Dolphin Cove Motel, originally built in 1938, is a historic property on the Pismo Beach seawall. It offers direct beach access and ocean views. The motel is steps from the pier and downtown Pismo Beach amenities, providing a family-friendly seaside stay with affordable rates. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are available.
Should you book Dolphin Cove Motel?
A historic motel on the Pismo Beach seawall with direct beach access and ocean views.
Best for
- Beachfront location
- Direct pier access
- Families
- Budget-conscious travelers
Maybe not ideal for
- Those seeking luxury amenities
- Travellers who prefer a quiet setting
Historic seawall location
Built in 1938, this property was the first motel in Pismo Beach. Located directly on the seawall, it offers immediate access to the beach and is a short walk from the pier and downtown.
Ocean views and beach access
Many rooms provide direct ocean views. Guests can step out to the beach from the property, with the Pismo Beach Pier just moments away.
Room amenities
Rooms include a seating area, cable TV, and private bathrooms. Some feature patios, terraces, BBQ facilities, coffee machines, and microwaves.
Onsite facilities
The motel offers BBQ facilities and an outdoor terrace. Free parking is available for guests. Woolly's Beach Bar and Grill is located next door.
Rooms & rates
Queen Room - Non-Smoking
1 queen bed
Sea view · Patio · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Barbecue · Terrace
King Room - Non-Smoking
1 king bed
Sea view · Patio · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Barbecue · Terrace
Suite Sea View
21.0 m² · 1 king bed
Private kitchen · Private bathroom · Sea view · Patio · Flat-screen TV · Barbecue
Quadruple Room - Disability Access
2 queen beds
Sea view · Patio · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Barbecue · Terrace
Two-Bedroom Suite
21.0 m² · 2 queen beds
Sea view · Patio · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Barbecue · Terrace
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Non-Smoking
2 queen beds
Sea view · Patio · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Barbecue · Terrace
What you'll enjoy
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Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Terrace
- View
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linens
- Alarm clock
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- Barbecue
- BBQ facilities
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden
Location
170 Main Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, United States, Pismo Beach, California
Dolphin Cove Motel is located in Pismo Beach, California.
5 sights nearby, the closest being Thomas Kinkade Fine Art Gallery at 0.2 mi; the nearest train station, Grover Beach, is 1.5 mi away.
Things to do nearby
- Thomas Kinkade Fine Art Gallerygallery0.2 mi
- Mary Harrington Parkpark0.3 mi
- Ira Lease Parkpark0.3 mi
- Camp Hillpeak0.4 mi
- Chris Burkard Gallerygallery0.8 mi
Getting around
- Grover Beachtrain station1.5 mi
- Grover Beach Transit Centerstation1.5 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
8.6 / 10 · Very good on Booking.com, from 976 guest reviews
Dolphin Cove Motel earns consistently strong sentiment, driven almost entirely by its unbeatable beachfront position steps from the Pismo Pier, welcoming staff, and clean rooms. The main drawbacks are recurring — ageing beds, small rooms that could use modernisation, noise from fellow guests, and limited ventilation in some units — reminding visitors this is a classic, refurbished motel rather than a polished resort. Travellers who prioritise location and value over premium furnishings overwhelmingly leave satisfied and return.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 26 · average 9.8
They wrote about: location, room, staff
Reviews scoring 7–9: 4 · average 8
They wrote about: location, room, comfort
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
- Check-out
From 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the location of Dolphin Cove Motel?
The motel is situated on the Pismo Beach seawall, beside the beach and pier, in Pismo Beach, California.
What amenities are available in the rooms?
Rooms feature ocean views, cable TV, a seating area, and private bathrooms. Some rooms also include patios, terraces, BBQ facilities, coffee machines, microwaves, and refrigerators.
Does the motel offer parking?
Yes, free parking is available for guests at the Dolphin Cove Motel.
Are there dining options nearby?
Woolly's Beach Bar and Grill is located adjacent to the motel. The property is also steps from downtown Pismo Beach, offering various dining choices.
Is Dolphin Cove Motel suitable for families?
Yes, the motel is described as family-friendly and offers rooms with two queen beds to accommodate families.
Are there accessible rooms?
Yes, the motel offers a Quadruple Room - Disability Access with two queen beds.
What attractions are within walking distance?
The property is on the Pismo Beach pier and beside the beach. Hot Shots Billiards & Family Entertainment is 0.1 km away.
What is the price range for rooms?
Room prices start from $182 per night for a Queen Room - Non-Smoking.