Oceano provides one of the only beaches in California where it is legal to drive. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is open year-round. The area is popular with truck and dune buggy enthusiasts, as well as those looking to beat the heat, so reservations are recommended (particularly on holidays). Campsites are available year-round on the beach and in the open dune area, and include bathroom facilities. Other activities include swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and hiking the dunes to gain spectacular views of the dramatic coastline. The famous Pismo Clam can be found here, too. Clammers must have a valid fishing license and rigid measuring tool (clams must measure at least 4 1/2” to be harvested), and the bag limit is 10 Pismo clams. Even without the appropriate vehicle, visitors can still enjoy thrill rides on the Oceano Dunes with touring companies like Pacific Adventure Tours who do all the driving in their fleet of real USMC Humvees.
If driving on the beach isn’t your thing, ride horseback on the beach. For those who have always wanted to stay, play and gallop on the beach, Pacific Dunes Riding Stables makes riding horseback a fun and safe bucket-list experience. The ranch offers one-hour trail rides on the beach and dunes with their own horses and gear, led by an experienced guide. Overnight boarding is also available for those bringing their own horse, as well as an arena and round pen. Pacific Dunes Riding Stables includes full hookup RV sites for long-term stays, as well as a clubhouse, game room and meeting room. The Ranch boasts a large barbecue area and picnic tables with magnificent sunset views.
For the golf enthusiast, play a round in three of the county’s finest golf courses, all in one destination. Each of Nipomo’s three golf resorts boasts world-class courses and amenities. A high-end golf resort with a laid-back vibe, Blacklake Golf Resort offers 27 holes in three nine-hole layouts for a unique golfing experience that challenges even the best golfer’s game. Monarch Dunes Golf Club includes a traditional 18-hole course as well as a challenge course comprised of 12 three-par holes. At Cypress Ridge, enjoy an award-winning championship course (also a Peter Jacobsen Signature Course) voted one of Golf Digest’s “Best Places To Play” (and one of the Central Coast’s most sought-after wedding venues). All three resorts offer private instruction, while Blacklake and Monarch Dunes each also offer dining options.
Things to Do in Oceano & Nipomo
Come experience Oceano & Nipomo like the locals.
Where To Stay in Oceano & Nipomo
Plan your stay at one of the many hotels or vacation rentals in Oceano & Nipomo.
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Escape to the Central CoastEscape to the Central CoastOceano
Want to Escape to the Central Coast? This aptly named vacation rental is located along Highway 1 in the town of Oceano, California.
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Beachfront VacationBeachfront VacationOceano
Book a Beachfront Vacation now to enjoy a memorable getaway to Pismo Beach, California at this house that can sleep up to 12!
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Beachfront Luxury in OceanoBeachfront Luxury in OceanoOceano
Experience Beachfront Luxury in Oceano at this nautically themed house near Pismo Beach that’s big enough for 10 people!
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Beach Bum Holiday RentalsBeach Bum Holiday RentalsPismo Beach
Come up for a breath of fresh air and experience the friendly surrounding atmosphere of the Central California Coast!
Oceano & Nipomo Travel Videos
Events in Oceano & Nipomo
Plan your next roadtrip to Oceano & Nipomo around events and happenings.
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Mind Walks with the Central Coast State Parks Association
Our Mind Walks series offers lectures on topics of interest to residents of the Central Coast, including cultural history, natural history, and current issues. Stewardship travelers are invited to join…
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Wine 4 Paws
Pet loving wine drinkers can help our four-legged friends by visiting ANY of the participating wineries throughout the weekend, when a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Woods Humane Society!
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California State Parks Week
From the redwood forests on the north coast to the sunny beaches in Southern California, 280 park units preserve and protect the best of California’s natural and cultural history
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4th of July in Pismo Beach
Live bands will entertain visitors until 9pm, when the fireworks start! VIP seating is available on the pier for a charge. Arrive early in the day to stake out your…
Travel Articles About Oceano & Nipomo
Read about why Oceano & Nipomo is the perfect California Highway 1 road trip for those seeking a special California beach town experience.
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Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center
This facility provides our community and park visitors with new educational opportunities.
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Horseback RidingHorseback RidingOceano
Riding a horse amidst the beauty of coastal San Luis Obispo County can be a transforming experience. Get saddled up and discover a whole new perspective on our special stretch of Highway 1, from equestrian trails to vineyards.
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Biplane RidesBiplane RidesOceano
Whether you're seeking a calm and serene Pier or Pier & Dunes flight, or an all-out Top Gun flight, we have something for everyone!
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Turn your Highway 1 Adventure into a Force for Good
This Earth Day, why not celebrate this natural wonder with an eco-conscious road trip along the coast?
Where to Eat in Oceano & Nipomo
Check out all the restaurants and good eats in Oceano & Nipomo.
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Palo Mesa PizzaPalo Mesa PizzaArroyo Grande
Palo Mesa Pizza is open for dining in, pick-up, delivery and even catering. Palo Mesa Pizza Makes You Happy!
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Pier St. DeliPier St. DeliOceano
Just steps from the Oceano Dunes, Pier St. Deli serves deli sandwich favorites like hot pastrami and french dips, along with cold options including turkey club or the avocado delight.
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Sylvester’s Burgers ~ OceanoSylvester’s Burgers ~ OceanoOceano
It's Big, It's Hot, It's Juicy! Serious Central Coast burger nuts swear by Sylvester's, where the meaty motto is a smiling burger with Mickey Mouse-like hands and feet declaring that he's "Big, Hot 'n Juicy."
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Umi Sushi PacificaUmi Sushi PacificaGrover Beach
At Umi Sushi Pacifica, you will find creative, unique, fresh and delicious options on the menu for sushi, unique and traditional rolls, salads, udon, teriyaki and grilled meats.
Connect With Oceano & Nipomo
Official travel map and social media for Oceano & Nipomo.
More to Explore on Highway 1
Check out these other amazing places on the Highway 1 Road Trip in San Luis Obispo County.
Explore the Highway 1 Road Trip
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