Dinosaur Caves Park

You can explore Dinosaur Caves Park by visiting independently, taking in the views and its highlights at your own pace. Alternatively there are tours that include the park, including guided e-bike tours of the Pismo Beach area, which stop by the park, as well as a variety of beaches along the coastline. If you want to go down past the cliffs to the caves, your best bet is to stop by a local kayak rental location beforehand.

• If you’re going to walk down by the water, keep in mind the terrain can be slippery and uneven, so you’ll want to wear proper shoes.

• Parking is free and restrooms are right near the parking area for convenience.

• The park is not only kid-friendly, but dog-friendly, too; however, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

• If you plan to take the stairs on the white rocks down to the ocean, make sure it’s a low-tide time.

Dinosaur Beach is located in Pismo Beach, a town on California’s central coast, just off Highway 101. If you’re driving yourself, take the 101 to Shell Beach Road: if you’re on North 101, you’ll exit Mattie Road; if you’re on 101 South, you’ll exit Price Street. There is a free parking area at the park. If you don’t have a car, opt for a taxi or ride-share service.

Pismo Beach’s Dinosaur Caves Park is open from morning to night year-round. The best time to visit is at sunrise when the park offers its best views, but is typically less crowded than at sunset. Also, fall is a great time for a trip as summer can bring more fog to the area.

If in Pismo Beach between October and February, a visit to the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is a must. With one of the largest colonies of monarch butterflies in the nation, even beating out Santa Cruz’s Natural Bridges Monarch Trail, it’s a sight to see. If you have more time to spare, head an hour’s drive away to San Simeon afterward for a visit to Hearst Castle.