Clifftop Ocean Views
Shore Cliff Hotel Pismo Beach
A mid-range hotel perched on a clifftop above the Pacific with real ocean views, a heated pool, and a prime location near the pier. Here is what to expect before you book.
Quick Facts
Sally's Review: Shore Cliff Hotel
Shore Cliff Hotel is one of the most consistently overlooked mid-range options in Pismo Beach, and I think that is partly because it sits just outside the main cluster of downtown hotels. But that distance from the pier is also what gives it something most downtown hotels lack: elevation. The hotel sits on a clifftop above Price Street, and that extra height translates directly into better ocean views than you get at street-level properties.
I have recommended Shore Cliff Hotel to couples looking for a romantic but not extravagant stay, and to families who want a pool with an ocean backdrop without paying Cliffs Resort prices. It is not the flashiest hotel in Pismo Beach, but the location and views punch above their price point.
The Rooms
Room quality at Shore Cliff is solid mid-range. The property has been updated over the years and the rooms are clean and well-maintained. Ocean-view rooms are worth the small upcharge. You are paying for the view, and the view delivers. Standard rooms without an ocean view are a notch cheaper and still comfortable, but the clifftop setting is the reason to book here, so going without the view misses the point.
Rooms are not large, which is typical of Pismo Beach hotels in this category. If you need significant space or a full kitchen, Dolphin Bay Resort or Pismo Beach Club are better fits. But for a two or three night coastal stay where you are spending most of your time outdoors, Shore Cliff gets the job done comfortably.
The Pool Deck
The pool deck is Shore Cliff Hotel's strongest feature. The heated outdoor pool and adjacent hot tub overlook the Pacific, and because the hotel sits on a cliff, the view from the pool is unobstructed ocean horizon. On a clear Central Coast afternoon, it is genuinely beautiful. Summer afternoons bring a crowd to the deck, so get there early if you want a chair with a direct ocean view.
Sunset from the pool deck is one of the better sunset experiences in Pismo Beach. The hotel faces west, the pool is at cliff level, and there is nothing between you and the water. I have sent multiple friends to Shore Cliff specifically because of this pool situation. For a hotel at this price, the sunset pool experience is a genuine differentiator.
Location and Getting Around
Shore Cliff Hotel is about half a mile from the Pismo Beach Pier, which is a reasonable walk along the coast. Downtown restaurants and the main Pomeroy Avenue strip are also within walking distance, though the walk has some hill to it given the clifftop location. For anyone who prefers driving or biking, the pier and downtown are under five minutes away.
Pismo State Beach is just south of the hotel, accessible by a short walk or drive. The Monarch Butterfly Grove is about two miles south. Oceano Dunes ATV riding is 15 minutes away. The location is well-positioned for exploring the full Pismo Beach area without a long drive to anything.
The Restaurant
Shore Cliff Hotel has an on-site restaurant with ocean views, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The convenience is real, especially for breakfast before a day at the beach. For dinner, I generally send people toward the pier area for better variety. Splash Cafe for chowder, Ventana Grill for sunset dining with views, or Ada's Fish House for East Coast seafood. But the on-site option is genuinely good for a hotel restaurant, and on nights when you do not want to move, it covers the bases well.
Sally's Tips for Staying at Shore Cliff
- ●Book an ocean-view room. The clifftop view is the entire reason to choose this hotel over others at a similar price.
- ●Get to the pool deck by 4:30 pm if you want a prime chair for sunset. It fills up in summer.
- ●Ask for a higher floor room when booking. More elevation means more unobstructed water views.
- ●Walk to the pier for dinner. It is under a mile and the stretch along Price Street has good options.
- ●Pack a jacket for the pool deck. The ocean breeze off the cliff can be cool even in summer.
- ●Off-season rates from November through March drop significantly and the hotel is much quieter.
- ●Check rates against SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel if you want beach access. Shore Cliff has better views, SeaCrest has beach access.
Shore Cliff Hotel: FAQs
Where is Shore Cliff Hotel located?
Shore Cliff Hotel is located at 2555 Price Street in Pismo Beach, California. It sits on a clifftop above the Pacific Ocean, about half a mile north of the Pismo Beach Pier. The central location puts you within walking distance of downtown restaurants and the beach.
Does Shore Cliff Hotel have ocean views?
Yes, Shore Cliff Hotel has genuine ocean views from many rooms and from the pool deck. Because the hotel sits on a clifftop rather than at beach level, the elevation gives a panoramic perspective across the Pacific. The pool area in particular is one of the best spots in Pismo Beach to watch the sunset directly over the water.
Does Shore Cliff Hotel have a pool?
Yes, Shore Cliff Hotel has a heated outdoor pool with ocean views. The pool deck is one of the most popular spots at the property, especially in the late afternoon when the light on the water is best. There is also a hot tub on the pool deck.
Is Shore Cliff Hotel pet-friendly?
Shore Cliff Hotel has a limited pet policy. Policies and fees change, so confirm directly with the hotel when booking if you plan to bring a pet. For reliable pet-friendly options in Pismo Beach, SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel and Pismo Lighthouse Suites are consistently pet-friendly.
Does Shore Cliff Hotel have a restaurant?
Yes, Shore Cliff Hotel has an on-site restaurant with ocean views. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is a convenient option if you do not want to drive into downtown Pismo Beach, though the pier area has more variety and several excellent options within a short walk.
How far is Shore Cliff Hotel from the Pismo Beach Pier?
Shore Cliff Hotel is about half a mile from the Pismo Beach Pier, which is a 10 to 15 minute walk along the coast. The hotel is also close to the main concentration of restaurants on Pomeroy Avenue and Price Street downtown.
What is the price range at Shore Cliff Hotel?
Shore Cliff Hotel falls in the mid-range category for Pismo Beach, typically $150 to $250 per night depending on the season and room type. Summer weekends are at the high end. Off-season rates from November through March are significantly lower. For the ocean views and location, it represents solid value compared to luxury options like The Cliffs Resort.