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42 WINTER 2025 slovisitorsguide.com
Choose your adventure at
Oceano Dunes State Park
A vehicle recreation destina-
tion since the early 1900s,
Oceano Dunes is California’s only
off-highway vehicle (OHV) rec-
reation area on the Pacific Ocean.
Established as a state park in 1974,
the long stretch of beach fronts
3600 acres of open space, includ-
ing 1500 acres for OHVs. Over
1.6 million visit this unique park
annually to ride the dunes, camp,
swim, surf, fish, hike, bird watch,
and explore.
Come for the day or the
camping
Oceano Dunes is open daily
from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for vehicle
day use. Passes are $5 per vehicle,
on first-come-first-serve at the
entry kiosks at Grand Avenue in
Grover Beach and Pier Avenue in
Oceano.
All vehicles must display
current registration. OHVs must
be hauled in and off-loaded at a
designated location.
Leashed dogs are welcome in
the park but may not be at nearby
attractions.
Camping, at $10 per vehicle
per night, is primitive beach and
dune camping with no designated
campsites. Facilities include vault
and chemical toilets. Make camp-
ing reservations up to six months
in advance at Reserve California,
reservecalifornia.com/Web/.
Map your adventure
Don’t forget a map from a kiosk
or the Oceano Dunes Visitor Cen-
ter at 555 Pier Ave. The center, open
daily from noon to 4 p.m., is packed
Rent an OHV, camp
overnight, hike, fish,
and enjoy the beach
year-round
with exhibits about the Chumash,
the unique Bohemian Dunite com-
munity, and much more.
The map identifies important
locations within the park, espe-
cially along Sand Highway. Sand
Highway is named for its expansive
sand dunes, stunning coastal views,
and access to nature trails offering
chances to explore and enjoy the
landscape, coastal vegetation, and
wildlife.
OHVs allowed in the park in-
clude ATVs/UTVs, off-road motor-
cycles, some dirt bikes, sand rails,
and dune buggies. Four-wheel drive
vehicles are highly recommended.
Even then, high tides, heavy rains,
and blowing sand can get you stuck.
“Riders are encouraged to ex-
plore and scout routes. Ride within
your experience and ability,” said
Oceano Dunes District Planning
Chief, Roger Jacobs. “Don’t hesitate
to ask park rangers or more expe-
rienced riders for tips. They’re here
to help you have a great time. Enjoy
the thrill, take in the beautiful scen-
ery, and remember, the more you
practice, the more fun it gets.”
Hikers, horseback riders,
and wildlife also enjoy the park.
Remember to yield when you en-
counter them so that everyone has
a great time.
Don’t own an OHV? No wor-
ries. Rent one from a nearby ven-
dor. Recommended vendors from
the Oceano Dunes website include:
• Arnie’s ATV Rentals, 311 Pier
Ave., Oceano, (805) 474-6060
• BJ’s ATV Rentals, 197 West
Grand Ave, Grover Beach,
(805) 481- 5411
• Steve’s ATV Rentals, 332 Pier
Ave, Oceano, (805) 481-2597
• Sun Buggy Run Rentals, 328
Pier Ave, Oceano, (805) 473-8636
• Pacific Adventure Tours, (805)
481-9330. Book an extreme
Hummer adventure for a
“mild to wild” ride in a USMC
Humvee over the wild terrain
of Oceano Dunes.
Play safely
“Stay safe. Following posted
signs, wear proper gear, and ride
only in designated areas. Help pro-
tect this stunning environment for
the future by packing out what you
pack in and respecting wildlife. Most
importantly, have fun and enjoy the
thrill of outdoor adventure!” said
Jacobs.
Detailed safety information is
available at ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_
id=1207. The State of California
has partnered with the All-Terrain
Vehicle Safety Institute (ASI) to
conduct regular OHV training and
certification sessions at the park. For
more information visit atvsafety.org.
Getting there
Oceano Dunes is located three
miles south of Pismo Beach in
Oceano. Exit Highway 101 at Pismo
Beach to Highway 1 and turn right
at the light in Grover Beach to enter
the park. For more information visit
ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207, call
(805) 773-7170 or (805) 473-7220.
—Jackie Iddings
Grover Beach
www.jackswashtubgroverbeach.com
360 W. Grand Ave. 360 W. Grand Ave.
Grover Beach, CA Grover Beach, CA
( (805 805) ) 489-1192 489-1192
So many adventures at Oceano Dunes.