Dinosaur Caves Park
For more than a thousand years the Chumash occupied this area and undoubtedly enjoyed this spot. During the California Mission period (1772-1834) this land belonged to the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. After the mission property was secularized this area became part of the 8,800 acre Rancho Pismo granted to Jose Ortega in 1840. Some of the Pismo Rancho was later acquired by Englishman John Price, whose restored original home can be visited in Price Canyon. Price subdivided the area in 1886.
In the early 1900’s this site became home to the Pacific Museum. The main underground cave was developed into a unique geologic attraction promoted as “The Caves of Mystery.”H. Douglas Brown built a Lapidary shop near this spot in the 1940’s. A cable foot bridge gave access to what became known as “Brown’s Rock” at the western edge of the property. As another attraction, Brown began constructing a large concrete dinosaur. Entry into the caverns was via a doorway at the side of the dinosaur’s belly, then down a tunnel path studded with fake gemstones for atmosphere. Neighbors objected to the dinosaur so Brown stopped construction, leaving the creature headless until a fire in the 1960’s put an end to both the dinosaur and the lapidary business. The main cave collapsed in the early 1970’s but the creature and the caves remain in the memory of the residents and visitors alike.
Hotels and other ventures were proposed for the site in the 1980’s but none came to fruition. The City of Pismo Beach bought the property in 1992 for $1,600,000. After extensive public discussion, a large citizens task force recommended developing the area for the use of all. Through the cooperative efforts of the City of Pismo Beach, the State of California and the Dinosaur Caves Preservation society, this park was opened in June of 2003.
The cache is a little larger than a film canister. There is a log but you will need to bring a pen. There is room for small items. First to find will find a Geocaching lapel pin. There is no need to step across the barrier to get the cache. It can be reached from the stone patio.
Kid Friendly, Lunchtime Cache, Wheelchair Access, Dogs Allowed, Available year-round, Less than 500 ft. from car to cache, Bring a pen or pencil.