Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is the top tourist attraction in the city of Oceano. Located near Grover Beach, it is unique among its peers and nowhere is that more evident than Pier Street. Gateway Post 1 to Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is the entry point where cars and vehicles pay a fee to drive on the beach. Passenger cars can drive on a small portion of the beach but many are not sand-ready to drive to the dunes for camping and off roading. Sand dune terrain is best accessed with 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Pier and Grand Avenue are the two entrances to the beach and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). A restaurant at the Grand Avenue entrance provides breakfast, lunch and dinner pretty much on the dunes or just at the entry.

The beach entrances are located a few miles south of Pismo Beach off Interstate Highway 1

Post 2 is one mile south of the Pier Avenue beach ramp as the southernmost access point, and Posts 2 through 7 are included in the 5.5-mile driving areas for off-highway vehicles. One of the most popular escapes for Californians and especially inland folks from Bakersfield seeking relief from the heat, the beach totally buzzes on weekends, making the seemingly quiet gem one of the most popular getaways.

Permitted on the beach are dogs, horses, bonfires, ATVs, and of course you can fish from the beach with a license. Because of the wind, these beaches tend to offer some of the best kite & windsurfing opportunities along the coast. The water can be choppy and cold--not ideal for swimming--but for other water sports such as surfing, the currents offer great rides and challenges when you wear a wetsuit. -parks.ca.gov

Hotels: The best selection of hotels happen to be in Pismo Beach. There you can choose from around 20 properties.

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