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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Extensive ViewsExtensive ViewsOceano
Extensive Views vacation rental is named for its beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and perfect for families looking for a beach retreat.
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Blacklake Condo 1405Blacklake Condo 1405Nipomo
Blacklake Condo 1405 is an easy choice if you’re looking for a centrally located vacation rental on the Central Coast.
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Farmhouse BNBFarmhouse BNBNipomo
A unique and memorable vacation awaits at the Farmhouse BNB cottage in Nipomo on California’s Central Coast.
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Central Coast ComfortCentral Coast ComfortOceano
Central Coast Comfort is a welcoming vacation rental house for visitors to Oceano, California, a family friendly getaway.
Oceano & Nipomo Travel Videos
Events in Oceano & Nipomo
Plan your next roadtrip to Oceano & Nipomo around events and happenings.
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Open Studios Art Tour
Free to the public, fine artists and crafters open their studios to showcase their art and share their processes.
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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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Pismo Beach Clam Festival
A community tradition since 1946, the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, attracts generations of families and visitors from all around, who look forward to spending three days overlooking the…
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Spartan Ultra Weekend
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.
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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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Cruise Highway 1’s 10 Hottest New Attractions
From cutting-edge culinary hotspots to newly-minted stays and revamped roadside destinations, Highway 1 is brimming with novelty.
Where to Eat in Oceano & Nipomo
Check out all the restaurants and good eats in Oceano & Nipomo.
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The Spoon TradeThe Spoon TradeGrover Beach
The Spoon Trade is a gathering place in the heart of the Five Cities in Grover Beach.
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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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Chacho’s Mexican Take OutChacho’s Mexican Take OutOceano
Great food, great value and the locals love it! What more can you ask for?
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Thai VilleThai VilleNipomo
Thai Ville is the newest restaurant to open in Nipomo, conveniently located on West Tefft Street.
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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