There are several ways to see the rocky cliff laden shoreline that characterizes the scenic Central California coast. A drive along Cliff Road offers views from Pismo Beach to Shell Beach but in order to experience the caves and caverns that fall below the bluffs, a visit to Dinosaur Park offers access to the beach below. At low tide, the caves can be easily viewed and dozens of small tide pools create a marine haven for tiny sea creatures. For the more adventurous and skilled kayakers, kayak rentals are available in town and can be used to explore the caves and the surrounding shoreline.
The name may be misleading, no one has ever found evidence of dinosaurs along the Central California coastline, but a spectacular ocean front park bears the name Dinosaur Caves Park. It was named after H. Douglas Brown who built a lapidary shop in the 1940’s near the property. Not satisfied with just selling shells and gemstones, he started building a concrete dinosaur with a ladder that extended to the caves below its belly. Once called “The Caverns of Mystery”, Brown enticed tourists with tales of dinosaur remains. Neighbors objected to the giant concrete dinosaur and construction stopped leaving the creature headless for ten years. A fire in the 1960’s destroyed both the lapidary business and the dinosaur. What was once an eyesore for the beach community has kept the dinosaur name and is now one of the most scenic places along the Central California coastline.
A new park opened in 2003 thanks to efforts from the City of Pismo Beach and the Dinosaur Caves Preservation Society. A playground area with fantasy dinosaur eggs and statues delights the younger children while a large grassy area is often used for Frisbee, baseball and soccer games. Picnic tables and benches along the bluff make a perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon watching the waves break against the rocks. Walkways from the park continue through Shell Beach and offer a chance to view pelicans, seagulls, sea otters playing in the kelp beds and an occasional migrating California grey whale.
Starting in May, the first Sunday of each month brings Art in the Park to Dinosaur Caves Park. Handmade art, crafts, textiles, jewelry and paintings are displayed under covered canopies. Strolling musicians entertain the shoppers and food kiosks offer a variety of snacks. This free event features local artists and continues through November.
Shell Beach, California is a located within the City of Pismo Beach and lies approximately half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Kathryn Hedderig - The pleasure of writing enhances my life. I delight in the creative process, the excitement of formulating a new idea and bringing it to ...
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