The Best Pismo Beach, California, Hotels

Having earned many accolades like the California Lodging Industry Association’s prestigious Excellence in Lodging and Hospitality award, SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel is a favorite amongst travelers. In addition to top-notch service, the property offers its guests several amenities to make their vacation a relaxing and memorable one, including an outdoor pool, jacuzzis, direct beach access, gas barbecue grills on the terrace, complimentary continental breakfast, and live entertainment.

There’s also an on-site restaurant, bar, and market, perfect for dining in or to pick up some items for a picnic on the beach. It does, however, have limited hours during weekdays, but there are several other dining options nearby should hunger strike while they’re closed.

To rest your head at night, enjoy minimalist accommodations with a balcony or patio, most of which have ocean views and conveniences such as a microwave and refrigerator.

• Outdoor pool and 3 outdoor jacuzzis
• Complimentary self-parking
• Complimentary continental breakfast
• Live entertainment
• Barbecue grills on-site for guest use
• Complimentary wine tastings on select dates
  
• Most rooms have a microwave and/or fridge

For the no-frills traveler in search of a convenient location and low rates, Dolphin Cove Motel is one of the best budget-friendly options in the area. Within walking distance to the beach, pier, and downtown’s notable restaurants and shops, all you’ll need to do is park your car and venture by foot, or bike should you choose to rent one, to get to everywhere you need to go.

All rooms have at least partial views of the ocean. And if you’re traveling with the family, two-bedroom suites are also an option.

• Complimentary self-parking
• Barbecue grills on-site for guest use
  

If you’re traveling with kids, look no further than Pismo Lighthouse Suites. To kick off the trip, fresh-baked cookies are offered at check-in. But the real prize is the property’s Play Deck. At the expansive playground, you’ll find a variety of activities and games like mini-golf, life-size chess and checkers, badminton, ping pong, hopscotch, and so much more to keep the little ones entertained.

The hotel also offers an outdoor pool with a hot tub, beach access, and tennis courts—basically, everyone will be entertained at all hours. Plus, all of the accommodations here are suites, so there’s plenty of room for the entire family. All of the digs have a balcony or patio, most of which have ocean views, and conveniences like a microwave and refrigerator.

While there’s no on-site restaurant, there are several options nearby and downtown is just a few minutes away.

• Outdoor pool and Jacuzzi
• Fresh-baked cookies at check-in
• Playground and tennis courts on-site
• Complimentary self-parking
• Complimentary continental breakfast
• Electric vehicle charging station
  

Delivering top-notch service, spacious digs, and one of the best spas in Pismo Beach, Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is one of the most luxe options in the area. All of the accommodations here are suites and have balconies, a full kitchen, living room, dining area, and laundry facilities, making it also an ideal stay for families or long vacations.

During your downtime, walk down to the beach and enjoy the tide pools, lounge by the pool, rent one of the bikes, book a massage or facial at the spa, or unwind by an alfresco fire pit at sunset. The property is also home to the beloved oceanfront Lido restaurant that serves Californian fare, a champagne brunch on Sundays, and has an onsite wine cellar with over 800 local and international vinos to choose from.

• Outdoor pool and outdoor Jacuzzi
• Complimentary valet parking
• Bikes and barbecue grills on-site for guest use
  

In the thick of all of the action, Inn at the Pier is just steps away from the boardwalk and Pismo Beach pier. The boutique hotel offers guests well-appointed accommodations, many of which have a private patio or balcony with at least a partial view of the ocean. It also happens to be home to the only rooftop bar in the area, where you can enjoy sunset drinks or an alfresco meal while taking in panoramic views of the coastline.

The property also has their Blonde restaurant for breakfast, dishing out classics like avocado toast and lemon ricotta pancakes. During the day, lounge at the sundeck or outdoor pool or grab one of the beach cruisers for a ride along the shore.

• Outdoor pool
• Rooftop bar
• Complimentary valet parking
• Bikes on-site for guest use
• Electric vehicle charging stations
  

There’s perhaps nothing quite like the comforting warmth of flames to help set the mood for a romantic night and Spyglass Inn offers just that. Dotted around its grounds are oceanfront fire pits where you and your significant other can relish in the crackling wood and burning embers with panoramic views of the coastline.

If you prefer something more private, some of their accommodations even have in-room fireplaces so that you can cozy up in your own digs with a glass of wine or two. The property also offers its guests an outdoor pool to relax next to; easy access to the beach; an all-day, seafood-forward restaurant; and an intimate spa for some pampering.

• Outdoor pool
• Spa
• Fire pits
• Complimentary self-parking
  

While many properties in the area are located on a bluff above the coastline and offer guests beach access via a walk down steps, there are few that actually sit right on the sand. One of those, however, is SeaVenture Beach Hotel. You won’t find a pool at the hotel given its prime location right in front of the Pacific, but the majority of the accommodations do have a Jacuzzi on the balcony. Some of the rooms also have a fireplace if you really want to up the romance factor.

For dining, the on-site restaurant serves up coastal cuisine for dinner and a weekend Brunch with a bottomless champagne and mimosa option, but for the rest of your meals, you can head into downtown just a few blocks away.

• Beachfront restaurant