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Dinosaur Caves Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,055 Google reviews · Running trail in Pismo Beach, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Dinosaur Caves Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A grassy lawn, playground & walking trails mark this 11-acre park situated atop oceanfront bluffs.
What runners say about Dinosaur Caves Park
“I was truly in awe of the stunning views and how clean and well-maintained everything was—from the park grounds to the restrooms.”
“I was truly in awe of the stunning views and how clean and well-maintained everything was—from the park grounds to the restrooms.”
“It is a peaceful place to remember her as she loved the beach.”
This beauty is located in the Shell Beach area, adjacent to 'Margo Dodd Park' where you can admire the caves better, (even more if you bring your binoculars). Plenty of parking. There's a kid's playground, walking trails, benches, lots of grassy areas with flowers, and stunning ocean views.
After a 5-hour drive, stopping here was an absolute breath of fresh air! I was truly in awe of the stunning views and how clean and well-maintained everything was—from the park grounds to the restrooms. The lawns were perfectly manicured, and the surrounding flowers added such a beautiful touch.
This was such a cool place to visit. We have a van and we love to visit parks (city, state, and national parks)! The name intrigued us and we had to visit this cool park. We observed many birds flying over and landing on a large rock viewable from the edge of the park!
This is a beautiful and peaceful park. The trail is very easy. Handicap accessible around the flowers with a great ocean view and a bench to seat on. The grass is well kept, The toilets are clean. Kids play ground available. The blooming flowers are very beautiful. The sound of waves are soothing.
Trail conditions & character
“I love this place, it has a big playground area for my daughter, plenty of grass area to run around on, breathtaking views of the coast.”
“I was truly in awe of the stunning views and how clean and well-maintained everything was—from the park grounds to the restrooms.”
“We love this park, it’s dog friendly and just a great park for kids and family.”
“It is a peaceful place to remember her as she loved the beach.”
“Amazing ocean view, on site parking, bathrooms, very we maintained park equipment and beautiful neighborhood.”
Plan your run at Dinosaur Caves Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitepismobeach.org
- Phone(805) 773-7039
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–10:30 PM |
Running trails near Pismo Beach
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Margo Dodd Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 790 reviews
Small, grassy park atop a coastal bluff featuring a gazebo, ocean views & beach access.
Pismo Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,021 reviews
900-acre nature preserve open to the public for docent-led hikes, runs, bike rides & horse rides.
Pismo Beach
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Pismo Beach Walkway & Boardwalk
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,172 reviews
Popular beach with a pier and shops, where surfers love the waves and kids play volleyball.
