Page 43 - San Luis Obispo Visitors Guide - Summer 2025

slovisitorsguide.com SUMMER 2025 43
Pismo Beach, Shell Beach & Oceano
751 Price Street • (805) 773-2722 • www.CrackedCrab.com 751 Price Street • (805) 773-2722 • www.CrackedCrab.com 751 Price Street • (805) 773-2722 • www.CrackedCrab.com 751 Price Street • (805) 773-2722 • www.CrackedCrab.com
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Dinosaurs, orcas, picnics, and hiking
Dinosaur Cave Park is a beauti-
ful oceanside, all-age, and
dog-friendly open space along
Shell Beach. In some ways, the park
continues its original attraction as
a family destination, but today the
attractions are the playground, the
picnic area, and the trails along the
bluffs instead of a huge dinosaur
sculpture and cave tours featured in
the 1940s.
Visible from Highway 101,
this park offers exquisite views of
the Pacific Ocean – an ideal place
for practicing some photography,
holding a wedding ceremony, and
for people of all ages to enjoy. A trail
running along the bluffs boasts view-
ing platforms and a spacious grass
area – a favorite among dog owners,
Dinosaur Cave Park
offers breathtaking
ocean views
Named after a 50-foot metal
and concrete brontosaurus that was
constructed as a tourist attraction
in the 1940s, the location of this
park was the original site of a road-
side business and cave attraction
owned by H. Douglas Brown. The
dinosaur became a target of neigh-
borhood complaints and, in the
1960s, eventually went the way of
its prehistoric cousins. The property
was bought and sold several times
for different uses and eventually ac-
quired by the City of Pismo Beach.
Through years of volunteer efforts,
the property eventually became
the Dinosaur Caves Park and was
officially opened in 2003.
The park is a location for public
events, including art and craft fairs,
wine and food festivals, and concerts.
The park is located at the corner
of Cliff Street and Shell Beach Road in
Pismo Beach. For more information
about activities at the park, call
(805) 773-7039 or visit pismobeach.org.
it is also a popular picnic spot and
perfect for various athletic activities.
An amphitheater is available to rent
for events.
Picnic tables next to the play area
are perfect for enjoying a snack or
meal, or simply enjoying the sur-
roundings. The bathrooms, very well
kept, are located by the parking lot,
and parking is free; street parking is
also available.
In the play area, several structures
await visitors and add to the theme
of the park, including an Orca whale,
a dinosaur, and other ocean animals.
Children can climb on or inside the
large dinosaur eggs; a tire swing and
boat promise hours of fun.
A family and dog-friendly destination for picnics, to play, and to hike.