🏡 Inn at the Cove
Inn in Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Based on 800+ reviews from Google, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Yelp • Verified December 04, 2025
Overview
Inn at the Cove occupies a clifftop perch overlooking Shell Beach Cove, offering dramatic ocean views in a more intimate setting than larger resort properties. This boutique-style inn attracts couples seeking romantic escapes and travelers who prefer smaller properties over sprawling resorts. Every room includes ocean views—there are no inland-facing disappointments here.The property’s clifftop location provides stunning vistas across the Pacific, with rooms featuring private balconies perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails. Accommodations range from standard rooms to larger suites, all with updated coastal décor. The heated pool overlooks the ocean, creating postcard-worthy scenes, though the pool itself is small. Continental breakfast is included, served in a common area with panoramic windows facing the water.You’re in Shell Beach, about 2 miles from Pismo Pier and downtown action. This means peace and quiet but requires a car for dining and attractions—walking to downtown isn’t practical. The immediate area offers tide pool exploration and coastal walking paths. Free parking is available without the hunt typical of downtown properties.Pricing is moderate-to-upscale, typically $180-320 per night. You’re paying for ocean views and intimate setting, not extensive amenities or resort services. The property feels more like a well-run inn than a full hotel, with attentive but not intrusive service. No on-site restaurant beyond breakfast, so plan for drives to dinner. No pets allowed. Best for couples seeking romance without resort crowds, travelers who prefer smaller properties with character, and visitors who don’t mind driving to restaurants and attractions in exchange for peaceful clifftop views.
Best for: couples, romantic getaways, pet owners, secluded beach access
Known for: private cove access, panoramic ocean views, newly renovated rooms, fire pits, walking paths
Rooms & Suites
Inn at the Cove features 21 intimate guest rooms across its clifftop property, all offering ocean views from private balconies. Deluxe Queen rooms provide comfortable accommodations with one queen bed and coastal views, while Deluxe King rooms offer slightly larger layouts and premium positioning. The property’s signature Sea Cliff rooms occupy prime clifftop locations with unobstructed Pacific vistas, king beds, and enhanced amenities. Junior suites add separate sitting areas and larger balconies perfect for extended sunset viewing. The small room count ensures personalized service and peaceful atmosphere lacking in larger resort properties.
Amenities & Services
Signature Features
- Private cove beach access
- 52 newly renovated oceanfront rooms
- Complimentary continental breakfast
- Tesla Electric Car charging stations
- Fire pits and oceanfront seating areas
Location & Access
Inn at the Cove perches on cliffs at 2651 Price Street in Shell Beach, offering dramatic ocean views while positioned about 1.5-2 miles from Pismo Beach’s downtown pier and main commercial area. The clifftop location provides stunning coastal scenery and peaceful atmosphere but requires driving to restaurants and attractions—walking to downtown Pismo isn’t realistic. Free parking is plentiful in the inn’s lot without the space constraints of downtown properties. The immediate area offers Shell Beach tide pools and coastal walking paths, but plan on 5-minute drives to Pismo’s restaurant scene and pier. This setting appeals to travelers seeking clifftop tranquility over walkable downtown convenience.
Policies & Logistics
Check-In & Check-Out
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request based on availability.
Tips for Your Best Stay
💡 Sea Cliff rooms hang right over the waves—stupid dramatic views. Worth the premium if you’re here for romance or celebration.
💡 Only 21 rooms total so summer weekends book out fast. If you want this place June-August, you’re looking at 2-3 months advance minimum.
💡 Giuseppe’s (1.8 miles) is the move for Italian downtown. Charming spot, authentic food, worth the short drive.
💡 The pool’s tiny but those clifftop ocean views make it special. Go early morning or sunset for peaceful pool time.
💡 Continental breakfast is included but Splash Cafe (2 miles away) has way better food if you’re willing to drive.
Pricing & Availability
Average Nightly Rate: $169-280
What Guests Are Saying
Guests love the private cove access and panoramic ocean views from this boutique property. The newly renovated rooms, beautiful grounds, and peaceful atmosphere receive high marks.
Top Mentions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the view like from the rooms at the Inn at the Cove?
The Inn at the Cove offers stunning panoramic ocean views from most rooms. Many guests rave about the full ocean views and being able to see the private cove right from their room. The Oceanfront rooms in particular provide unobstructed views of the Pacific.
Does the Inn at the Cove have a private beach or cove access?
Yes, the Inn at the Cove is known for its exclusive access to a secluded private cove. Guests can access this hidden stretch of Pismo Beach right from the property, providing a peaceful and serene beachgoing experience away from the crowds.
What kind of amenities does the Inn at the Cove have?
In addition to the private cove access, the Inn at the Cove offers an array of amenities. There is an outdoor pool, spa services, and walking paths throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds. The inn is also pet-friendly, making it a great option for travelers with furry companions.
How would you describe the overall vibe and experience at the Inn at the Cove?
The Inn at the Cove has an intimate, romantic feel with its oceanfront location and private cove access. Guests often comment on the peaceful, secluded atmosphere and how it feels like a hidden gem along the California coast. The newly renovated rooms and friendly staff add to the overall high-quality experience.
Is the Inn at the Cove a good value for the price?
The Inn at the Cove is priced very competitively for an oceanfront property in Pismo Beach/Shell Beach, with nightly rates ranging from $169 to $280 on average. Considering the private cove access, panoramic ocean views, and high-end amenities, many guests feel the Inn at the Cove provides excellent value for the money, especially for a romantic coastal getaway.
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