15 Best Places To Stay In Pismo Beach, California

Pismo Beach is known as one of the best Central Coast escapes for its striking ocean views, sandy shorelines, and beachfront hiking trails.

If you’re planning a trip to the Central Coast, there are so many incredible things to do in Pismo Beach! Renting ATVs to explore Oceano Dunes and going for a car ride along the beach are a few of the best experiences that will stay with you long after your visit.

In town, you can try out local seafood, stop by the Monarch Butterfly Grove or watch surfers and sea life from the Pismo Beach Pier.

Whatever brings you to this cozy beach town, here are 15 of the top places to stay in Pismo Beach!

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1. Inn at the Cove

The beautiful Inn at the Cove Hotel sits on an oceanfront clifftop and boasts cozy accommodations with panoramic views overlooking Pismo Beach. Most bookings come with private balconies offering views of the coastline or the swimming pool.

In the morning enjoy a complimentary Continental breakfast with waffles, pastries, and muffins. After a long day of exploring the Central Coast, relax at the onsite heated pool and hot tub. Inn at the Cove is pet friendly and they even offer an electric car charging station for the ultimate convenience!

2. SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel

Relaxing by the ocean is one of the best things to do in Pismo Beach. And what a better place to do so than from the comfort of a beachfront hotel!

SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel is considered to be one of the best hotels in Pismo Beach thanks to its prime location next to the ocean. Each room is furnished in a bright and elegant style with modern touches.

On the hotel grounds, you can enjoy a soak in one of the 3 hot tubs or take a lap in the pool. The SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel has patios with fire pits and a rooftop terrace where you can kick back after a full day of beach fun.

3. Pismo Lighthouse Suites

A memorable trip to the coast calls for an equally special place to stay and Pismo Lighthouse Suites offers just that and more! Pismo Lighthouse Suites has 70 spacious newly renovated suites that are perfect for a family getaway.

This family-oriented hotel offers plenty to keep the kids occupied including an outdoor swimming pool and a playground along with a tennis court, putting green, ping pong table, badminton, and life-size chess.

While the kids play, parents can relax with a glass of wine on the beachfront Adirondack chairs. This hotel is also a short walking distance of local restaurants and downtown Pismo.

4. Shore Cliff Hotel

This beautiful retreat sits on a cliff providing stunning views of Pismo Beach. While the balconies offer some of the best spots for enjoying the coastal views, the beach can be seen from the pool as well.

In the mornings, wake up to the sound of the waves and the smell of gourmet coffee in your room. The rooms at the Shore Cliff Hotel also feature a microwave, fridge, and a work desk if you need to get some work done before heading out to explore Pismo Beach for the day.

Guests highly rate this hotel for its clean and comfortable rooms and excellent Continental breakfast. The Shore Cliff Hotel is within a short walk of the highly popular Dinosaur Caves and Margo Dodd Parks.

5. Shell Beach Inn

Shell Beach Inn is a cozy boutique hotel with 10 beautifully decorated rooms. This top-ranked hotel features a seasonally heated outdoor pool and a sun terrace that is a great place to relax and watch the sunset at the end of the day. Select rooms have a kitchen space with a fridge, microwave, and oven.

The Shell Beach Inn is close to all the top Pismo Beach attractions including a stairway that leads down to a hidden beach. The hotel offers free private parking which is a major plus!

6. SeaVenture Beach Hotel

Relaxation, comfort, and elegant beach style await you at the SeaVenture Beach Hotel in Pismo Beach. The hotel features spacious king rooms that are perfect for a laid-back couple’s getaway. Select units come with fireplaces and private terraces with hot tubs overlooking the ocean.

SeaVenture Beach Hotel is known for being the longest-standing restaurant and hotel situated right on the sandy Pismo Beach. This hotel offers amazing amenities and an on-site restaurant serving locally sourced veggies, fruits, meats, and seafood. If you’re not up for dining out, room service is an option!

You’ll appreciate that this Pismo Beach hotel is located right in the heart of downtown. Guests can also rent bikes to explore the nearby attractions.

7. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa

This three-star luxury hotel has incredible hospitality paired with fantastic views overlooking Shell Beach. Each listing features a coffee machine, a work desk, and a balcony.

Spend your time relaxing out on the oceanfront pool, hot tub, or sauna. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa also offers an onsite full-service spa with massages and a restaurant serving Latin cuisine. Or you can treat yourself to their fabulous room service!

8. Oxford Suites Pismo Beach

This budget-friendly hotel has Spanish-style décor and 133 suites for short and extended stays. Located outside of the downtown area, Oxford Suites Pismo Beach ensures a cozy and quaint experience for family vacations.

Beautiful finishes throughout the lobby and hotel amaze, like colorful tiles, plush couches, and a grand water fountain. Outside you’ll also find a pool and a lounge area with a fire pit where you can sit back and relax at the end of the day.

Other amenities include free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour convenience store. As a bonus, this hotel is pet friendly and has an outdoor pet area!

9. Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, Autograph Collection

This upscale 4-star hotel sits along the shoreline just steps away from the beach, the Pier, and the boardwalk. For Pismo Beach, the location doesn’t get better than this!

The rooms at the Vespera Resort are decorated in a blue and white color theme and are furnished with luxurious, modern pieces. Guests can enjoy ocean views through the tall glass windows and the outdoor porches.

In the afternoon take a dip in the pool overlooking the ocean or enjoy a meal on the grassy patio. Other hotel amenities include outdoor fire pits, morning yoga, live music, and weekend brunch.

10. ‘Steps To Pier’ Vacation Rental

Calming neutrals and beachy blues make this three-bedroom home a cozy place to stay during your trip to Pismo Beach. This vacation rental is an actual house, a rare find in the downtown area where apartments, hotels, and condos are the norm.

The Pismo Beach home is only 50 yards from the beach which means there’s no need to look for parking – leaving more time for fun in the sun! The house has onsite laundry and a lovely back patio with lush greens, towering palms, and a stainless-steel grill.

Read More: 10 Incredible VRBO Vacation Rentals In Pismo Beach

11. Cottage Inn by the Sea

This charming Pismo Beach hotel offers 80 spacious rooms inspired by the English countryside. All guests can enjoy a fireplace, coffee supplies, a fridge, and a microwave in the comfort of their rooms.

Guests at the Cottage Inn by the Sea especially appreciate the magnificent ocean views and the outdoor fire pit. This hotel offers easy access to local restaurants and the Mystery Stairs that you can take down to the shoreline. All in all, this is a pleasant yet affordable place that won’t break the bank!

12. Inn at the Pier

This welcoming Inn is known for its friendly staff and excellent extras that include an outdoor pool, sun terrace, and beachfront fine dining. This hotel also has the only rooftop in Pismo Beach where you can sip on a cocktail while enjoying the sunset.

The Inn at the Pier offers boutique lodging with modern furniture that will simply amaze you! For an upgrade, consider booking one of the rooms that have an ocean view.

On the hotel grounds, you can dine at the restaurant or order room service. If you’d rather dine out, this property is conveniently located next to the Pismo Beach Pier Plaza and close to top eateries including Splash Café and Oyster Loft.

13. Condo On The Sand

This one-bedroom Pismo Beach vacation rental puts you as close to the beach as it gets for an easy and relaxing getaway! Condo On The Sand is best for couples visiting Pismo Beach, however, the living room has a pull-out sofa sleeper to accommodate two additional guests.

This unit also features a small patio seating where you can enjoy a morning cup of coffee beachside or unwind in the evening as the sun sets. The Pismo Beach Pier is close by, and popular local restaurants are a short walk away.

14. Dreamy Beach House

This Pismo Beach vacation home is the place to stay for a luxurious getaway equipped with a large balcony, a grand staircase, and a gourmet kitchen. At the Dreamy Beach House, up to 12 guests can come and relax in this glamorous five-bedroom home.

A fully furnished balcony wraps around the second floor where a grill and ample outdoor seating welcome fresh air relaxation. Pismo Beach Pier and Avila Beach are just a couple of miles from the property.

15. Ocean View Unit

For a clean and recently updated Pismo Beach stay that doesn’t break the bank, check out the Ocean View Unit. It’s a second-story condo perfectly located in downtown Pismo Beach a block from the shore.

This vacation rental also features an outdoor shower and cooking area, one included parking spot, and a prime location to the beach and local restaurants. If you’re traveling with multiple groups or families, the neighboring units are also available for rent.

We hope this guide has helped you prepare for a wonderful visit to Pismo Beach! Here are a few other Central Coast posts that you may like:

• 20 Top Things To Do On a Weekend Trip To Pismo Beach
• Hiking Spring To Spring Trail At Pismo Preserve
• How To Hike Ontario Ridge To Shell Beach Bluff Trail
• 10 Incredible VRBO Vacation Rentals In Pismo Beach
• Review Of Staying At Pismo State Beach Oceano Campground
• How To Hike Irish Hills Natural Reserve In San Luis Obispo