A coastal landscape with rocky outcrops in the water, a distant mountain range, and a clear sky.

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Our top choices for Shell Beach hotels

1. Shell Beach Inn

Shell Beach Inn
2.0 star property
Shell Beach
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (550 reviews)
"Very cute place to stay! We enjoyed the cool vibes of the little town. I would have loved to spend a whole week there !!!!"
United States
Joyce
The price is ₩193,163
₩221,172 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Shell Beach Inn

2. The Palomar Inn

The Palomar Inn
2.0 star property
Shell Beach
7.4 out of 10, Good, (677 reviews)
"this place is tiny but affordable and awesome for Shell Beach. a good place to crash for night along the way."
United States
Michael
The price is ₩103,263
₩118,236 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
The Palomar Inn

3. Inn at the Cove

Inn at the Cove
3.5 star property
1.1 km from Shell Beach
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,745 reviews)
"Beautiful property, nice breakfast, nice staff"
United States
Keisha
The price is ₩349,611
₩400,986 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Inn at the Cove

4. Spyglass Inn

Spyglass Inn
3.0 star property
1.7 km from Shell Beach
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,847 reviews)
"Loved the location and a very clean room"
United States
Anton
The price is ₩216,474
₩248,285 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Spyglass Inn

5. SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel
3.5 star property
2.2 km from Shell Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,884 reviews)
"Location, views from room. Great place to stay at"
United States
Jose
The price is ₩349,611
₩400,986 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

6. Pacific Point Resort

Pacific Point Resort
3.0 star property
1.9 km from Shell Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,337 reviews)
"This is one of the best hotels I have ever seen in Pismo Beach. Would definitely come back and stay here again!,"
United States
Julio
The price is ₩238,989
₩329,036 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Pacific Point Resort

7. Oxford Suites Pismo Beach

Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
2.5 star property
855634304, 5.2 km from Shell Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,122 reviews)
"It was Great stay!"
United States
Aida
The price is ₩143,514
₩179,996 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Oxford Suites Pismo Beach

8. Edgewater Inn And Suites

Edgewater Inn And Suites
2.0 star property
Downtown Pismo Beach, 3 km from Shell Beach
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (3,231 reviews)
"Great location clean rooms right on the beach"
United States
Shawna
The price is ₩144,488
₩165,438 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Edgewater Inn And Suites

9. Best Western Casa Grande Inn

Best Western Casa Grande Inn
2.5 star property
6.6 km from Shell Beach
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,476 reviews)
"Great stay"
United States
Jennie
The price is ₩131,467
₩149,215 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Best Western Casa Grande Inn

10. The Tides Oceanview Inn and Cottages

The Tides Oceanview Inn and Cottages
3.0 star property
2.3 km from Shell Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (307 reviews)
"Room had a great view and clean"
United States
Mel
The price is ₩213,060
₩244,369 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 14 - Sep 15
The Tides Oceanview Inn and Cottages

11. Ocean Palms Motel

Ocean Palms Motel
2.5 star property
Downtown Pismo Beach, 3.6 km from Shell Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"Staff was very nice and friendly."
United States
Jade
The price is ₩97,526
₩142,863 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
Ocean Palms Motel

12. Pismo Beachwalker Inn & Suites

Pismo Beachwalker Inn & Suites
2.0 star property
Downtown Pismo Beach, 3.5 km from Shell Beach
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1,010 reviews)
"Great location, simple, the little kitchen is useful. It is good for a short stay."
United States
Hui
The price is ₩81,093
₩106,351 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
Pismo Beachwalker Inn & Suites

13. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown
3.0 star property
15 km from Shell Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,141 reviews)
"It’s a great place to stay"
United States
MONICA
The price is ₩198,990
₩226,242 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Luis Obispo Downtown

14. Cottage Inn By The Sea

Cottage Inn By The Sea
3.0 star property
2.1 km from Shell Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,424 reviews)
"Perfect location for our family vacation."
United States
Rachelle
The price is ₩255,189
₩292,689 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Cottage Inn By The Sea

15. The Grove At Pismo Beach

The Grove At Pismo Beach
2.5 star property
855634304, 4.4 km from Shell Beach
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (435 reviews)
"Great hotel! The location is excellent, everything was clean and well-maintained. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed my stay and would definitely come back!"
United States
Rano
The price is ₩108,123
₩124,011 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
The Grove At Pismo Beach

16. The Agrarian Hotel, BW Signature Collection

The Agrarian Hotel, BW Signature Collection
2.5 star property
9.4 km from Shell Beach
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent staff, clean and comfy rooms, and a great location"
United States
JEREMY
The price is ₩236,858
₩269,296 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
The Agrarian Hotel, BW Signature Collection

17. American Inn Grover Beach

American Inn Grover Beach
2.0 star property
5.7 km from Shell Beach
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (861 reviews)
"For the price, I was very impressed by the friendly service at the front desk, clean room with extra amenities like ear plugs, and decorative extras in the room that made it really cozy. The bed was comfy and the air conditioning was nice and cool. We stayed to be close to the Pismo beach golf club (10 minutes away) to play first thing in the morning. We had a wonderful stay and then a great golf morning. I highly recommend this place as a clean, nice place to stay for a great price!"
United States
Pilar
The price is ₩91,115
₩103,416 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
American Inn Grover Beach

18. Hilton Garden Inn San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach

Hilton Garden Inn San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach
3.0 star property
Pismo Oaks, 5.1 km from Shell Beach
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1,001 reviews)
"Staf professional,very helpful"
United States
Maryna
The price is ₩172,578
₩197,939 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Hilton Garden Inn San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach

19. Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo

Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo
3.0 star property
14.8 km from Shell Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,559 reviews)
"Great place to spend with family."
United States
Martin
The price is ₩176,695
₩234,639 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo

20. Dolphin Cove Motel

Dolphin Cove Motel
2.0 star property
Downtown Pismo Beach, 3.2 km from Shell Beach
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,009 reviews)
"Great location good price"
United States
Farrah
The price is ₩170,959
₩211,204 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 13 - Sep 14
Dolphin Cove Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Shell Beach

Find the best Shell Beach areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Pismo Beach

While visiting Downtown Pismo Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pismo State Beach and Pismo Beach Surf Shop.

Pismo Heights

While Pismo Heights isn't home to many top sights, Price Anniversary House and Pismo Beach Surf Shop are some notable places to visit nearby.

855634304

If you're spending some time in 855634304, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets and Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

Sunset Palisades

While Sunset Palisades might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Avila Hot Springs and The Spa at Dolphin Bay.

Pacific Estates

Though Pacific Estates might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pismo Beach Premium Outlets and Monarch Butterfly Grove.

Top Shell Beach Hotel Reviews

Find out more about Shell Beach

Top reasons to visit Shell Beach

  • Stunning Beaches: Enjoy the picturesque sandy shores and breathtaking sunsets that Shell Beach offers.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Engage in a variety of activities like paddle boating and explore scenic reserves and urban parks.
  • Relaxation Options: Indulge in nearby spa and body treatments for a rejuvenating experience.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Shell Beach is ideal for families, blending nature and city experiences for all ages.
  • Diverse Accommodations: Choose from beachfront hotels to cozy vacation rentals, ensuring a perfect stay.

Find great hotels near Shell Beach

Discover the perfect getaway at Shell Beach, where a variety of accommodations await you, from beachfront hotels to family-friendly resorts. Enjoy stunning ocean views, adventure-filled activities, and easy access to the beach. Whether you're seeking a cozy vacation rental or a luxurious hotel experience, Shell Beach has something for everyone. Explore top-rated options and create unforgettable memories on your California vacation.

  • Oxford Suites Pismo Beach: This budget-friendly motel is ideal for families and adventurous travelers seeking a diverse vacation experience. Located 5km from Shell Beach, Oxford Suites Pismo Beach boasts a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. The property offers a range of adventure sports activities, including nearby options for surfing, hiking, and biking. Families will appreciate the dedicated amenities for children, including a first aid kit for peace of mind during your stay. With its versatile offerings, this hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers looking for a comfortable base near the beach.
  • SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel: A 3.5-star hotel that shines with a guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel is just 2km from Shell Beach and features direct beach access. This property is perfect for families and those seeking a hot spring-themed getaway. Guests can unwind with the natural hot springs nearby, enhancing their beach vacation experience. The hotel also offers amenities for children, including a gated pool area, ensuring safety while they enjoy a refreshing dip. With its beachfront location and family-friendly features, SeaCrest is a welcoming choice for a coastal retreat.
  • Edgewater Inn And Suites: As a budget-friendly option with a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, Edgewater Inn And Suites is located 3km from Shell Beach. This motel is well-suited for travelers in search of a beach vacation infused with relaxation. With direct access to the beach and nearby natural hot springs, guests can enjoy both sun and soothing waters. The property’s inviting atmosphere makes it a cozy choice for families, providing a laid-back environment to unwind after a day of exploring the beautiful California coastline.

Where to stay near Shell Beach

Shell Beach offers a perfect beachside getaway with stunning coastal amenities and easy beach access. This charming neighborhood is ideal for families and couples alike, providing a relaxing atmosphere and picturesque scenery. Explore the nearby attractions, indulge in local dining, or simply unwind on the sandy shores. Whether you're seeking recreation or a budget-friendly excursion, Shell Beach promises an unforgettable vacation experience filled with sun, surf, and serenity.

  • Pismo Beach: Nestled along the stunning Central Coast of California, Pismo Beach is a vibrant coastal city where Shell Beach resides. Known for its moderate seasonal traveler influx, Pismo Beach attracts visitors primarily from April to June and July to August for its outdoor activities, breathtaking beaches, and scenic views. Highlights include the family-friendly beach, the iconic jetty pier, and a variety of recreational areas perfect for relaxation or adventure. Visitors can indulge in spa experiences and enjoy educational venues, making it an ideal destination for families and solo travelers alike.
  • Avila Beach: Located just 6km from Shell Beach, Avila Beach is a charming coastal city that offers a delightful retreat for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Like Pismo Beach, Avila experiences peak visitor numbers from April through July, showcasing its appeal for scenic getaways. Travelers can enjoy a range of activities, including relaxing at the beach, indulging in spa treatments, or playing a round of golf at the local golf courses. With picturesque views and a welcoming atmosphere, Avila Beach is a must-visit for those looking to soak up the sun and unwind.
  • Downtown Pismo Beach: Only 3km from Shell Beach, Downtown Pismo Beach offers a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Unlike the more seasonal nature of its neighboring areas, Downtown Pismo attracts visitors year-round, with peak seasons from June to August. Here, travelers can enjoy beach access, outdoor activities, and stunning scenery. Notable attractions include the family beach and jetty pier, alongside educational opportunities and golf courses, making it an exciting hub for both relaxation and exploration.

Things to do near Shell Beach

Shopping

In Shell Beach, you can visit the nearby Pismo Beach Premium Outlets for a blend of brand-name shopping and local boutiques. Additionally, explore local markets like the Pismo Beach Farmers Market for unique handmade crafts and souvenirs that reflect the charm of the Central Coast.

Recreation

In Shell Beach, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the Spa Central Coast, where you can enjoy massages and skincare therapies amidst a serene atmosphere. Explore yoga classes at nearby studios, offering mindful practices that connect you with the calming coastal environment for a refreshing retreat.

Adventure

Santa Maria Speedway, located 27km from Shell Beach, offers exhilarating motor racing experiences. Feel the adrenaline rush as you watch high-speed races or participate in thrilling events, all set against a backdrop of vibrant sports and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

In Shell Beach, The Shell Beach Boardwalk features charming oceanfront bars with cozy fire pits, perfect for relaxing evenings. Nearby, local restaurants offer live music and vibrant atmospheres, while intimate lounges provide a laid-back vibe for unwinding after a day of exploration.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Shell Beach

Shell Beach offers a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, with stunning beaches, scenic reserves, and urban parks to explore. Visitors can enjoy sandy beach activities, discover nearby Shell Beach districts, and visit local parks. This destination is ideal for families seeking a blend of nature and city experiences, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy while soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery.

  • Pismo Beach Pier: Located 3km from Shell Beach, Pismo Beach Pier offers a lively atmosphere with family-friendly excursions and friendly locals. Stroll along the pier for stunning ocean views, enjoy fishing, or watch surfers catching waves, making it a vibrant hub for visitors and residents alike.
  • Eldwayen Ocean Park: Situated within Shell Beach, Eldwayen Ocean Park is a scenic landmark featuring lush greenery and breathtaking coastal views. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, picnicking, or simply soaking in the serene ocean ambiance.
  • Avila Hot Springs: Just 3km from Shell Beach, Avila Hot Springs is a relaxing outdoor retreat known for its soothing hot springs. Guests can unwind in natural mineral waters, making it perfect for rejuvenation and wellness in a peaceful setting.

Best time to go to Shell Beach

The best time to visit Shell Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
March54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.8°F (13.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
May59.5°F (15.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June63.7°F (17.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July66.2°F (19.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August66.9°F (19.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September67.1°F (19.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October63.5°F (17.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
November57.6°F (14.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
December52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Shell Beach

Traveling to Shell Beach, California, is convenient with several major airports nearby. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is 111km away, with luxurious hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and El Encanto Santa Barbara offering easy access. San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is only 10km from Shell Beach, featuring great options such as Hotel San Luis Obispo and Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach. For those flying into Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX), located 35km away, the Wine Stone Inn and Historic Santa Maria Inn are excellent choices. Each airport provides various transportation services to ensure a smooth journey to your destination.

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Shell Beach?
Shell Beach is a neighborhood that travelers like for its beaches. Consider a visit to Eldwayen Ocean Park as part of your Shell Beach travel plans.
What's a favorite hotel to stay in Shell Beach?
Based on our traveler data, Shell Beach Inn is one of the top choices for your stay in Shell Beach. This hotel offers an outdoor pool and free parking. Another good option for your stay in the area is The Palomar Inn.
How many hotels should I expect to find in the Shell Beach area?
If you're searching for places to stay in Pismo Beach, Expedia has something to meet your needs with 28 Shell Beach hotels and other accommodations to choose from.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Shell Beach, will I receive a refund?
Yes, you'll find most hotel room reservations are fully refundable if you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to review the best deals available in Shell Beach.
Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip to Shell Beach?
For more information about changing or cancelling your trip to Shell Beach, go to https://www.expedia.com/service/.
What are the top things to see and do in Shell Beach?
Spend some time exploring the natural setting of Shell Beach with a visit to Margo Dodd Park and Dinosaur Caves Park. A visit to Eldwayen Ocean Park is also worth the trip while you're discovering the neighborhood. A few places to visit in the area around Shell Beach include Pismo Preserve, The Spa at Dolphin Bay, and Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar & Shop. Sans Liege Wines and Pismo Beach Surf Shop are also worth a visit when you're out sightseeing in Pismo Beach.