11 Best Oceanfront Hotels in Pismo Beach, California

Are you looking for a slow-paced getaway on the California coastline? You need to head to the utterly charming Pismo Beach, which lies halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It’s also the gateway to Cali’s coolest wine country, San Luis Obispo, and also boasts a dazzling array of restaurants, cool cafes, and a sun-kissed Cali culture. But perhaps it’s most known for the huge stretches of beautiful white-sand beaches and the many properties with dramatic views. The best options for a beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Pismo Beach range from sprawling upscale resorts to smaller boutique stays where you’ll love the tranquility.

In fact, you might just end up staying an extra night or two! It’s not surprising, considering Pismo Beach is one of the best beaches in California. To that end, here are the 13 best beachfront or oceanfront hotels in Pismo Beach for unwinding and relaxing.

SeaVenture Beach Hotel

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The SeaVenture Beach Hotel is an excellent beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Pismo Beach. In fact, it’s one of the only two Pismo Beach hotels that are right on the sand. So, when you step out of the property’s lawns, you’re right on the sandy shoreline. Given its prime location, there isn’t a pool at the hotel – but you won’t need it, as the gorgeous swimming beach is just steps from your room. What’s more, most of the accommodations have Jacuzzis on the balconies! If that wasn’t enough, some of the digs even have fireplaces, thus upping the romantic quotient and making it a great place for couples. The onsite restaurant serves delectable coastal cuisine for dinner when you get hungry. The best bit? It even does a weekend Brunch with bottomless mimosas and champagne.

Spyglass Inn

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With its cozy digs, some of which have fireplaces, and oceanfront fire pits, Spyglass Inn is perfect for striking up some romance. Nothing sets the romantic mood better than flames and stunning beachfront views, and Spyglass Inn offers just that. Its lush grounds are dotted with oceanfront fire pits where you and your beloved can cozy up in front of the burning embers and crackling wood and soak in panoramic coastline views. In fact, the best rooms are the suites with in-room fireplaces and lovely ocean views. Downstairs, the property has an ocean-facing outdoor pool where you can relax. There’s even an intimate spa for some pampering and a seafood-based restaurant. Did we mention beach access? A long set of stairs lead down to the bluff.

Inn at the Pier

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The Inn at the Pier is the best beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Pismo Beach. This boutique hotel lies just steps away from the boardwalk and the pier. Choose from a host of well-appointed digs, many of which have private balconies or patios with either partial or complete views of the ocean. Moreover, all units have mod-cons such as flatscreen TVs, desks, and luxe bathrooms with rain showers. What’s more, the hotel also has the area’s only rooftop bar, where you can enjoy alfresco meals or sunset drinks while soaking in the panoramic views of the coastline. When the hunger pangs come calling, the onsite restaurant serves delicious meals.

Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

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The Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is perfect for those who want to stay with fabulous beach views in Pismo Beach. This hotel blends spacious digs with top-notch service and is one of the area’s most luxe options. All suites here not only have dining areas and full kitchens but balconies with sweeping sea views, making it the perfect base for long vacations. In fact, the resort’s name isn’t just fanciful; you can actually see dolphins leap out of the water from your balcony! If you were any nearer to the ocean, you’d be in it – honestly!

During your downtime, you can walk down the path leading to the beach and enjoy swimming and lounging. Back at the hotel, lounge by the oceanside pool or rent one of the bikes and head along the coastal path. This all-suite hotel is particularly known for being home to one of Pismo Beach’s best spas. Evenings are best spent at the alfresco fire pits, followed by a romantic dinner at the oceanfront Lido restaurant.

Pismo Lighthouse Suites

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The Pismo Lighthouse Suites is the best beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Pismo Beach. This hotel has an expansive “Play Deck” with a plethora of amenities such as ping-pong, life-size chess, and mini-golf, all overlooking the ocean. So, families with kids will love this hotel, especially since they also offer fresh-baked cookies at check-in. For the parents, there’s an outdoor pool, a hot tub, tennis courts, and even access to a sandy beach down a wooden boardwalk. The best bit is that all accommodations here are suites, so there’s lots of room for the entire family to spread out. Furthermore, all of the suites have a patio or a balcony, most of which come with ocean views. The best are the ones facing the ocean directly, but all have conveniences such as fridges and microwaves.

Dolphin Cove Motel

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Those on a budget will love the Dolphin Cove Motel, which sits right on the sand, just steps away from the pier and the beach. The nautical-themed hotel is perfect for the no-frills traveler, as most rooms have partial views of the ocean, with the best ones featuring complete, sweeping ocean views. There are even options for two-bedroom suites if you’re traveling with your family. What’s more, all rooms feature seating areas, modern and private bathrooms, plush beds, and even TVs. Downstairs, you’ll find a lovely sea-facing restaurant and even barbeque facilities. And, of course, the sandy beach is right out front.

Seacrest OceanFront Hotel

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The Seacrest OceanFront Hotel is the best beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Pismo Beach. This beachfront hotel has earned many accolades, including the prestigious “Excellence in Lodging and Hospitality” award from the California Lodging Industry Association. Besides the top-notch service, the property has many amazing amenities, including live entertainment, complimentary free breakfast, barbeque on the terrace, and even an outdoor pool and a jacuzzi. But, the one that takes the cake is the direct beach access, as the hotel sits right on the sand. So, when you step off the lawns, you step directly onto the sand! An onsite restaurant and bar at the hotel serve delicious meals and libations. The rooms and suites are no less, as they all have patios/balconies with ocean views.

Cottage Inn By The Sea

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The friendly and unpretentious Cottage Inn By The Sea enjoys sweeping views of the Pacific, as well as direct beach access. This English country inn has warm touches like ivy walls, thatched-style roofs, and an oceanfront garden. Besides the long flight of stairs down to the sandy beach, there’s also a small swimming pool and a hot tub overlooking the beach. Your day begins with a fabulous included breakfast, which is a buffet overcrowded with delights such as yogurt, good coffee, and a make-your-own-waffle machine. But, it’s the rooms you’ll love the most, especially the ones that directly overlook the ocean. While the ground-floor rooms have small garden areas, the upper-floor ones have better permanent views. Nevertheless, they all gave microwaves, fridges, coffee machines, and working fireplaces.

The Cliffs Hotel & Spa

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The Cliffs Hotel & Spa is the best beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Pismo Beach. This hotel sits on a dramatic oceanfront cliff but offers beach access down to Shell Beach via a short downhill path. Palm trees and lush lawns surround this amazing resort, which has a sea-facing pool and a cascading fountain. The rooms and suites here have thoroughly modern looks, complete with Spanish-marble bathrooms, some of which even have hot tubs. The best of the lot are the rooms that face the beach, especially since they offer sweeping views from the balconies. Did you know that this hotel is dog-friendly too? Yes!

Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach

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If you’re looking for a cozy beachside hotel, you can’t go wrong with the Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach. This hotel sits right on Pismo Beach, close to the bustling Pier. Choose from 75 spacious rooms and suites, many of which have private patios and balconies with great views. The best is the sea-facing ones, especially since the balconies are furnished with alfresco furniture. Downstairs, the centerpiece is the two large decks, complete with furniture, fire pits, and spectacular views. Freebies include free Wi-Fi, parking, and continental breakfast, and even though the place doesn’t have a restaurant or a pool, it’s totally worth staying here. And, of course, the beach is right out front. 

Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, Autograph Collection

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The absolute best beachfront/oceanfront hotel in Pismo Beach is, without a doubt, Vespera Resort, Autograph Collection. This resort, which is very popular for weddings, is also very popular with couples. Here, the amenities overflow, whether it’s the fitness center, the free bikes for exploring, or the restaurant and bar which serves delicious food with ocean views. What’s more, this 4-star hotel offers a business center, a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi, and even a shuttle service for exploring Pismo Beach. Soak up the Californian sun on the sun terrace, or head straight to the beach, which lies right out front. And the pier is also right next to the resort. What more could you want?

Recommended Beach Bars/Restaurants in Pismo Beach

• Ventana Grill: This beachfront restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Pismo Beach. Besides beach access and mesmerizing views, it offers the ultimate coastal dining experience. Must-try dishes include the Coconut Halibut, Tortellini Giuseppe, and the wood-fired Principessa pizza.
• Oyster Loft: This refined seafood Downtown restaurant is the perfect place for date night. It also offers excellent service, great food, an outdoor dining patio, and spectacular views. Try the Kurobuta Pork Chop and the Peanut Butter Chocolate Tower for dessert.

Recommended Things To Do in Pismo Beach

• Pismo Beach Surf Lessons with Instructor: Have you always wanted to take surfing lessons? Then Pismo Beach is the place to do so! Hit the waters with a group and an experienced instructor who’ll teach you to feel more confident in the water and gradually better your surfing abilities.

Best Beach Areas In Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is one of five cities that make up San Luis Obispo County in California. This coastal destination is famed for its beaches and rugged coastline. So, which beachy neighborhoods should you stay in when you visit this gorgeous coastal city? First, there’s Downtown, which is a chilled neighborhood backed by a stretch of white sandy beach. It’s also home to a laid-back boardwalk, pier, and even a superb selection of amazing eateries. The beach here is particularly popular for surfing.

Secondly, Shell Beach lies further north from Downtown and has a distinctively more local vibe. The neighborhood is tranquil and relaxed and has as many as nine beaches along the coastline! What’s more, they also have pretty coves pockmarked with tidepools and edged by greenery and parks. Finally, sandwiched between Downtown and Shell Beach is the seaside Motel District. This laidback location means that you get the tranquility of the Shell District, along with the amenities of Downtown. Plus, it has some amazing places to stay.

You might also want to check out the best cheap hotels in San Luis Obispo.