Those planning to visit Pismo Beach often look for hotels with ocean views. Unsurprisingly, the Inn at the Cove is one of the top choice hotels in the coastal city. The elegant property is planted atop a dramatic cliff, and due to its oceanfront position, the Pacific Ocean views couldn’t be any more perfect. The Californian beach appeal can be experienced throughout the entire property, including in the 52 guest rooms; most offer a private balcony with uninterrupted sea vistas from where the occasional dolphins can be spotted. The sound of waves crashing below and the maritime fragrance in the form of water spray are a constant invitation to unwind at the beach; fortunately for guests, the hotel offers direct access to Shelter Cove through a path that passes by the Dinosaur Caves. For the less adventurous, The Inn at the Cove offers a panoramic outdoor pool and outdoor yoga sessions. The Dinosaur Caves Park, particularly popular among the little ones, is a five-minute walk from the hotel.

HOTEL VIEW: PACIFIC OCEAN

Address: 2651 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

They say elegance and taste often run in the family, which is precisely the case with the SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel, one of our favorite Pismo Beach hotels with an ocean view, and a sister property of the Inn at the Cove. When staying at this slice of California paradise, guests are surrounded by the sand, sea, and sky-reaching palm trees that sway in the onshore breeze; getting their toes into the ocean is only a matter of taking a few steps from the hotel. Those who prefer to stay on dry land will have the option to engage in activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and golfing; instead, walking to the numerous eateries, cafes, and shops in the nearby Downtown Pismo Beach area is also a solid option. The beach vibes are incorporated into the hotel’s 158 rooms and suites, many with a private terrace or balconies with 180-degree vistas. One of the most recommended experiences at the SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel is heading to the outdoor SeaMist terrace, pulling one of the white deck chairs, and, warmed by a large firepit, contemplating a magnificent view of the sun setting into the Pacific horizon.

HOTEL VIEW: BEACH, PACIFIC OCEAN

Address: 2241 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

You may have driven through the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles or San Francisco and had your share of exceptional views. Still, we know that was only an appetizer for what was about to come: a memorable ocean view from your hotel room in Pismo Beach. Meet the SeaVenture Beach Hotel, your address on the shores of the Pacific - as the hotel is directly located at the beach, with no need to venture down any cliffs. The beach accommodations have a balcony overlooking the Pacific and are tastefully decorated in light tones and white shutters; some feature a fireplace and a hot tub. Another highlight of this seaside property is the romantic Pismo Beach restaurant, where one can savor local delicacies - the so-called coastal cuisine - in the company of exceptional vistas enhanced by panoramic windows. When staying here, one soon experiences the constant appeal to engage in water activities such as surfing and stand-up paddling. Those wishing to grab a board, the hotel’s friendly staff will be happy to suggest the best spots, all the way from Pismo Beach to Morro Bay. Should the adventurer in you wishes to explore the Californian coast in its rawest state, we suggest taking a 30-minute drive from the SeaVenture Beach Hotel to the spectacular Montaña de Oro State Park. The nearby San Luis Obispo’s Bishop’s Peak trail is unbeatable for scenic mountaintop views.

HOTEL VIEW: BEACH, PACIFIC OCEAN

Address: 100 Ocean View Avenue, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Regarding location, there’s hardly a better hotel choice than the Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach. The beachfront hotel sits in Downtown Pismo Beach, a stone’s throw away from the Pismo Beach Pier, ice cream parlors, beach hut boutiques, and charming restaurants. All guests checking in here expect nothing less than service and facilities that deliver a sense of barefoot luxury and five-star ocean views; it almost goes without saying that their expectations are fully met. This chic retreat offers two types of rooms and suites with views: the oceanfront (where the Pacific is the only subject in sight), and the coastal, with partial sea vistas complemented by the resort’s outdoor pool (heated for your comfort, of course). To replicate the experience of staying in your beach house, we recommend getting hold of the gorgeous Pacific Suite, which has a generous-sized balcony, a living room, and a small kitchen. What’s the best thing one can pair with a fabulous ocean view? If you’re thinking wine, so has the hotel: expect an invitation to a wine tasting at the resort, which will give you a glimpse of the local nectars produced in the surrounding wineries.

HOTEL VIEW: BEACH, PACIFIC OCEAN

Address: 147 Stimson Avenue, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

With consistent reviews that attest to the hotel’s reputation as one of the best hotels in Pismo Beach, the Pismo Lighthouse Suites indeed delivers when the subject is sleeping next to an idyllic ocean view. When securing one of the spacious oceanfront suites, which feature living rooms and balconies, guests are promised sweeping views, including the city’s iconic Pismo Beach Pier and the endless Pacific. One of the hotel’s secret ingredients for success is its association with fun and family-friendly activities; the hotel’s inner patio, the so-called Play Deck, offers various games ranging from mini-golf and table tennis to a pirate ship. Grownups were not forgotten: the hotel has prepared a full range of outdoor activities to ensure boredom is never synonymous with visiting Pismo Beach. Such activities include exploring the trails of Pismo Preserve (talk about scenic ocean views), enjoying an oceanfront walk on the California Coastal Trail, taking surf lessons, or engaging in whale-watching moments.

HOTEL VIEW: BEACH, PACIFIC OCEAN

Address: 2411 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93420

The idea that a coastal city like Pismo Beach is only worth visiting during the spring or summer couldn’t be any farther from the truth. Winters are known for their sunny days and for attracting a different kind of crowd lingering to read a good book with an ocean view, gather around a fireplace with friends, witness the birds' migration, or establish a deeper connection with the vibrant surrounding nature. One good place to call home while visiting Pismo Beach is the ocean-facing four-star Inn at the Pier, planted on Pismo Beach Pier Plaza, the city’s epicenter for shopping and dining. The boutique hotel with a beachy twist offers well-appointed rooms with direct views of Pismo Beach Pier, the iconic “Pismo Beach” sign, the beach, and the ocean. As for the best accommodation one can pick when staying at the Inn at the Pier, we’d say the fully-equipped “Corner Ocean View” suite borders perfection: it includes an expansive balcony, a large bedroom with a king bed by Simmons Hospitality, a lovely living and dining area, and a modern kitchenette. A visit to the hotel’s rooftop is an absolute must for outdoor dining and magical sunsets.

HOTEL VIEW: BEACH, PACIFIC OCEAN

Address: 601 Cypress Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

For many, the first thing that comes to mind when considering the Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach is the joyful childhood moments one spent with a small bucket and a little shove by the shore. One thing is for sure: those choosing to make this their Pismo Beach hotel will be inspired to build new sand castles, perhaps this time with their little ones. If this is you all over, we recommend, after such an energy-draining activity, heading to the nearby restaurants, The Oyster Loft or Pismo Fish & Chips, following the appropriate dress code: flip flops, of course. Back to the hotel, many of the 75 rooms and suites boast that much-desired ocean view and panoramic balconies; just make sure to pick one of those accommodations when completing your reservation. The hotel’s wow factor resides in The Deck, where guests will find a sunrise and a sunset menu. What better way to start your day than enjoying breakfast while listening to the gentle waves breaking on shore while planning your daily activities? Speaking of which, a particular word for the Oceano Dunes (a 10-minute drive from the hotel), where the dune buggy rides provide sensational vistas and the adrenaline rush so many crave when visiting Pismo Beach.

HOTEL VIEW: BEACH, PACIFIC OCEAN

Address: 100 Stimson Avenue, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

For those wishing to stay close to the boardwalk or explore Pismo Beach's charming little streets and local restaurants on foot, the Beach House Inn & Suites is worth considering. With only 14 comfortable suites equipped with a kitchenette (except one), this lovely inn, exhaling a cute beach character, keeps things simple and functional while allowing guests to enjoy what counts the most: a breathtaking ocean view. In addition, some of the rooms with views can accommodate up to 5 guests, making it an ideal choice for families. The property is within arm’s reach of the iconic Splash Café, where locals and visitors alike come looking for clams, calamari, burgers, tacos, and salads and enjoy the unique vibe of this surf-inspired eatery. When there is space left for a dessert, the same tribe pays a visit to the vintage bakery Old West Cinnamon Rolls, where the delicious sweets come in all shapes and sizes and are served with one of the best coffees available in town. Asking for takeaway and finding an oceanfront spot to sample these precious delicacies is highly recommended.

HOTEL VIEW: BEACH, PACIFIC OCEAN

Address: 198 Main Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449