5 Best Pismo Beach Luxury Hotels for Travelers in 2025

A pier over the ocean with a lit up christmas tree at the end of the pier.

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Looking for luxury in Pismo Beach? We’ve got you covered.

So, you’re looking into Pismo Beach Luxury Hotels. You’ve come to the right guide, as I live in California, and I will show you the 5 best luxury hotels in this beautiful coastal town on the Pacific Ocean, ideal for discerning travelers.

OUR TOP Pick
Looking for a luxury hotel in Pismo Beach, CA? We recommend Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa. Here is picture of their amazing pool on the cliff of the Pacific Ocean.

🏆 BEST LUXURY HOTEL IN PISMO BEACH

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The hands-down best choice is the gorgeous Dolphin Bay Resort.

Pismo Beach’s hotels are ideal for a leisurely getaway along the California coastline. Situated midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, it’s an excellent rest stop if you’re traveling along the picturesque Highway 1.

With extensive stretches of beautiful white-sand beaches and numerous properties offering stunning views from atop cliffs, you might want to extend your stay for an extra night or two.

Let’s dive into this list of the 5 best luxury hotels in Pismo Beach, including some of the best restaurants and things to see in this quaint coastal town.

Quick Guide: Pismo Beach Luxury Hotels

#1 Pick
Outdoor patio by the ocean at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa ✓ Ocean view
✓ Spa on-site
#1 Pick
Outdoor patio by the ocean at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa ✓ Ocean view
✓ Spa on-site
#3 Pick
A photos of one of the three outdoor pools at SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel in Pismo Beach, CA. Pismo Beach luxury hotels.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel ✓All accommodations have a balcony!
✓ Direct Beach Access

5 Pismo Beach Luxury Hotels

1. Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

Looking for a luxury hotel in Pismo Beach, CA? We recommend Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa. Here is picture of their amazing pool on the cliff of the Pacific Ocean.

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 |📍 Location: On the Ocean | 🏩 View on Booking.com

If you’re seeking for exceptional service, ample space, and one of the best spas in Pismo Beach, Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is among the most luxurious options available.

The resort exclusively features suites, all of which come with balconies, a full kitchen, living room, dining area, and laundry facilities, making it a perfect choice for families or extended stays.

In your leisure time, take a stroll down to the beach and explore the tide pools, bask by the pool, rent a bike, book a massage or facial at the spa, or relax by an outdoor fire pit at sunset.

This resort is home to the renowned Lido Restaurant & Lounge, serving locally sourced Californian cuisine, champagne brunch on Sundays, and boasting an onsite wine cellar with over 800 local and international wines to choose from.

 From the front staff to the housekeeping, everyone I have encountered with really went way above to make sure we had everything we desired and needed! I would recommend this resort to anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of the ocean.

—KRYSTYNE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

This is one of the best hotels in Pismo Beach for families.

The hotel provides family-focused services like bikes, barbecue grills on-site for guest use, a kitchen, and a balcony in each room so parents can chill with a drink after the kiddos are in bed, wiped out from all the swimming they did that day in Dolphin Bay’s amazing pools.

🐾 Traveling to Pismo Beach with a pet? Dolphin Bay allows dogs!

If you’re looking for celebrity-style pampering and incredible customer service, then make sure to book a stay at the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, one of the top hotels in Pismo Beach, California.

Of course, luxury comes at a price. This is one of the most expensive hotels in Pisco Beach. On top of that, there is a $40 Resort fee, but it’s hard to argue that the Dolphin Resort & Spa isn’t worth the cost. (It so is!)

best pismo beach luxury hotels

2. Inn at the Pier

Women relaxing on the balcony of one of the room as Inn at the Pier in Pismo Beach, California.
Inn at the Pier, the only hotel with a rooftop bar in Pismo Beach, CA 🍹(Photo: Booking.com)

⭐️ Rating: 4.2/5 |📍 Location: On the beach | 🏩 View on Booking.com

This hotel is known as one of the best hotels in Pismo Beach; the Inn at the Pier stands out for many reasons.

The first one is location, location, location. It’s minutes away from all the action at the boardwalk and pier, although when at the hotel, you wouldn’t know such activity is happening so close by.

The Inn at the Pier offers an intimate setting with cozy rooms, waterfront views, and the only rooftop bar in Pismo Beach, where you can savor sunset cocktails or relish an outdoor meal while enjoying panoramic vistas of the coastline.

This place was wonderful! Great rooftop bar! Food was great also! We had the first floor room with the fire pit! It was so much fun!

– SONDRIA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The hotel’s Blonde Restaurant serves breakfast classics such as avocado toast and lemon ricotta pancakes.

During your day, guests can relax on the sundeck or take a dip in the outdoor pool, or they can opt to grab one of the beach cruisers and embark on a scenic ride along the shore.

This is an excellent option for couples and families alike.

best pismo beach luxury hotels

3. SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel

An overview of what you’ll get at the fabulous SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel in Pismo Beach 🏝️

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 |📍 Location: On the beach | 🏩 View on Booking.com

If you’re looking for a hotel with great overall accommodations for families, look no further than SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel.

This hotel has it all: direct access to the beach, balconies included with each room, complimentary continental breakfast, and tea and coffee with chocolate chip cookies in the afternoon!! 🍪

The one thing it doesn’t have is a spa. 😌

SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel is a popular choice for travelers, having received prestigious awards such as the Excellence in Lodging and Hospitality award from the California Lodging Industry Association.

The hotel offers exceptional service and a range of amenities to ensure a relaxing and memorable vacation for its guests, including three outdoor pools, jacuzzis, direct beach access, gas barbecue grills on the terrace, and live entertainment.

This hotel was AMAZING, absolutely blown away with the views. Staff were great and the hotel’s facilities superb.

Aoife (read more reviews)

Accommodations are designed with a minimalist style and include a balcony or patio. Most rooms offer ocean views, a microwave, and a refrigerator for convenience.

The hotel has lawn games for kids and adults, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Blast & Brew American Eatery & Taphouse offers poolside delivery. Seacrest Oceanfront offers a great experience for travelers.

best pismo beach luxury hotels

4. The Casitas of Arroyo Grande

Video explaining what it’s like to stay at The Casitas of Arroyo Grande! This place is amazing!

⭐️ Rating: 10/10 |📍 Location: Arroyo Grande | 🏩 View on Expedia

Ok! This place is fantastic for those who love wine, comfort, privacy, and the Hearst Castle. That would be me. I’ve spend a lot of time in this region (mostly at the wineries). Think Sideways when you think of the landscape.

Not exactly in Pismo Beach, but close enough (about 10 miles), The Casitas of Arroyo Grande is a unique lodging experience that offers guests the privacy of private suites designed like little houses (casitas).

I don’t think that I have ever had such an amazing experience when staying away before. Tom and Pat were absolutely delightful and the grounds, ambiance and rooms were beautiful. When we arrived Pat walked us through the adorable casita. We went into to town and had a fantastic dinner then came back, lit our fire and relaxed looking out our windows at the beautiful mountains and lush greenery. 

–Sarah (read more reviews)

Each casita has luxurious amenities such as a cozy fireplace and blackout curtains for a restful night’s sleep.

Guests can also enjoy a gourmet breakfast delivered to their room at a time that suits them, making for a relaxed and comfortable start to their day.

The property overlooks a picturesque local vineyard, providing stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere for guests to unwind. There is an outdoor lap pool as well.

This is an excellent spot if you want to go to visit Hearst Castle in nearby San Simeon. I have been to Hearst Castle three times; it’s an unforgettable experience and a must when you tour this region.

The hotel sits a mere three miles from the historic village of  Arroyo Grande, where you’ll find antique shops, boutiques, and fantastic restaurants. There are also excellent restaurants where you can sit and enjoy an ocean view.

The San Luis Obispo (SLO) Nighttime Farmers’ Market is a 20-mile distance. 

I’ve spent a lot of time here; it is such a beautiful place. It looks and feels like Tuscany. This whole area is stunning, I want to go right now!

5. Spyglass Inn

Pismo Beach luxury hotels: a picture of the California coastline overlooking the Pacific Odeon at sunset from Spyglass Inn. Pismo Beach, CA.
The view from Spyglass Inn, Pismo Beach. (Photo: Booking.com)

⭐️ Rating: 8/10 |📍 Location: On the Ocean | 🏩 View on Booking.com

Perfect for couples who want to get cozy, Spyglass Inn delivers the opportunity and environment to get some romance with your mate.

Scattered throughout its premises are oceanfront fire pits, where you and your loved one can bask in the crackling sounds of burning wood and embers while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline.

It was really a great surprise. The room was really big and comfortable. The fire pit was amazing, we had a really great time.

–Ella (read more reviews)

For a more private experience, select accommodations feature in-room fireplace, allowing you to snuggle up in your own space with a couple of glasses of wine.

The resort offers an outdoor pool for relaxation, easy access to the beach, an all-day restaurant, Spyglass Restaurant, specializing in seafood, and an intimate spa for indulgent pampering.

This hotel gets high marks for location and also for its reasonable price for a beach front property.

Final Thoughts: Pismo Beach Luxury Hotels

The hotels in Pismo Beach embody this town’s unhurried and easygoing essence. Instead of formal and polished service, they provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere suitable for couples and families.

Most of the popular accommodations in the area are situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean, except for The Casitas Arroyo Grande, which offers a unique, intimate experience close to wineries, Hearst Castle, and many restaurants.

You can’t go wrong with any of these Pismo Beach luxury hotels; they each offer excellent amenities and service.

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Read More About California

California Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?

100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)

💦 Can you drink the water in California?

Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.

🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?

Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)

🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?

For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.

🧳 What do I pack for California?

Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.

🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?

For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

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