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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Dog Friendly CottageDog Friendly CottageNipomo
This Dog Friendly Cottage near Pismo Beach is just the vacation rental you have been looking for on the Central Coast.
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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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Lagoon ViewsLagoon ViewsOceano
Rental Home Near Oceano Dunes is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home that is just two blocks from the beach.
Oceano & Nipomo travel videos
events in Oceano & Nipomo
Plan your next roadtrip to Oceano & Nipomo around events and happenings.
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Village Summer Concert Series
The Arroyo Grande Village’s 2024 Summer Concert Series will kick off on the Fourth of July and will continue each week on Sundays through Sept. 22 from 1-3pm. The free community…
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Festival Mozaic
The Festival places an emphasis of offering performances in unique Central Coast venues, including the historic Mission and beautiful outdoor spaces, as well as contemporary concert halls.
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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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Stone Soup Music Festival
The Stone Soup Music Festival & Street Fair is a community tradition that has thrived for over 30 years in the city of Grover Beach.
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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Ten Adventures this Summer on Highway 1: Your Guide to the Best Kept Secrets
Coast the road less traveled with these Highway 1 hidden gemsThere’s something magical about cruising down Highway 1 in summer: The salty breeze tousling your hair, the sparkling Pacific unfurling like a…
where to eat in Oceano & Nipomo
Check out all the restaurants and good eats in Oceano & Nipomo.
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Rancho Nipomo Deli & BBQRancho Nipomo Deli & BBQNipomo
A unique vision of bringing a different kind of BBQ to the Santa Maria Valley where smoked specialties meet Hispanic cuisine.
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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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Rancho ViejoRancho ViejoNipomo
Big portions and small prices! Everything at Rancho Viejo is made fresh with the flavor and quality you only get with homemade.
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Adelina’s BistroAdelina’s BistroNipomo
Local. Lovely. Lively.
Welcome to the contemporary yet relaxed Adelina's Bistro & Market Place, where you'll enjoy regional cuisine made fresh daily using hte best local, organic produce.
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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