Oceano Dunes Day Trip

“Oceano Dunes is known as being the largest and most well developed coastal sand dunes in the state of California. ”

Oceano Beach Dunes (formerly known as Pismo Beach Dunes) is a haven for off highway enthusiasts not only because it offers the largest dune system in the state of California but also for its other amenities.

Oceano Dunes is known as being the largest and most well developed coastal sand dunes in the state of California. The Dunes have an interesting and varied history from local Native Americans-who first inhabited the area-to the “Dunites” a colony of ‘free thinkers’ in the 60′s and 70′s that grouped together around the “creative energy” of the Dunes.

Today, the Oceano Dunes is protected by the California State Parks system. The Dunes play host to a surprising array of wildlife including a few endangered species of birds. To protect nesting birds such as the Snowy Plover and the California Least Tern, the state park staff build fences around the nests during nesting season in spring so that the nesting birds are not disturbed or harmed by the recreational vehicles.

In addition to recreational vehicles, the beach offers swimming, surfing, fishing, and camping-all of which are very popular. The beach is the only state beach where vehicles can drive on the beach and while passenger vehicles can easily drive on the northern portion of the beach, 4-wheel drive is needed (or at least recommended) in order to get to the camping and off highway areas.