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    Margo Dodd Park

    4.6 (33 reviews)

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    Margo Dodd made history by becoming the first woman appointed to the city's Parks & Recreation Commission, marking a notable achievement.
    Darrell P.

    Q: Who is Margo Dodd? A: Margo Dodd was a pioneering figure in Pismo Beach, California, recognized for her significant contributions to the community. She made history by becoming the first woman appointed to the city's Parks and Recreation Commission, marking a notable achievement in local governance. In honor of her dedication and service, the city named a picturesque ocean-bluff park after her - Margo Dodd Park. Margo Dodd Park - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=o2Ga7pGvRstJA3JO6RPScA About the park: This isn't your typical park with swings, slides, or grassy picnic vibes. Margo Dodd is more like a scenic pit stop sent from the coastal gods. Think: gazebo with Pinterest wedding energy, dramatic ocean cliffs, and pelicans flying by like they own the place (but they kinda do). Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=3XOud3tTqkVErS3RiHUKYQ Came here on a whim, just taking a drive near the coast as we made our way north toward Hearst Castle. We weren't looking for anything specific - just stretching our legs - and stumbled onto this little bluffside park. The ocean views? Unreal. The rocky outcroppings and tidepools? Peak nature moment. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=DJfOrPAOB7FhTfDb_VQoog It's the kind of place that makes you forget about your phone - until you realize you NEED to take a thousand photos for your yelp* review. (Guilty.) Gazebo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=QwJxUhuaB9wvWS0r9iLXTw AR & I were there around noon on a quiet Thursday, so no chance of catching a golden-hour sunset, but even in broad daylight it was stunning. Peaceful, quiet, and not crowded at all. The kind of accidental find that makes road trips so worth it. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=RTXlsiL-wt3INIr_VP7j7w Just a heads-up: there's not much in terms of amenities (no bathrooms, no picnic setups), and parking is limited. But for a quick, beautiful stop with views for days? Totally worth it. If you're down for a quiet moment, some salt air, and a postcard-worthy view, this spot delivers. Parking is just street-side and super limited. Go early or be ready to do a little walk. I'm sure it's crowded on the weekends or summertime. Come for the gazebo, stay for the Instagram content. HA! - Big Aloha!

    We got some of that "May Grey" that covered our view of the sunset.
    Tony H.

    We didn't get to catch the nice sunset that you see in most of everyone else's pictures since the nightly overcast rolled in during a late May evening, but overall this is a really nice little park with some great costal views. There's a couple short walking trails along the bluffs where you can get a little closer to see the birds out below. Park of the walking trails leads you over to the kids park/playground Dinosaurs Cave Park. The park is near a residential area, small with a good amount of parking. Nothing too busy with a lot of people around.

    Because we always love a good sunset moment! ;)
    Shayla B.

    Who would have thought that this small local park would have some of the most magical sunsets in town?! I mean... Geezus! The views alone are gorgeous, but experiencing a sunset here can be pretty damn epic! As far as the actual park goes; there's really not much to it. You've got a cute little gazebo setup, some rest benches and picnic tables, and a short pathway that'll take you along the coastal bluffs. What it lacks in size, it most certainly makes up for in beauty. Seeing and hearing the blusterous waves crashing against the sea cliffs is truly quite numbing. There's such a blissful calmness to this park. It's amazing that it isn't more popular, but hey... I ain't complainin'! Perhaps that most intriguing experience at Margo Dodd park is watching the sunset. The colors in the sky can be so beautiful, especially when they're reflecting off the cliffs. I mean really, if you wanna see gorgeous sunsets sans Pismo crowds, this is the perfect spot to do it. I look back at the photos from my adventures here, and I'm still taken aback. It's definitely one of those local hidden gems that you won't take for granted.

    Ocean View
    Dong Wook C.

    Beautiful place for photos. Wonderful ocean views. Cute gazebo. Dog friendly. Water fountains onsite for humans and fur babies. Lots of opportunities to view sea birds. Street parking.

    Elizabeth G.

    Absolutely breathtaking! Surely you will be in awe of the coastal scenery. From the sunrises to the sunsets this area is one of the beautifuliest here in Pismo beach. During the weekdays it is so quiet and peaceful. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks is music for the soul.

    Great area to bird watch and smell some poop!
    Bacong F.

    Had a picnic at the park. Nice covered gazebo or lawn area. Lots of birds so it is a little stanky when the wind blows right in your face. Love the calmness of this area that was walking distance from the dinosaur park. This area is amazing to discover and explore!

    Lovely sunset
    Mike Y.

    Margo Dodd Park is a small strip of land along side the ocean in a residential area. The park itself does not offer much except for a great view of the rock formation in the ocean and cliff along the coast. Oh, come here during sunset and you will be rewarded with lots of beautiful photos.

    Sara B.

    Seriously why all the high ratings. It's literally right next to dinosaur park. It's just a look out spot that has a gazebo that a bunch of 20 something year olds were hanging out in smoking. The rock caves are covered in sea birds and it smells really bad. Skip it! You aren't missing out on anything.

    Paul M.

    GO PINCH YOURSELVES THESE BEACH /PARKS ARE REAL! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Go 2 short blocks over & you too can "discover" yet another "locals" only secret. It is a nice stairway that leads to the hidden beach below this cute park....but only at low tide! When the tide goes higher, you can get "trapped" (this can also happen at the other Shell Beach Beaches). Usually, you will just get your sneakers wet, but sometimes the water could wash you out to sea. This long stairway down, is good for stair exercise & is most times unoccupied. I used to live just up the street & it was so cool to go down & watch & touch the ocean. There are a couple of benches on the cliff between Pier & Margo Dodd proper, so they are great for a bench picnic. You can get some Pizza from up the street at Del's, or some pricer goodies from DePalo's, down the road a bit (next the overpriced Shell Gas Station...hint...go to the Foothills & route 1 station). Anyway, Margo's is cute & well maintained. While the Gazebo & views are cool, I really like the huge rock filled with tons of Seagulls.... be careful looking over, but down at the bottom there is a cool sea-cave. From here to Dinosaur Caves Park, which is right there, there used to be public accessible Caves many decades ago....thus the Cave name. There are no known Dinosaur Fossils in the area...but you can find vintage pics of the fake Dinosaur that was built years ago & then sadly destroyed (maybe at DCP's monthly art/crafts fair...along with some simple snacks). While Margo Dodd & Beach are cool, the beach at Palisades Park is far more impressive & not really Yelped much. It is a long big beach at low tide & is a nature preserve, with tons of amazing tidal pools filled with all kinds of sea creatures.... great for both kids & nature lovers. As far as, living here is concerned, the beachfront houses are amazing in price & view... but are still cheaper than many areas in Hawaii or California. Simply renting a house or one of the very rare apartments, up the block, are not too insanely priced, but are tiny, with tiny bathrooms & no AC. The few rentals are owned by people that live in places like Fresno or Bakersfield, who had bought these places eons ago, before the prices went nuts. Even renting can be a real battle, with dozens of people fighting over a nice rental. I was blessed to be a winner & eventually bought my place. This beach community that extends from the "The Inn on the Cove" down to the nudist "Pirates Cove" is fantastic in so many ways. If you explore, walk, or Kayak down this part of the coast, you can even find tiny beaches that few know about or can access. Beyond Shell Beach, there are multitudes of unpopulated beaches that few tourists know about ( some I have a list for). The distinction between what is a Park, Beach, or Beach/Park is a nebulous one & many on the Coast are really both. You can find many by using the Satellite viewing, on Goggle Maps, but be very careful and do not try to follow some of the obsessed Surfers down steep inclines unless you are a goat, or an OCD surfer. Another thing, is that the water is very cold, and you need a wetsuit if you will spend much time in the water...or get hypothermia. Anyway, this Park, like so many others here, are almost devoid of people on weekdays, before or after sunrise/sunset time....so it can be quite serene. Sunset can sometimes be hassle when some jerk parks their crap car & plays loud hip-hop... if so, you can always walk or drive to the next little oasis. Welcome to a near Paradise!

    Beautiful view
    Jeff T.

    Holy hell, I thought my local SoCal park was cool because it had nice tennis courts. Words cannot express how picturesque the views are at this park. It's a great place to bring your significant other or just to take out a book and relax. There's also a gazebo for weddings and whatnot, which I'm sure gets utilized a ton during the spring/summertime. We parked near the dinosaur park and just walked the rest of the way. If you walk further down along the coast, you'll eventually come across some stairs going down to the shore, and exposing some of the caves that you can check out. The waves were coming up pretty close to the stairs, so I'd recommend avoiding during high tide! Also there were signs to beware of sharks, which is a given around these NorCal waters. Note that this park is across from a very lucky residential neighborhood.

    Christopher U.

    This spot was the place recommended for ocean sunset picture spots in the Pismo Beach area. It was gorgeous. The stairs down to the beach below are a bit tricky (two foot drop from the bottom one) but being in the park area and the gazebo and benches. Perfect.

    Tiffanie A.

    Absolutely gorgeous view from the top of the cliff, and even better if you take the stairs down to the bottom. So many cliffs and giant rocks, caves, tunnels, it's just awesome. We watched the sunset, best time to go. However, be prepared to be attacked by a million annoying ass flies and to look like an idiot as you are constantly smacking yourself to get them off.

    Happy Sunday everybody
    Ania K.

    Sometimes I have to pinch myself because things seem too good to be true... My friends home is directly across the street from this park with the most unbelievable views of the pacific coast! Waking up to a misty morning & watching the sun come out very slowly to views of this park is something I'll never forget. I sat on the balcony watching so many different people coming & going and some would sit on the park benches for hours. I don't blame them! The views from every part of this little park are spectacular. I also loved seeing all the small & large furry babies enjoying it! Some people would even come out here in the middle of the night. The night views are just as special as the day views. If you ever find yourself anywhere near this place please take the time to stop & clear your mind here because every minute here was so worth it. I think of this place every day and I hope to go back very soon...

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    4 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Beautiful view! A great place for a romantic date with yourself or someone you enjoy spending quality time with!

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    9 months ago

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    2 years ago

    The stairs to the tide pools were closed and right before memorial day weekend, too! Do better, Pismo Beach!

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    13 years ago

    Best sunset spot EVER. The view is AMAZING! Definitely drop by for a quick stop if your passing the area. It's worth the 5 mins.

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    13 years ago

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    15 years ago

    So beautiful and peaceful, with a cute little gazebo and breathtaking views...so glad we wandered upon this little gem!

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    Review Highlights - Margo Dodd Park

    There's also a gazebo for weddings and whatnot, which I'm sure gets utilized a ton during the spring/summertime.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

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    Chumash Park - To Bee or not to Honey Bee. Bee on Park flower

    Chumash Park

    4.2(13 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    Beautiful clean park amazing structures. Went to a birthday party loved zip line adults can have…read morefun to

    A cute little hidden neighborhood Park, named after the Chumash, with some nice surprises!…read more If you are looking for a serene break from the madness of the across the 101 Pismo Outlet complex & have kids who need to burn some energy, this is a great safe spot [but beware of POISON OAK & the hidden POND(s)]. Likewise, if you are older, the 1 mile dirt valley hiking trail uphill is a nice diversion. Fortunately for all, the Bathrooms are decent, and there are picnic tables too. The playground is far nicer than what you would expect and have floor cushions all the way around. There is the usual Jungle Gym theme plus some swings. All seems to be designed for safety, but just outside there are warning signs for Poison Oak, and the land dips into a small stream, a marsh, and a pond.... so you still have to keep an eye on little ones. There is no fence to prevent wandering here. The hiking trail is quite modest, but since it is uphill & about a mile, you can get your cardio. This is a valley, so it can be prone to some flooding in the wet season. The trail is verdant & it is super-nice until you hit an abrupt end at a private ranch...but fear not...use your Goggle & you can see a plethora of other "local's only" Parks & much longer hiking trails in or near this area. As you head down this trail during the late afternoon, you can see the sparkling Pacific over the Pismo Outlet stores. This hidden Park is an ideal get away from the mad crowds of the Outlet stores. Next to the Outlet stores is an open mall with a great Bagel shop, a Pie shop, a Pizza shop, & the Cal-Fresh Supermarket has decent take out meals/sandwiches/food bar. You then, just have to drive just across the overpass, make a left onto Jamesway, and on your immediate right, you can find this Picnic & kid friendly park. Since it is rather hidden, it is so easy to miss, so look at your GPS map. This idea is a far nicer & healthier choice than to join the multitude at the crappy fast-food places next to the Outlet stores. Of course, you can also get take out junk food & bring that here, but please do not litter. I have no clue as to why I missed reviewing this place years ago, but here it is. If you are curious & into local history, you can also explore the side streets, for the even more hidden, Price House & "Historical Price House Park". You can look at both the Yelp Park listing & "Anniversary Price House" listing for my pics & details. Visits to inside the restored Price House happen from time to time, but you need to be either a donor, get emails, or check out facebook to be aware. While I lucked out & had a short personal tour for helping out, the house itself is not open to the public. The Park is open and is quite quiet, but there are no facilities. It does have nice wildflowers in the Spring. All of these local Parks are surrounded by rampant over-development....some of which polluted the local streams & marshes beyond repair. Anyway, this is a quiet neighborhood park, so please be good citizens. Thanks & enjoy!

    Photos
    Chumash Park - Whisps...along short but nice hiking trail.

    Whisps...along short but nice hiking trail.

    Chumash Park - NY Bagel & Lox [from Broadway Bagel just across the 101] in the park 's Picnic area.

    NY Bagel & Lox [from Broadway Bagel just across the 101] in the park 's Picnic area.

    Chumash Park - No trespassing...end of Park's short but sweet hiking trail.

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    No trespassing...end of Park's short but sweet hiking trail.

    Margo Dodd Park - parks - Updated June 2026

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