Shell Beach Bluffs Trail, Pismo Beach

Shell Beach Bluffs Trail is a stunning walk! It is a paved path with a wooden railing that follows the cliffs over the ocean. You can hear the ocean's roar the whole way and it is like therapy! Beach houses are on your right while colorful plants and views are on your left. You see Pirate's Cove and the adorable hole of Smuggler's Cave, with the ocean peeking through! What a view! Agave americana and red bougainvillea add beauty to the sights. Many people enjoy this pleasant one-mile (there and back) walk. The walk is slightly steep, reaching 10% grade at the steepest, making it one of the gentle incline hikes in SLO.

Once you reach the end of the trail, it's possible to continue an extra 0.3 miles on a very steep and cracked asphalt road to Smuggler's Cave. There is a sign and closed gate at the beginning of the very steep road, warning that the road and the beach below (a nudist beach) is hazardous because of severe landslides. It's nice to be able to connect up with Smuggler's Cave and check it out. 
Continue your walk along Indio Drive to South Palisades Park, if you want a longer walk. There is no sidewalk but lots of people walk this road and stop to look at each ocean overlook.
If you need a happening place to eat, check out nearby Pismo town and pier.

Directions

The parking lot for the trail is located at the dead end of Indio Drive, the western end, where there is a roundabout. Take the driveway that leads down on the left of the gate, and on the right of the house at 435 Indio Drive. There are about six parking spots in the parking lot, which is labeled "The Bluffs Trailhead" on google maps.

Click on map for interactive view