Oceano & Nipomo

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.

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where To Stay in Oceano & Nipomo

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Oceano & Nipomo travel videos

events in Oceano & Nipomo

Plan your next roadtrip to Oceano & Nipomo around events and happenings.

  • Apr
    20
    Wine 4 Paws
    Wine 4 Paws
    San Luis Obispo County
    April 20 to April 21, 2024

    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!

  • Jul
    4
    4th of July in Pismo Beach
    4th of July in Pismo Beach
    Pismo Beach
    July 04, 2024

    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 best viewing spot on the sand. Bring some blankets and an umbrella for a great day at the beach. You can the kids can spend […]

  • Sep
    21
    Central Coast Arthritis Bike Classic
    Central Coast Arthritis Bike Classic
    San Luis Obispo County
    September 21 to September 28, 2024

    The ride takes place each fall and aims to raise over $1 million dollars. Approximately 350 arthritis patients, families and supporters who are recruited by our staff will cycle over 525 miles raising funds and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation along Highway One. This event is marketed and publicized nationwide, with a focus in the […]

  • Nov
    2
    Spartan Ultra Weekend
    Spartan Ultra Weekend
    Santa Margarita
    November 02 to November 03, 2024

    Spartan Trail, scheduled to be held in San Luis Obispo County at Santa Margarita Ranch, is a trail race with distances of 10k, 10k Night Run, Half Marathon and 50k.

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.

  • Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center

    This facility provides our community and park visitors with new educational opportunities.

  • Horseback Riding

    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.

  • Biplane Rides
    Biplane Rides
    Oceano

    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!

  • Oceano & Nipomo

    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 […]

where to eat in Oceano & Nipomo

Check out all the restaurants and good eats in Oceano & Nipomo.

  • Izakaya Raku
    Izakaya Raku
    Grover Beach

    An Izakaya is a type of Japanese drinking establishment which also serves food to accompany the drinks.

  • Mayor’s Place

    Don't let the facade fool you, a stop at The Mayor's Place is well worth it.

  • Central Market

    Central Market … A Plain Name for an Authentic Mexican Find

  • Fuego
    Fuego
    Grover Beach

    We at FUEGO, enjoy working hard every day to bring love to our customers through our food as well as to the community as a whole.

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