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Shell Beach hotels in Pismo Beach

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Where to stay in Shell Beach

Find the best Shell Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Pismo Beach

If you're spending some time in Downtown Pismo Beach, Pismo State Beach and Pismo Beach Surf Shop are top sights worth seeing.

Pismo Heights

Though Pismo Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Price Anniversary House and Pismo Beach Surf Shop.

Sunset Palisades

While Sunset Palisades isn't home to many top sights, Avila Hot Springs and The Spa at Dolphin Bay are some notable places to visit nearby.

855634304

If you're spending some time in 855634304, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets and Yang Sheng Foot Spa are top sights worth seeing.

South Palisades

While there might not be top attractions in South Palisades, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Spa at Dolphin Bay and Avila Hot Springs.

Top Shell Beach Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Shell Beach

Top reasons to visit Shell Beach

  • Stunning Coastline: Shell Beach boasts breathtaking views and pristine sands, perfect for relaxation and seaside strolls.
  • Outdoor Activities: Enjoy a variety of pursuits like golf, ATV riding, and scenic walking trails for adventure enthusiasts.
  • Local Art and Antiques: Explore charming art galleries and antique shops, adding a cultural touch to your visit.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Shell Beach offers numerous activities suitable for families, ensuring fun for all ages.
  • Welcoming Accommodations: Stay in boutique inns and hotels that provide comfort and easy access to the beach.

Find great hotels near Shell Beach

Discover the charm of Shell Beach, where boutique inns and welcoming hotels provide the perfect retreat for beach lovers and families alike. With a range of accommodation options and accessible parking for guests, you can enjoy a delightful adventure by the coast. Experience a unique blend of relaxation and adventure in this picturesque locale, ideal for an unforgettable family vacation.

  • Oxford Suites Pismo Beach: Perfectly tailored for families and adventure seekers, Oxford Suites Pismo Beach offers a delightful retreat just 4.8km from Shell Beach. This motel-style accommodation provides a plethora of recreational activities both onsite and nearby, including hiking, sailing, and mountain biking. With a focus on family-friendly amenities, guests can expect thoughtful features such as a first aid kit for peace of mind. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, this property promises a blend of comfort and excitement for all ages.
  • SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel: A mere mile from Shell Beach, the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel is an inviting 3.5-star establishment that excels in providing a serene beach getaway. With direct beach access, guests can bask in the sun and enjoy family-friendly amenities, including a dedicated children’s pool. This hotel is ideal for families seeking a relaxing coastal experience, coupled with modern conveniences for both leisure and business travel. Its easy access to the beach makes it a favourite for those wanting to enjoy the ocean's embrace.
  • Spyglass Inn: Offering a unique blend of adventure and pet-friendly accommodation, Spyglass Inn is located just 1.6km from Shell Beach. This charming 3-star motel is perfect for travellers eager to explore the great outdoors, with activities such as kayaking, surfing, and biking readily available nearby. The property welcomes pets, ensuring that your furry companions can join in on the adventure. With its direct access to the beach and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Spyglass Inn is an excellent choice for those looking for both relaxation and excitement.

Where to stay near Shell Beach

Shell Beach, a charming neighbourhood in Pismo Beach, California, offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly adventures or romantic strolls along the stunning coastline. Nearby attractions provide a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for budget-conscious travellers seeking recreation. With numerous accommodations close to downtown, stunning views, and easy beach access, Shell Beach is an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and explore the picturesque surroundings.

  • Pismo Beach: Nestled along the stunning Central Coast of California, Pismo Beach is a vibrant city renowned for its charming seaside atmosphere. Shell Beach is part of this locale, making it a prime spot for relaxation and adventure. The area experiences moderate seasonal traveller arrivals, with peaks in April and June to July, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like beachcombing and scenic strolls along the coastline. Visitors can enjoy local attractions such as the jetty pier and family-friendly beaches, as well as indulge in spa treatments and recreational areas. The scenic beauty here makes it a perfect getaway for those seeking a blend of leisure and nature.
  • Avila Beach: Located a mere 6.4km from Shell Beach, Avila Beach is a picturesque coastal town that attracts visitors with its inviting beach and laid-back vibe. Similar to its neighbour, it experiences seasonal peaks in visitor numbers, particularly in April and the summer months. Avila Beach is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering fantastic golf courses and luxurious resorts for those looking to unwind. The family beach is a highlight, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages. With its stunning scenery and engaging activities, Avila Beach is a must-visit destination for a tranquil coastal experience.
  • Grover Beach: Just 6.4km from Shell Beach, Grover Beach is a charming city that boasts a relaxed atmosphere and a welcoming community. Unlike its counterparts, Grover Beach sees steady visitor numbers throughout the year, peaking in the same spring and summer months. This area is perfect for outdoor lovers, with ample opportunities for beach activities and golfing. The local beaches and jetty pier are popular spots for both relaxation and recreation. With a range of educational venues and scenic views, Grover Beach provides an enjoyable experience for tourists seeking to explore the beauty of California's coastline.

Things to do near Shell Beach

Shell Beach is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning scenery and various activities. Visitors can enjoy golf courses, access trails for scenic walks, and adventure programmes. Additionally, there are opportunities for antique shopping and exploring local art galleries. For those seeking a thrill, ATV riding is also available, making Shell Beach a vibrant spot for relaxation and adventure alike.

Shopping

Only 4.8km from Shell Beach, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets offers a variety of brands in a vibrant atmosphere. For surf enthusiasts, Pismo Beach Surf Shop, located 3.2km away, is a must-visit. Additionally, the Downtown SLO Farmers' Market, 14.5km away, provides a lively local shopping experience.

Recreation

The Spa at Dolphin Bay, a mile from Shell Beach, offers rejuvenating body treatments in a serene atmosphere. Yang Sheng Foot Spa, three miles away, provides relaxing foot therapies. For outdoor enthusiasts, Avila Beach Golf Resort, four miles distant, features a splendid golf course amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

North Beach Campground offers an outdoor haven for families, perfect for camping under the stars and exploring nature. The Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail invites cyclists to experience stunning coastal views while pedalling through scenic landscapes. Avila Valley Barn provides delightful farm activities, including fruit picking and tasty local produce.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Shell Beach offers a blend of culture and entertainment. Enjoy a captivating show at The Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville, just 8.0km away, or catch a family-friendly film at Regal Arroyo Grande, also 8.0km away, for a delightful evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Shell Beach

To save money on your trip to Shell Beach, consider visiting between December and February, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to find the best deals, and arrange your preferences by price from lowest to highest. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings through Expedia packages. Look out for app deals and affordable hotel rates to enhance your budget-friendly experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Shell Beach are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Shell Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Shell Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, taking into account your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your Shell Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Shell Beach

Shell Beach offers a delightful escape for those seeking outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including beautiful beaches, nature reserves, and urban parks that cater to both cultural and leisurely pursuits. Whether you're lounging on the sand or immersing yourself in the local environment, Shell Beach is an ideal destination for a memorable getaway.

  • Pismo Beach Pier: A delightful 3.2km stroll from Shell Beach, this charming jetty offers scenic ocean views and a lively atmosphere perfect for family outings and excursions. Enjoy the friendly vibe as you watch surfers and fishermen at work.
  • Avila Beach: Located 6.4km away, this stunning beach is ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the calming sound of the waves. With its relaxed beach vibes, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and soak up the Californian sun.
  • Monarch Butterfly Grove: Just 4.8km from Shell Beach, this serene reserve is home to migrating monarch butterflies. Experience the beauty of nature while enjoying family-friendly excursions in a welcoming environment.

Best time to go to Shell Beach

The best time to visit Shell Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Shell Beach falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Shell Beach falls in December and February. February has average visitor numbers and sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
March54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.8°F (13.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
May59.5°F (15.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June63.7°F (17.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July66.2°F (19.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August66.9°F (19.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September67.1°F (19.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October63.5°F (17.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
November57.6°F (14.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
December52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Shell Beach

Accessing Shell Beach is convenient via several nearby airports. San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is situated 9.7km away and offers nearby accommodations such as the 4.5-star Hotel San Luis Obispo, located 4.8km from the airport, and the 4-star Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach, 11.3km distant. Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX), positioned 35.4km from Shell Beach, features excellent options like the 5-star Wine Stone Inn, 3.2km away, and the 3.5-star Radisson Hotel, just 805m from the airport. Lastly, Santa Ynez Airport (SQA) is 82.1km away, with the 4-star Chumash Casino Resort located 0.11.3km from there.

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Shell Beach?
Shell Beach is a neighbourhood that travellers like for its beaches. Consider a visit to Eldwayen Ocean Park as part of your Shell Beach travel plans.
What's a favourite place to stay in Shell Beach?
Based on Expedia customer reviews, Shell Beach Inn is the highest ranked property in Shell Beach. This hotel offers an outdoor pool and free parking. Another favourite option in the neighbourhood is The Palomar Inn.
How many hotels will I be able to find in Shell Beach?
If you're searching for places to stay in Pismo Beach, Expedia has something to meet your needs with 30 Shell Beach hotels and other accommodation options to choose from.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Shell Beach, will I receive a refund?
Yes! The majority of hotel room reservations are refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, you may still be able to cancel and receive a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to view the top deals on offer in Shell Beach.
What are the top things to see and do in Shell Beach?
Spend some time exploring the natural setting of Shell Beach with a visit to Margo Dodd Park and Dinosaur Caves Park. A visit to Eldwayen Ocean Park is also worth the trip while you're discovering the neighbourhood. A few places to visit in the area around Shell Beach include Pismo Preserve, The Spa at Dolphin Bay and Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar & Shop. Sans Liege Wines and Pismo Beach Surf Shop are also worth a visit when you're out sightseeing in Pismo Beach.

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