and fish were plentiful and perfectly cooked — tender and flavorful without being overdone. (5/5) Another great touch was the water they served. Instead of the usual lemon slices, they use cucumber slices, which made it taste refreshingly clean. Unlike some restaurants where the water can be slimy or have a weird taste, theirs was genuinely enjoyable. The view over there is also astonishing!

Great Mexican fusion cuisine and solid service. Filet Minion special was outstanding and good kids choices. For the fans of Old Fashion - you have to try theirs.

On the way back from hiking trail that’s beside this place. We decided to get a breakfast. Our hotel has great croissants I was in a mood for some eggs and a proper breakfast. My wife had the yogurt with granola fruit and I had a three egg omelette. Both were amazing. Very pet friendly and excellent decor well worth the stop. The service and staff were fantastic as well.

This is a nice neighborhood market that also serves food and coffee with a nice fireplace and seating area. We had Americanos from the coffee bar, and my wife had a gluten-free pizza and I had soup and a sandwich. Everything was very tasty. Nice little place to have a meal.

My partner and I stopped here for brunch as we walked along the Bob Jones Trail. The food selection was better than expected, as they added more options to the breakfast menu, and there were several gluten-free choices. They are also well-stocked with local artisan food products/desserts. The staff is incredibly friendly, personable, and attentive. It's a beautiful space as well with a nice, relaxed atmosphere. However, I had to lower my overall rating because the state of the women's bathroom was just abysmal- it looked like it had been days since it was cleaned, and none of the stalls had toilet paper. To their credit, one of the staff quickly jumped in to restock after I asked. But still, I don't think the restroom being that dirty is justified, considering the restaurant wasn't particularly busy.

My husband and I rented bikes and enjoyed a ride on the Bob Jones trail. We passed Woodstone and decided to return for lunch. That was a great idea. It's a beautifuul peaceful spot with fantastic food. We both had prime rib salads that were amazing. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable,and extremely welcoming. Alex, the owner, has created a gem and has plans to add even more improvements. We liked this place so much tonight we plan to return for dinner.

We were lucky enough to find this place while we were staying at the Cliffs Hotel 10 minutes down the road. From the service, to the quality, and the overall atmosphere of this gem of a Market/Restaurant we truly can’t be more impressed! We ended up coming 3 days in a row while visiting San Luis Obispo. I truly have not found one thing to complain about. Breakfast Items we had -Oatmeal -Breakfast burrito (Sub with Tri Tip + jalapeños ) -Bagel - Fruit Plate Lunch items we had -Alex”s Burger (Added bacon, subbed with pepper jack cheese and Brioche Bun) -Marguerite Pizza -Turkey Melt -Tri Tip Sandwich Drinks - All coffee here is amazing, can’t go wrong with any! -Homemade Iced Tea (Eden’s Garden + Hibiscus) - Hazy Little thing IPA Thank you Alex, Seth, and the rest of the staff who made this experience one we will long for again!

Tri tip sandwich was recommended and it didn’t disappoint. Very tender, easy to shred. Had it to go so meat was foil wrapped, bun was toasted and veggies were there and out it together when ready to eat, with sauce. Came with choice of pasta or potato salad. This potato salad was delicious for purists - potatoes, mayo, celery, tiny bit of red onion. No mustard or weird tangy taste. Not slimy. While we were there the coffee smelled wonderful.

Looks like new owners. This place is back on the list of good spots for food on the Central Coast. I'm not a fan of serve-yourself counter service, I'd much rather have a waiter. But the food is good.