The central coast of California is one of the most beautiful coastal areas anywhere.
Dinosaur Caves park is in the little City of Pismo Beach.
Most city parks are set up around sports and recreation. However, you won't find any baseball diamonds, tennis courts, or even a swimming pool in this one.
What you will find is an amazing coastline. Cliffs, coves, and lots of gorgeous views. The little town of Shell Beach is on the other side of the park.
I have NO IDEA why they call it Dinosaur Caves. I didn't see any of either.
Okay, kayaking qualifies as a sporting activity.
Also fishing! Hope she doesn't slip. It's a long way down.
This was a pretty cool sight
There's that kayak again. Is it safe going through that "dinosaur cave?"
Okay, so it wasn't very thrilling at all. Pretty much all I have for this post is photos. So I had to play it up a bit. Umkay? I'll shut up now.
Hey, I think they're following me around...
The photos really don't do this place justice. Hard to get the smell, the wind, and the sounds of the ocean in a photo. Hope you enjoyed the photos...
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Some fantastic photos. I'm sure those in the kayak had a great view. The West coast has a much more interesting coastline than we do on the East coast. We're just flat, sandy beaches here.
ReplyDeleteYou were really hoping for a dinosaur though, weren't you?
Oooh, a rock just for seals and pelicans!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like an incredible place!
ReplyDelete...mighty nice sights, regardless of the name!
ReplyDeleteOh I really wish I was there too! I spent my young years living by the sea and spending most of my free time on the beach, swimming in the summer, climbing rocks, fishing etc. But the sea is far away now. Wonderful pictures of fascinating geology.
ReplyDeleteReally great photos Pat, Dinosaur Caves having neither was funny isn't it strange the way some places are named, must have made sense at one time, that was a cool shot of the cave that the kayaker went through also.
ReplyDeleteNice post my friend.
Love love love it.... As much of a "mountain" person I am ---I also love the beach ... (See my blog post today!!!! ha)..... BUT--I've never seen the gorgeous CA beaches. Awesome park and area.. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
That place looks totally amazing Pat!
ReplyDeleteI love that part of the country, and I still have a bunch of photos to post from when I visited family in SLO over Christmas. But they're moving away so I'll probably not get the chance to see that beautiful area again. You'll have to keep me updated with the latest shots!
ReplyDelete"The photos really don't do this place justice."
ReplyDeletePat, I think your photos do this place MUCH justice because I was in AWE as I strolled through these stunning images of Pismo Beach. OMG...what a gorgeous location! I love any place surrounded by water; especially when it's set above rugged cliffs. There is a place on Long Island, New York called, Montauk Point, which looks very similar to Pismo Beach because of the cliffs.
Love the photographs of the seals sunbathing on the rocks.
Wonderful post, Pat! Thank you for sharing.
What do dinosaurs even smell like? I'm thinking kinda aspauagussy.
ReplyDeleteBeen a number of years since seeing that part of Cali.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a beautiful place.
Mookie
I used to stop there, and occasionally spend weekends, back in the 90's. Nice area, great pics.
ReplyDeleteTake care, pal.
Mike
I love the Pacific Ocean .... I miss the Pacific Ocean. It's thrilling to me just to see it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots! It looks like a wonderful place to explore.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty area along the Pacific coast. The rocks look a little bit like dinosaurs out in that bright blue water.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh - Thanks Alex! A dinosaur, or maybe even dinosaur DNA in amber, so I could create my own!
ReplyDeleteDEZMOND - There was a sign on it that said, "Reserved For Seals and Pelicans Only."
sage - It was pretty cool, and a complete surprise. It's pretty close to the "Spiral Staircase to Nowhere." If you remember that post...
Tom - I agree Tom! There is no reason for it to have that name, bit it's still very nice.
Shammickite - Thanks so much! According to my dermatologist, I spent too much time on, or near the beach (and I'm paying for it now).
Jimmy - Thanks Jimmy! Lots to take pics of there. We have a kayak, so maybe someday we'll wrestle onto the top of our RV and try that spot out.
ReplyDeleteBetsy Adams - Thanks Betsy! Insert "desert" instead of mountain, and I could say the same. I do love the coast and the mountains also. The three west coast states have about have about 1400 miles of coastline, of which about 1000 is amazing...
Brian - Thanks Brian! It is!
Al - It's an easy place to fall in love with. I'll do my best to keep 'em coming.
Ron - Thanks so much for the nice words Ron. The town of Pismo Beach is pretty cool also. A classic California beach town.
ReplyDeletePowdered Coast Man - You may be right! Maybe I'll try a smoothie next time.
Anonymous - Indeed it is. We try to make it up there at least once a year. Thanks for the comment Mookie!
Sallie (FullTIme-Life) - I can be at the beach in 5 minutes, yet I rarely go there anymore, it's all about the desert.
William Kendall - Thanks William! It really is.
Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti - Wow! I never thought about that. You just might be right. The rocks!
Should Fish More - Thanks Mike! I LOVE that stretch coast there. In addition to the scenery, there are some cool little towns.
There's nothing like some California coast! So pretty and blue and rugged... Love the photos as always!
ReplyDeleteTell me you rode a dune buggy while there! :)
Pismo Beach and Dinosaur Cave Park is one of our stops whenever we are traveling back and forth from Humboldt County to Ventura County. Always so beautiful there. A wonderful place for our picnic lunch. Truly fantastic photos, Pat.
ReplyDeleteVEG - Thanks so much! You have some amazing coastline yourself. I didn't ride in a dune buggy this time, but I have in the past.
ReplyDeleterobin andrea - I've been up there many times, and this is the first time I checked it out. Thanks Robin!
What an interesting place, Patrick! I love the Californian coast, but I haven't been to this spot! I don't think photos ever do coastlines justice, There is something special about the sea breeze in your hair, the smell of the salty air and the sound of crashing waves... sigh!
ReplyDeleteLiz - The sea breeze, the smell, and the crashing waves. You hit it right on the head Liz!
ReplyDeleteHello, I love the rocky coastline of California. It is a beautiful place , lovely views. The houses look a little too close. I like the rock with the seals and cormorant. The kayaking looks like fun! Great photos. Enjoy your day and happy Memorial Day weekend!
ReplyDeleteeileeninmd - Thanks Eileen! Oh yeah, when there is a view like that, the lots are skinny, and expensive! The houses in that area average about 1.5 million. Too rich for my blood. Have a nice weekend yourself...
ReplyDeleteI love the central CA coast. I have really fond memories of camping with the kids at Pismo, and being able to drive right down on the beach. However, I totally missed this park and the Shell Beach area. Next time...
ReplyDeleteSpare Parts and Pics - We also used to camp there. These days, we go to Oceano (just south of Grover Beach, which is just south of Pismo). Have a nice weekend Pete...
ReplyDeleteWe lived near there for a few years. Seeing these pictures makes me miss California.
ReplyDeleteWonderful rock formations!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful cave park and beach.
ReplyDeleteKaren Jones Gowen - I would miss it also. People who come here, but only see Los Angeles, or San Francisco, have no idea how huge and beautiful it is.
ReplyDeleteLady Fi - I agree Fiona. Nature is quite the artist.
Rajesh - Yes it is. A great surprise.
Not too hard to imagine the sounds and smells of the sea when you live as close to the sea as I do Pat ☺ Beautiful images here, very different to your visits to the desert areas ☺
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photography mate. Looks like a nice place.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, it was a welcoming change. Not as interesting as your other posts of course, but it's refreshing to see something different.
Cheers Patty.
:)
Wonderful photos of the beautiful park. It would be a great place to spend some time and explore. I think its fantastic that there are not any sports or recreation places nearby. The beauty is stunning.
ReplyDeletePerthDailyPhoto - Same here Grace! I love living close to the ocean. You are right, it couldn't be anymore different than the desert.
ReplyDeleteAnthony J. Langford - Thanks Anthony! Going to places like this is what keeps my wife going to the desert with me.
bill burke - Thanks Bill! It is very interesting. I agree about the sports, it wouldn't really fit here and would kind of ruin the feel of it all.
I've driven by many times but never stopped. Thank you for the sharp, vivid, gorgeous photos, Pat. It makes me want to take the time when I'm in the area.
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn - Hi Robyn! Yep, the same with me. I don't know why I never stopped before. It was worth it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful seascape Pat.
ReplyDeleteYou don't realize how large these cliffs and rocks are until you see that tiny kayak. Beautiful photos. The narrator had a good sense of humor too lol.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell - Thanks Bob! It's a great area.
ReplyDeleteBee Bee - Thanks so much for the nice words! I really appreciate it.
a wonderful place to visit but I would never ever get a house there.
ReplyDeleteNatureFootstep - I probably wouldn't live there either, but I wish I could afford to...
ReplyDeleteI love this coastline! It is so unique and interesting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great looking place - I assume that the real estate values match the views!
ReplyDeleteI did wonder if the 'arrow looking thing' on my last blog was male.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
You have a new camera perspective today. The ocean! The seals are sure having a nice nap. Yes, the sound of the ocean is my favorite sound. What a coast line.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the caves are shaped like dinos? One looks like a dinosaur skull a bit. I think kayaking through them would be grand. Great photos, makes you want to be there.
ReplyDeleteThank you much Patrick for these awesome coast line views for All Seasons -I's thrilling enough for me - while living in Southern Cal, one is so surrounded with it, that you don't give it another thought ... until you move away, like I! Have a great week and thanks for the pleasant memories!
ReplyDeleteBetty-NZ - I agree! California has about 900 miles of it. Not all like this, but most of it is pretty amazing.
ReplyDeleteStewart M - Yep! the term "million dollar view" is very true there. When I wrote that about the petroglyph, I was pretty sure that you had already figured it out.
Sharon Wagner - Low and behold! I love the ocean, but seem to spend a lot more time in the desert. I have to do some coastal and/or mountain trips occasionally to keep my wife happy, and willing to go to the desert with me.
Jeanna - I think you might be right. We have a kayak but didn't have it with us. I would like to use it in that area sometime. Thanks for the comment. I'll be checking your blog out asap.
jeannettestgermain - You are most welcome! I know what you mean about not giving it another thought. Both South Laguna Beach and Dana Point are just a couple of minutes from my house. I love them both, but don't have to see them everyday. I like just knowing that they are there.
Great photos of an extremely beautiful place! I'd love to be there right now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! I'd love to visit. Were there any dinos?
ReplyDeleteJames - Thanks James! Me too...
ReplyDeleteM Pax - Beautiful it is! I believe there was only one dinosaur there. Me!
A beautiful coastline and very different from the one I'm used to see. Reminds me a bit of the south-eastern part of Australia.
ReplyDeletevisualnorway - It was a beautiful coastline. I would love to go to the SE part of Australia. Maybe someday...
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty spectacular coastline, beautifully shown here Pat.
ReplyDeletePerthDailyPhoto - Thanks Grace! It is a gorgeous area.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful :))))
ReplyDeleteAnita - Beautiful for sure! Thanks Anita.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful area! I'll have to visit sometime.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they were following you, they probably knew they would be famous and wanted to make sure you got their names instead of only being known for their kayak. ;)
Baby Sister - I hadn't thought about that! Maybe they were spies! I hope you do get to visit the area someday. Thanks Amanda!
ReplyDeletehey man my wife and i are taking our dog down to Pismo Beach in early December can you tell me if this is a dog friendly park?
ReplyDeleteIt is most definitely dog friendly! Hope you enjoy it...
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