Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Eldwayen Ocean Park

    4.7 (24 reviews)

    Eldwayen Ocean Park Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Eldwayen Ocean Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    The beach below
    Dong Wook C.

    Nice park with ocean views and ocean access. Staircase that leads down to the beach. Worth a stop if you're visiting the area. Street parking.

    Beach
    Lacey T.

    My husband and I stayed at a charming Airbnb maybe 10 houses east of Eldwayen Ocean Park. Once we got settled in to our cottage, though we didn't know what to expect, I grabbed my beach towel and sun hat, and we took the short walk down to the park. I did not specifically look for one, but I'm pretty sure there is no designated parking lot. Luckily, there is plenty of space along the residential streets should you require it. There are benches and walkways edging the cliffs that border and look down at the beach, and while we saw people below us on the sand, it didn't look like there was space to do much down there. One of the staircases is crumbling at the bottom, so not in use, but don't let the other, more northern one, fool you. You can get down to the beach, and yes, it's just a skinny strip of sand between the rocks and the water, but there's enough room to walk around and find a spot to relax. We laid out our beach towel and proceeded to rest our eyes (ie take a nap). Is there anything better than dozing in and out of sleep in the warm sand, with crashing waves serving as your soundtrack? Not much, and we spent a good couple hours here doing just that. At one point, a darling puppy snuck up and licked me right on my face! So it's dog friendly, and we met some friendly sweeties here! There is a section on the southern end with beautiful rock formations, and I think at low tide you'll find some small tide pools there. The sand is coarse, though not so large as to be considered pebbles. It isn't uncomfortable, but the sensation on your feet certainly differs from regular sand. Overall, perhaps due to it's limited size, Eldwayen Ocean Park is a perfect, low key and not-too-busy beach.

    Sara B.

    Absolutely beautiful place to have a picnic. We picked up an order to go from Splash cafe and ate on one of the picnic benches here. Not too crowded, maybe 4-5 families in the park area and like 3 families down below the cliff playing in the tide pools. Dog friendly park with a dog eater foundation. Breath taking views and no stinky ocean smell.

    Tide pools
    Amy S.

    I came here with my two toddlers to take them tide pooling. The beach was easy to access and the scenery was beautiful. We didn't see too many creatures but the kids didn't mind. We really enjoyed the experience! Check out our visit here: https://youtu.be/-0_Ag7aDliI

    Paul M.

    Eldwayen Ocean Park is yet a another small tidal coastal Park which boasts nice views. As can be seen with G-maps, the grassy area is small and leads to a small Penisula with a cute double scope. As you can see from that Penisula, the southern beach area that runs into Chapman Estate is basically inaccessible. If you go South along Ocean you will walk by Chapman Estate which was donated to the City but is only open for special rare events. At the very end there is a tiny Path that leads to a tiny outlook with a small bench. That is also a Cul-de-sac and does not give you access to Margo Dodd nor Dinosaur Caves [which has a play ground & restrooms near the Shell Beach Road side]. If you go North, you will first pass a closed off staircase that erosion wore away, but further down there is beach access via the Vista Del Mar Ocean staircase [right off the intersection of Ocean & Vista Del Mar]. Parking while limited extends all the way from here to near Chapman. Beach access is limited by the tides and you need to be cautious of this hazardous narrow strip of rocky beach since there are numerous choke points which can "trap" your egress at high tide. Since you will be up against either the seawalls or the buffs, a rouge wave could pull you or your kids out to sea in a rip current. Despite this, especially in the summer you will see numerous people defy the odds, common sense, & the posted warnings. Just down the stairs, is a narrow strip of beach which extends to the Penisula & the eroded stairs. The sand is abrasive and the beach is very rocky. Good tide pools are rare. Much of the water contains barely submerged twisted sedimentary rocks which while cool to look at, but are like slippy knives to try to climb on. Since there is no life guards here so please beware. The other way is right next to a seawall and does go to a little cove of a beach. Please check the Tide schedule and never turn your back on the Sea. The local papers frequently report rescues or even deaths from the many coves and waters. Most of the bluffs are composed of soft sandstone or brittle dirt, so that it is easy for it to erode from the sea or collapse under your weight if you stray over the fence. Periodic erosion and collapses are also the bane of the many Ocean front homes. Nature is sometimes slow but relentless. As with several beaches, overlooks, or parks along Shell Beach restrooms are rare and eats are even more rare. The series of ocean views here are: Dinosaur Caves, Margo Dodd, Coastal Conservancy, Eldwayen, Seacliff/ Memory, Spyglass, Spyglass to Cliffs Hotel strolling area, Paradise, Ebb Tide, South Palisades [best overall beach access, which boasts the best Tide Pools at low tide], Florin or Topaz Outlook, Shell Beach Bluff Trail, and finally Pirates Cove [which has some nudity]. Off course many of these areas are more suited to surfers/ locals/ dog walkers/ exercise buffs than to others. Many have great views and some are near free Tennis/ B-ball Courts [ "north" Palisades on Shell Beach Road] or good eats [Lido's, De Palo's grocery {gourmet take out}]. There are also a few fair to good places to grab a drink or bite along Shell Beach road more toward the Caves end....or further to downtown touristy Pismo Pier area [which has Pizza & lots more]. All in all, this beach park is a nice scenic diversion, which does have a very few picnic tables. At peak season or holidays, even this area can be packed. Curiously, almost every one of the many reviews of this & other beach park outlooks boast off the amazing views. As locals, we are fortunate to see many an amazing sunrise or sunset. It all depends upon the weather. If it is totally clear or too hazy, you will not get the amazing sunset colors. The best sunsets are when it is partly cloudy and most clouds at near the horizon and there are gaps in the linear clouds. During the best sunsets, you can see both the amazing late sunset colors fade, as the moon and stars start to become visible. Once the sun sets, it does become quite chilly, so bring a jacket. The late sunset has the most intense colors, so be patient...and use a good camera for a long exposure....not a phone.

    Lovely
    Jessica Z.

    Such a lovely spot offering amazing views of the sea from above. Sunset after rainfall was beautiful (also very cold in winter) here. Not much of a "park" - just a stretch of grass with a walkway, some picnic tables and benches too. Street parking is plentiful.

    Old dilapidated stair case closed. No worries. Newer staircase 200 feet to the North.
    Heather J.

    I agree with the others. A great little beach kinda tucked away in Pismo. Even though we arrived about 5:30pm on a Sunday, there was only a handful of other visitors. It was near high tide so we didn't get to see the tide pools but if you're darinthere are rocks you can climb on & sit & just take in the view. Perfect spot for selfies or family pictures--just not the kind that require you to be clean. The sand is not smooth, it's full of tiny rocks. Thankfully we brought our aqua socks!! Aside from there being large rocks, the currents are huge so no water play! The beach is accessed by staircase only. I can imagine this beach being even prettier at sunset!!

    Sandy H.

    Eldwayen Ocean Park is located down the street from Margo Dodd Park and residential parking was easy to find on a Saturday afternoon. There is a flight of stairs that you can take to get to the sand and ocean. We saw people leave their shoes along the wall and we did the same. We even spotted a guy wall climbing which was cool. The view especially during sunset was absolutely gorgeous. It wasn't crowded at the time so I was able to thoroughly enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves and the beautiful sunset sky. This little park is definitely worth the visit if you're passing through the Pismo Beach/San Luis Obispo. :)

    If you think the view from this park is simply priceless...come during sunset!
    Charles B.

    I suppose I could go into the minute facts about this hidden-gem-of-a-park such as that there's free parking, stairs to a sandy beach below, tide pools, a grassy recreation area, picnic tables with adjacent BBQ's, AND a 360 degree-rotating-high-powered binoculars that works FOR FREE. However, nothing and I mean NOTHING can compare to the majestic - I swear I'm not trying to be corny - view that this park offers you: 180 DEGREES OF PURE-PANORAMIC-CALIFORNIA-COAST-PLEASURE!!! Come for the view. Stay for the sunset. YOU WILL NOT - CANNOT - BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

    West end stairs to the beach. There is another set closer to the east end.
    John H.

    We're travelers. Our most recent trip to Brewmania landed us on this sequestered beach, best walked during a receding tide. We had no issues finding parking on a Sunday around noon. A short walk down the stairway from the bluff ended on a narrow, coarse-sand beach with rocks and tidepools. We unleashed the dogs and let them make new friends, and checked out the shells and sea anemones along the rocky edge. If you have small kids, you'll want to keep em close, as the water can get rough! Your sixth grade science whiz, or the amateur geologist will be equally entertained checking out the face of the bluff for the serpentine ribbons of rock that swirl its entire length. If you've ever hiked at Pinnacles, you'll recognize the way volcanic activity pushed up the earth to make these crazy designs. Worth checking out!

    Hubby and I stopped here on our way to Big Sur for our 6 year anniversary. It was tucked away, quaint and not overcrowded we loved it.
    Chris P.

    Hubby and I were in our way to Big sur for 6 yr anniversary and stopped here. Quaint, quiet and not crowded. We loved it.

    Joe P.

    Great beach to visit during the day but the natives get restless at times during the evening. ..... enjoy

    See all

    28 days ago

    Helpful 27
    Thanks 10
    Love this 33
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 3
    Love this 15
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Such a cute walk! My pup enjoyed the scenery while I enjoyed the beautiful views and homes!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dong Wook C.
    20
    752
    4295

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lacey T.
    477
    973
    15573

    7 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 1
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy S.
    28
    15
    25

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul M.
    1001
    752
    19687

    7 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Charles B.
    793
    236
    267

    19 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John H.
    3161
    708
    5041

    13 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of One D.
    0
    43
    4

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Charley C.
    1107
    3096
    4318

    13 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe P.
    0
    15
    10

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelly S.
    7
    111
    40

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Just a lovely beach off the beaten path with great tide pools and pretty sand. A gem.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Eldwayen Ocean Park

    Review Highlights - Eldwayen Ocean Park

    “Not too crowded, maybe 4-5 families in the park area and like 3 families down below the cliff playing in the tide pools.”

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 706 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Avila Beach - Outdoor dining with view of ocean

    Avila Beach

    4.3(235 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    Avila Beach is a coastal town in San Luis Obispo County. And the town has a beach. So I always…read morewondered when referring ti the beach... should it be called Avila Beach's beach. Anyway, the beach is beautiful and family friendly. It had a less commercial retail vibe than Pismo Beach and pier. The waters are a bit calmer than other coastal towns due to the beach being within the San Luis Obispo Bay. They have old fashion steel swing sets on the on the beach (right side of the pier). Speaking about the pier. The pier was originally built in 1908. It's about 1685 feet long. It has been storm damaged many times and repaired, and is still standing. Though right now the far portion of the pier is not open due to retrofitting upgrades. Lots of folks fish off of the pier and take in the sights. I got pretty close to a sea otter enjoying a meal and grooming himself. He was floating right next to the pier. Totally awesome.

    I never realized just how close I was to Avila Beach each time my husband and I would take…read moreroadtrips to Santa Barbara. I'd passed Avila Beach off the 101 countless times and never knew! Actually, I had never known about Avila Beach until one night, as I was scrolling through instagram, it showed up on my feed. Someone I was following had posted a short reel and I immediately took to how pretty it was. Anyhow, fast forward to just a few days later (and this is the part that seemed 'meant to be'), we were on our way to Pismo for a little weekend trip when I see an exit for Avila Beach just shortly before Pismo. "No way!" I thought .... This whole time it was just right there? And so, as we checked into our hotel in Pismo we quickly diverted our original plan - rather than Pismo it's off to Avila we go. Just a short 10min drive and there we were. Shops, restaurants, the pier .... Just beautiful. I have to say - that little discovery really made our weekend memorable. I don't know what it was but my family and I really enjoyed the afternoon that we'd spent here. There was something for everyone. I had my jolt of much needed caffeine from Kraken coffee (located right off the beach), my daughter got ice cream (husband did as well). The whole afternoon in this little newfound escape was perfect. The beach is beautiful, there are a few shops and eateries that offer both sweet and some savory. It's a lively place to hang out and relaxing enough to bum out too.

    Photos
    Avila Beach
    Avila Beach - Summer

    Summer

    Avila Beach

    See all

    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve - Pismo Beach Sand Dunes

    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve

    4.9(12 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    One of the most beautiful and secluded areas I've been to. If you walk down to the dunes via…read moreStrand Street towards where the vehicles congregate you may see a tribune you have to cross. Head east from there as there is a gap between areas that are protected.

    I can only assume that Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve gets so little traffic because it's getting…read moreconfused for the more X-treme Oceano Dunes SRVA (which is awesome in its own right). While they are immediately adjacent, they are worlds apart. Making a pilgrimage through the dune grass, away from the ATVs and Jeeps whirling their wheels into sand pits, you'll be rewarded with quiet warmth and geographic perfection. Hours can be spent watching the wind blow miniature canyons into the silk-fine sand, or diving down the tallest dunes only to fall onto the natural pillows of pure beach. Completely protected from cars, traffic, and (frankly) assholes, the Natural Preserve is an arid oasis. I like to imagine that if I were a Chumash living in the area generations ago, I would have a pretty awesome home going in the Dunes. It shouldn't cost you anything to get there. In Oceano, drive to the end of Pier Ave. and park for free either on the street or in the lot, near all the ATV rentals. Walk south about half a mile along the beach, then veer east toward a natural lake. You'll see markers restricting motor vehicle access - go beyond them, and keep going until you hit a clearing...you'll know the Dunes when you see them - they'll make you feel like you've landed on the moon. By far one of my favorite places in SLO County - a definite must for someone looking to relax and soak in some unique, natural beauty. Enjoy.

    Photos
    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve - Made it to the clearing!

    Made it to the clearing!

    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve - Looking eastward toward the Dunes

    Looking eastward toward the Dunes

    Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve

    See all

    Avila Sea Caves - Monday, July 24th, 2023 - View from Cave

    Avila Sea Caves

    3.9(20 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    Locals call this place the Smugglers Cave. Cool name. But it's not really a cave and not near the…read moreshoreline. It's a natural carved tunnel through the a rock formation on a bluff overlooking Avila Beach and the ocean. Sadly though the cave is tagged with graffiti and folks treat the inside of the cave as a trash bin. Disheartening site to see a beautiful work of nature treated like this by those that come to view and hang out. Ironic. The hike from the parking lot is less than half mile one way. It starts at a slight incline. When you get to the point where the path splits to the right and left, turn right... the cave is to the right. You're less than halfway there at this point. The cave overlook has no guardrails, so please pay attention especially with the kiddos. The cliff has a drop. Have your wits about you and stay alert. If you have an overwhelming urge to creep close to the edge to take the perfect selfie, do so cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. Overall the views are gorgeous. But the trash bin cave vibes was a downer.

    Date: Monday, July 24th, 2023 Time: around 12:45pm…read more We were at Pirate's Cove so decided to check out a cave. We actually didn't make it all the way down to the beach, but I did go into a cave and enjoy the view on the other side. Not sure if that qualifies as one of the Avila Sea Caves, but I will just assume it does. Parking was pretty easy. There is a small lot. No issues finding a spot since it was a Monday afternoon. We only walked down to the first cave, so probably spent a little more than 15 mins walking around and taking pix. If you enjoy water and a view, I'd say definitely check this spot out. REVIEW #3441

    Photos
    Avila Sea Caves - Monday, July 24th, 2023 - View from Cave

    Monday, July 24th, 2023 - View from Cave

    Avila Sea Caves - Avila Sea Cave Entrance

    Avila Sea Cave Entrance

    Avila Sea Caves - Avila Sea Cave Graffiti

    See all

    Avila Sea Cave Graffiti

    Eldwayen Ocean Park - parks - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...