Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa

Pismo Beach, California

Star rating

The hotel

If you're looking for the perfect place to relax and unwind, Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is a great choice. Sitting right on the stunning Central Coast, it offers spacious suites, ocean views, and top-notch amenities. Whether you want to lounge by the pool, enjoy a spa day, or explore nearby Pismo Beach, there's something for everyone. Plus, the on-site dining is incredible! It’s the perfect mix of luxury and comfort, making it a great spot for a romantic getaway or a fun trip with family and friends.

Amenities

  • Families
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Free Parking
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Valet parking
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

The hotel sits right on the ocean in the Shell Beach area, offering breathtaking coastal views and easy access to local attractions like wineries, hiking trails, and downtown Pismo Beach. Transfer from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):  190 miles, 3.5-hour drive , depending on traffic.

Hotel information

The resort offers 60 suites, each providing spacious living areas, full kitchens, and private balconies with stunning ocean or garden views.

The One-Bedroom Non-Ocean View Suite is 1,000 sq. ft., featuring diverse mountainside views, neighbouring hotels, or the parking lot.

This suite includes a king-size bed and a queen sleeper sofa, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

One-bedroom poolside Suite - Situated near the pool entrance on the first floor. 1,000 sq ft with 1 King Bed and a Queen Sleeper Sofa, sleeping maximum 4 adults. 


Two Bedroom Poolside Suite featuring two separate bedrooms, and two full-size bathrooms. 1,600 sq ft, 2–3 Beds and a Queen Sleeper Sofa, sleeping maximum 6 adults.



Complementary Valet or Self Parking, Bicycle rentals.

Lido Restaurant & Lounge offers breathtaking ocean views and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Heated outdoor pool and hot tub. Fitness Centre. Spa

Free high-speed Wi-Fi. Dry cleaning & self-serve laundry*. Concierge services.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (465)
  • Very good (79)
  • Average (16)
  • Poor (11)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is the best place for the family.

Aug 4, 2025 Carson S

This was possibly the best hotel ever for their good weather, great food, and super nice rooms. If i recommend any room its 225. Such a big room and enough to fit the whole family! (6). Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, you did the best job on the whole place and i enjoyed my perfect stay. I recommend going to the beach with the family for the nice sand,… Read more
This was possibly the best hotel ever for their good weather, great food, and super nice rooms. If i recommend any room its 225. Such a big room and enough to fit the whole family! (6). Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, you did the best job on the whole place and i enjoyed my perfect stay. I recommend going to the beach with the family for the nice sand, and the water which feels great! Also try to rent some E-Bikes if you can, and go on “The Bob Jones Trail”. Its a beautiful sight to see and hike aswell. Make sure to try their DELICIOUS food and talk to some of the nicest bar tenders. I hope you enjoy your stay if you go, and we wish of you the best. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Five stars all the way!

Mar 18, 2025 Culture45396911168

The accommodations and service at this hotel are as nice as any five star hotel we've ever stayed at and we have stayed at quite a few, around the U.S. and abroad. The suite we stayed in was beautiful with a great ocean view. Everyone who works here is incredibly friendly and helpful, always with a smile. The location is perfect, away from the… Read more
The accommodations and service at this hotel are as nice as any five star hotel we've ever stayed at and we have stayed at quite a few, around the U.S. and abroad. The suite we stayed in was beautiful with a great ocean view. Everyone who works here is incredibly friendly and helpful, always with a smile. The location is perfect, away from the busy downtown area, but close enough to get there. The food and service at the Lido restaurant was top notch. We could not have asked for a better experience at this hotel. We plan on coming here again next year. Thank you to all the staff for making our stay so enjoyable. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Anniversary stay at the Dolphin Bay resort

Nov 19, 2024 Highway395 Lathrop, California

Just got back from a tremendous vacation at the Dolphin Bay Resort. Upon arrival, the mood was set perfectly by our front desk reception from Arieli who, upon hearing of our 13th anniversary, made sure we had the best possible room with a view, provided a wonderful bottle of white wine and hand delivered a fresh fruit plate which took us no time… Read more
Just got back from a tremendous vacation at the Dolphin Bay Resort. Upon arrival, the mood was set perfectly by our front desk reception from Arieli who, upon hearing of our 13th anniversary, made sure we had the best possible room with a view, provided a wonderful bottle of white wine and hand delivered a fresh fruit plate which took us no time to finish off. The Maître d’ at the restaurant happily accommodated our request to switch from dining room to our suite even after we had been seated. Both of the Bell desk gentlemen we interacted with treated us like family and made sure everything was to our liking. The grounds are phenomenal. Perched on a tall bluff, the views of the ocean are expansive and yet not seeming out of reach. I cannot say enough about the location or the staff. I wish I had booked at least three more nights. We will be back, and you should make a point of checking this place out yourself. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Outstanding

Jul 23, 2024 Tinamaje Belfast, United Kingdom

Our second stay at this fabulous resort. The most welcoming, friendly, professional staff - everyone you meet greets you with a smile and warm comment! Complimentary glass of wine as return guests was a delightful surprise. We had dinner at Lido one evening - lovely food and Celena was superb dealing with a hiccup with the order. Gluten free… Read more
Our second stay at this fabulous resort. The most welcoming, friendly, professional staff - everyone you meet greets you with a smile and warm comment! Complimentary glass of wine as return guests was a delightful surprise. We had dinner at Lido one evening - lovely food and Celena was superb dealing with a hiccup with the order. Gluten free options, including pasta, available. Outstanding! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating All around top notch hotel

Jun 9, 2024 ushma Lafayette, California

Service was excellent, very responsive via text, including fresh towels when I asked. Pool was fantastic—the kids loved it. The hot tub was wonderfully hot. Beach was a bit of a walk, not as easy to get to as I was expecting. The hotel supplied games for the kids. Also complimentary hot chocolate packets for the kids. I took a yoga class with KJ… Read more
Service was excellent, very responsive via text, including fresh towels when I asked. Pool was fantastic—the kids loved it. The hot tub was wonderfully hot. Beach was a bit of a walk, not as easy to get to as I was expecting. The hotel supplied games for the kids. Also complimentary hot chocolate packets for the kids. I took a yoga class with KJ on Saturday at 11:30am and I highly recommend it! $15-30 sliding scale fee. The kitchen is well stocked with dish soap, coffee, filters, etc. It would have been nice if they supplied a few detergent pods for the washing machine. The hotel is in a quiet area (a little too quiet for our family) but there is a nice Italian grocery store just a 5 minute walk away. Read less