About
A destination you need to add to your Pismo Beach things-to-do list is Eldwayen Ocean Park. This 1½-mile oceanfront park features a grassy recreation area, picnic tables and benches, stairs to a sandy beach, and tide pools. It's the perfect spot for family picnics, nature lovers, and beachgoers.
Despite being relatively small, Eldwayen Ocean Park packs a punch with its breathtaking ocean views, accessible tide pools, and laid-back vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.
The park also reflects the community's commitment to preserving natural spaces so everyone can enjoy California's stunning coastline. Its location along the scenic Shell Beach area attracts photographers, artists, and those who want to admire the rugged coastline.
Eldwayen Ocean Park has impressive sweeping views of the Pacific and is ideal for a picnic dinner to watch the sunset. Its proximity to the Chapman Estate makes combining multiple attractions in a day doable and one more reason to add it to your vacation itinerary.
Eldwayen Ocean Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features
Eldwayen Ocean Park is known for its pebbly beach, which offers a unique coastal experience. Unlike sandy beaches, the small, smooth stones make a distinctive texture underfoot and a beautiful sight as the waves wash over them.
The park is also popular with kayaking enthusiasts due to its easy ocean access. The nearby parking lot is only a few steps from the beach, making hauling a kayak by hand less strenuous. If you'd like to kayak but didn't bring one on your vacation, contact companies like Central Coast Kayaks to see about renting one to explore the waters off Eldwayen Ocean Park.
By far, the park's most fascinating feature is its tide pools. When the water recedes at low tide, these natural wonders reveal an array of marine life, like starfish, mussels, sea anemones, and small fish. It's a hands-on educational experience that delights young and old alike.
While the cliffs are not extremely tall, they serve as a vantage point for stunning views of the Central Coast. The park benches atop the cliff make resting and reflecting on the panoramic ocean views worth the visit.
Another appealing aspect of the park is the breathtaking sunsets. Pack a picnic or grab a meal from local eateries like Ventana Grill or Zorro's Cafe & Cantina and enjoy at one of the picnic tables. What could be better than savoring classic Cali cuisine as you watch the sun dip beyond the horizon?
The park's serene setting makes it a popular spot for meditation and yoga enthusiasts, who practice amidst the sound of the waves and the sight of the horizon.
Whether you are a nature lover or seeking adventure or relaxation, Eldwayen Ocean Park will enrich your Pismo Beach getaway.
Getting There
- From downtown Pismo Beach, take Price Street north until it turns into Shell Beach Road.
- Continue on Shell Beach Road and look for street parking near Eldwayen Ocean Park.
- The park is well-signposted and accessible from several points along Shell Beach Road.
- Address: Ocean Blvd, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Cost
Eldwayen Ocean Park has no admission fee, so you can enjoy this beautiful slice of the Central Coast for free.
Local Tips
- Visit during low tide for the best tide pool experiences.
- Picnic tables are first come, first served.
- Bring a blanket for a picnic in case the tables are being used.
- Please keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them.