Last Updated on January 24, 2025
Pismo Beach holds special memories for my family given my son graduated from Cal Poly in nearby San Luis Obispo (SLO). We made several trips to SLO over four years and our favorite place to stay was Pismo Beach due to its natural beauty, Pacific Coast setting, and laid-back atmosphere.
Situated along the California coastline just south of San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach is an ideal location for California getaways since it sits midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and is known for wide sandy beaches and dramatic rocky cliffside edges.
About Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa
Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is situated on five oceanfront acres in Pismo Beach making for an ideal beachfront escape with lots of room to enjoy magnificent Pacific views. Open your windows at night for the surf to lull you into a peaceful slumber.
The boutique, 60 room, all-suites resort features one, two bedroom and penthouse suites with fully equipped gourmet kitchens and custom-designed living rooms with fireplaces. Pool and ocean view suites offer a dining area and patio or balcony, and partial or full ocean view suites include in-suite laundry facilities. All units feature a gas-lit living room fireplace.
One-bedroom, one bath suites offer 1,000-square-feet of space and can sleep up to four guests with a king bed and queen sleeper sofa. Each suite is unique, and furniture and floor plans may vary. Views include non-ocean, poolside, pool view partial and full ocean vistas and priced accordingly.
Guests in two-bedroom, two-bath suites can choose between poolside, pool view, oceanside and oceanfront, executive and premium villas with an impressive1,600-square-feet of space to accommodate up to six guests.
Pool and Ocean Front penthouses located on the fourth floor of the resort feature two bedrooms, two baths and 2,100-square-feet. Each penthouse can sleep up to six guests.
Dolphin Bay Resort Amenities
Dolphin Bay is pet friendly with a $65 per night pet fee for dogs only.
All rooms offer full gourmet kitchens, high-speed Wi-Fi and spacious balconies. The resort features a large infinity pool and hot tub along with plenty of poolside seating with an onsite fire pit to ward off the Pacific evening chill. Complimentary beach chairs and beach towels are included.
Three outdoor barbeques are available for those who love to prepare their own cooked meals. Massage and spa services are available at The Spa on property, and bicycles can be rented for a nominal fee.
Dining at the Resort
Though guests have access to a full in-house suite kitchen, sometimes it’s nice to have someone else prepare your meals. Lido Restaurant & Lounge offers a fine dining experience along with sweeping ocean views of the Pacific Central Coast.
Open for brunch, lunch, happy hour Monday through Friday, and dinner, the restaurant sports inside dining, a lounge and bar area along with three heated picturesque outdoor patios. Despite the cool breezy evening when my husband and I had dinner here, we enjoyed romantic patio dining with plenty of heaters to keep us warm and cozy. Menus change with the seasons to offer the freshest bounties from the land and sea.
After a delightful shared roasted beet and apple salad, our main entrees included Etto Casarecce (from a renowned local pasta maker) with San Marzano sauce, basil and melted burrata and a chef daily special of tender, flavorful Chicken Cordon Bleu. Along with a shared bottle of Tuscan Sangiovese and the seaside surroundings, the dining experience was magical.
Save room for dessert as the restaurant offers a changing selection of sweet treats including a cheesecake offering. Our unique Basque Style Cheesecake consisted of a yuzu citrus curd with a blueberry compote topping. Paired with a piping hot cappuccino, it was the perfect ending to a perfect meal.
Things to Do in Pismo Beach
With Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa as our homebase, we enjoyed the incredible natural beauty of the surrounding Central California coast.
Pismo Beach Pier extending out over the water, is a classic spot to stroll, fish or just take in the ocean views. Kayak and paddleboarding are very popular here and there’s a good chance you’ll spot sea otters and dolphins at sea. Adventure lovers can rent ATVs or take a dune buggy tour to explore the massive Pismo dunes, a fun and thrilling way to experience the area’s natural beauty.
Just a short drive away, Avila Beach offers a more tranquil vibe with great spots for walking the shoreline and enjoying the lovely waterfront setting. If you’re into hiking, Pismo Preserve is a great spot with trails offering breathtaking views of the coastline and wildflowers.
During the fall and winter months, Monarch Butterfly Grove is filled with thousands of migrating butterflies making for a peaceful and unforgettable experience.
If you’re into wine tasting, the area around Pismo Beach is all part of the Central Coast wine region, especially in nearby Edna Valley or Arroyo Grande.
With an expansive coastline, stunning beaches, and awe-inspiring scenic beauty, Pismo Beach is an amazing place for an “escape the ordinary” getaway with a stay at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa providing the cherry on top.
