It’s a typical afternoon in sunny Pismo Beach. The sun is out. The laughter of children permeates the beautiful Dinosaur Caves Park. Dogs tug on leashes, families unpack their lunches, and seagulls scrounge for what’s left. This environment, coupled with the ocean view, makes it one of the most loved places in the city—a spot where locals and tourists alike can come to enjoy some of the best natural offerings.
Dinosaur Caves Park has been an integral part of the community for decades.
“The city ended up acquiring it in the early ’90s,” Pismo Beach City Manager Jorge Garcia said. “It originally was supposed to be a Hilton hotel, which was a little controversial. Last minute, because of some funding and financing that fell through, they offered it to the city to purchase.”
Donations from community members display how much this space meant to the Shell Beach Community.
“Residents in Shell Beach got together, there were about 40 residents, who each donated various amounts, but about $1,000 to get some seed money,” Garcia said. “Some of our local rotary groups, some of the prominent hotel owners in the area, put up some of the initial capital cost for it. And we developed a specific Dinosaur Caves Park plan, much of which has been incorporated in what you see here.”
This quiet joint effort turned what could have been just another resort on the coast into one of the best scenic parks in the five cities. Over time, it became a space not just for recreation but a part of community identity.
“Decades later,” Garcia said, “that same spirit of collaboration continues to shape what locals call the crown jewel of parks. There are very few city parks with a view and location like this.”
The park continues to evolve with new events and upgrades.
“The playground equipment was all redone in 2019 — it was all brand new,” Garcia said. “So we’ve been replacing and improving things.”
As the park continues to evolve, the planners are keeping this at the forefront of their minds.
“Whenever we look at any improvements, we look at our original design for the park and make sure that it’s consistent,” Garcia said. “It’s really a collaborative effort between the community, the city, and then the city council ultimately as the decision makers.”
The park is used for both local interests and events that cater to tourists.“We host a lot of special events throughout the year,” Garcia said. “We have Pumpkins in the Park coming up, we always do our Eggstravaganza every year, and Movies in the Park. But we try to balance it, because we’re right next to residential areas. It’s about not having too many events that overtake the quality of life in the community.”
For resident Tristian Donis, the park means something deeply personal.
“It’s a very memorable place,” Donis said. “A lot of memories there. I live right by [the park], and I’ve been there a lot since I was young. It’s just a really fun place to be around.”
Donis visits at least every weekend, usually with friends or walking his dog.
“I’ll grab my Aloe Vera from the liquor store and just walk around [the park], sit on a bench, [and] look at the ocean,” Donis said. “You see a lot of tourists, but it’s not even that bad — just a lot of people. They seem to like it, though.”
Garcia agrees that the park will continue to adapt.
“Nothing is static and everything has to evolve and adjust based on use,” Garcia said. “For us, it’s always about keeping in mind what the use is today and what it might be tomorrow, while keeping true to the original purpose — that this should be a passive area for people to come, enjoy, and have picnics.”
From community-centered events to ongoing upgrades and future visions, Dinosaur Caves Park stands as a symbol of what can happen when a community comes together. Whether it’s a lifelong local or a visitor stopping to take photos of the immaculate views. This park stands at the central coast’s heart, evolving while staying true to its roots.
