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Oceano, California

The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is a top attraction in Oceano, California. This unique expanse of coastal sand dunes offers the best trails and outdoor activities for off-road driving and horseback riding. You can also enjoy bird watching with over 200 species of birds found here. If you're up for a challenging hike, the Pismo Preserve is a must-visit. It offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, along with trails that traverse through oak woodlands and coastal ridges. Another outdoor adventure is kayaking in the serene waters of the nearby Lopez Lake. It's a perfect spot for fishing and boating. For a more relaxed activity, visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove, home to thousands of beautiful monarch butterflies during winter months. These outdoor attractions in and near Oceano, California, are sure to offer memorable adventures.

Top Spots in and near Oceano

  • Oceano, California

    Catch a sunset at the Oceano Dunes

    Driving on the beach is fun, and there are few places in California where you can legally do it. Just south of Pismo Beach you'll find Oceano Dunes. Pay the $4.00 entrance fee and drive your car right onto the beach. Keep an eye on tides and watch out for deep sand and sneaker waves! You won't be...
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  • Oceano, California

    Camp at Pismo State Beach

    4.7
    Hiking along nature trails, swimming, and surf fishing are all possible here, including wheelchair accessible fishing at Ocean Lagoon. Facilities consist of fire rings, restrooms, and showers. Restaurants are not far from the campground, as well. Make your reservation here.
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  • Arroyo Grande, California

    Explore the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

    The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes and nearby Lake Oso Flaco are home to many endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. A beautiful, short boardwalk takes you from the parking lot, over Lake Oso Flaco, and through the dunes before arriving at the ocean. Enjoy the local wildlife and abundan...
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  • Pismo Beach, California

    Surf Shell Beach

    5.0
    Shell Beach is north of downtown Pismo Beach. This is a fun wave that works best during the fall and winter months. It's a beach break with both lefts and rights. The wave is rippable and is less popular than waves at the pier or at Morro Bay. However, the wave is much less consistent than the ot...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop

    4.0
    2.79 mi / 679 ft gain
    Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Avila Beach, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Catch the Sunset at the Avila Sea Caves

    4.0
    When I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I would come out to this place to watch the sunset. It was my favorite spot to sit on a rock and take in the beautiful scenery as the sun went down. You don't really have to hike to get a nice view, you can park the car and walk out to the rock cliffs and...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Bike or Run the Bob Jones Trail

    5 mi
    The Bob Jones Trail provides a variety of activities -- running, walking, biking, skateboarding/rollerblading, and some exploring by the creek. You can choose where you would like to start, across the street from the Central Coast Aquarium off Avila Beach Dr. or from the parking lot off Ontario R...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Point San Luis Lighthouse via Pecho Coast Trail

    3.4 mi / 879 ft gain
    This guided roundtrip hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse has one of the best views of the central coast coastline. You will get a chance to see the Avila Beach, Avila Pier, Call Poly Pier, and Harford Pier from a high point.  The trail crosses through a land owned by PG&E; therefore, the hike...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Bowden Ranch Trail

    4.0
    3.34 mi / 1286 ft gain
    This short but intense hike on the north east side of San Luis Obispo, offers an amazing view of the town. This hike is roughly 3 miles with 1300 ft of elevation gain. It provides a great cardio workout!  It is also a very popular spot to hike but is less crowded than Bishop Peak. It's a dog frie...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Bishop's Peak Trail

    4.8
    3.17 mi / 928 ft gain
    Bishop's Peak is one of the most frequented hikes of the San Luis Obispo Area. With a 950ft elevation gain in an estimated 3 mile trek, the summit's peak rests at 1,559 feet. The hike is both demanding and rewarding - the panoramic views at the top of the nearby volcanic morros and San Luis Obisp...
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  • Santa Margarita, California

    Rinconada Mineral Mines

    1.32 mi / 472 ft gain
    My friends and I recently visited this abandoned mercury mine. The site was cleaned-up by the EPA many years ago, but much of the old equipment remains. Up the hill from the equipment are several deep cuts in the earth and a humongous hole in the ground. The sediment at edges of this hole are VER...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Mountain Bike Cuesta Ridge

    5.0
    7 mi / -1600 ft gain
    Start at the parking lot directly off of Highway 101, head up TV tower Road for 2.8 Miles and a 900' climb from 1500' to 2400'. The trail is an old fire road that has degraded over the years and is full of potholes. Starting October 2015, the road has been closed to vehicles as its being repaved ...
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  • San Luis Obispo, California

    Eagle Rock Nature Trail

    4.0
    1.66 mi / 430 ft gain
    Eagle Rock Nature Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near San Luis Obispo, California.
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  • San Luis Obispo County, California

    Camp at Montaña de Oro State Park

    5.0
    Located about 7 miles south of Morrow Bay, follow Los Osos Valley Rd into the state park. Watch for the signs to park, as you will be cited after 10pm.The campground is located just across the road from the famous Spooner's cove, but there are any number of trails and hikes you can enjoy (check ...
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  • San Luis Obispo County, California

    Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail

    4.02 mi / 302 ft gain
    The Bluff Trail is a simple walk that takes you along the coast in Montaña de Oro. The trailhead is located just past Spooner's Cove and has parking on both sides of the road. The path is paved, making it easily accessible for anyone who wants to enjoy these incredible views. If you're feeling a...
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  • San Luis Obispo County, California

    Spooner's Cove

    5.0
    Spooner’s cove is one of those small hidden beaches where you can watch stunning sunsets in a peaceful environment. Located in Montana De Oro State Park, the small gem is surrounded by countless hikes and camping spot. It is also one of the only areas of the park that is dog friendly. If you are ...
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Camping and Lodging in Oceano

Avila / Pismo Beach KOA
San Luis Obispo, California

Avila / Pismo Beach KOA

Santa Margarita KOA Holiday
Santa Margarita, California

Santa Margarita KOA Holiday

Guides, Insights and Stories from Oceano

A Solo Woman's Escape to Santa Maria Valley

A Solo Woman's Escape to Santa Maria Valley

Kristi Teplitz

Velo Vino: 30 Miles of Cycling Perfection through the Santa Maria Wine Country

Velo Vino: 30 Miles of Cycling Perfection through the Santa Maria Wine Country

Josiah Roe

Wine and Wanderlust: 72 Hours of Food and Fun in Paso Robles

Wine and Wanderlust: 72 Hours of Food and Fun in Paso Robles

Josiah Roe

West Coast Roadtrip down Highway 101

West Coast Roadtrip down Highway 101

Michael Fricke