Page 38 - SLO Visitors Guide - Spring 2026

38 SPRING 2026 slovisitorsguide.com
www.jackswashtubgroverbeach.com
360 W. Grand Ave. 360 W. Grand Ave.
Grover Beach, CA Grover Beach, CA
( (805 805) ) 489-1192 489-1192
Grover Beach
Choose your adventure at
Oceano Dunes State Park
A vehicle recreation destination
since the early 1900s, Oceano
Dunes is California’s only off-high-
way vehicle (OHV) recreation area
on the Pacific Ocean. Established
as a state park in 1974, the long
stretch of beach fronts 3600 acres
of open space, including 1500 acres
for OHVs. Over 1.6 million visit
this unique park annually to ride
the dunes, camp, swim, surf, fish,
hike, birdwatch, 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,
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 offloaded at a
designated location.
Leashed dogs are welcome in
the park but may not be at nearby
attractions.
Rent an OHV, camp
overnight, hike,
fish, and enjoy the
beach year-round
Hikers, horseback riders, and
wildlife also enjoy the park. Remem-
ber to yield when you encounter
them so that everyone has a great
time.
Don’t own an OHV? No worries.
Rent one from a nearby vendor.
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. Follow posted signs,
wear proper gear, and ride only in
designated areas. Help protect 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 out-
door 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 Ve-
hicle Safety Institute (ASI) to conduct
regular OHV training and certifica-
tion 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
Generations of visitors have considered Oceano Dunes a home away
from home since the early 1900s.
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 Center
at 555 Pier Ave. The center, open
daily from noon to 4 p.m., is packed
with exhibits about the Chumash, the
unique Bohemian Dunite commu-
nity, and much more.
The map identifies important
locations within the park, especially
along Sand Highway. Sand High-
way is named for its expansive sand
dunes, stunning coastal views, and
access to nature trails offering chanc-
es to explore and enjoy the landscape,
coastal vegetation, and wildlife.
OHVs allowed in the park
include ATVs/UTVs, off-road mo-
torcycles, 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 explore
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 experienced riders
for tips. They’re here to help you have
a great time. Enjoy the thrill, take in
the beautiful scenery, and remember,
the more you practice, the more fun
it gets.”