Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
add photosIt is free to get on the dunes. You can walk on them but most people drive ATVs or dune buggies into the dunes. There are many ATV dune duggy rental places in the town of Pismo. For young children, try Dune Buggies where a family of 4 can fit into one vehicle and you can even strap in a carseat.
Sun Buggy Rentals
http://www.sunbuggiefunrentals.com
$99-250/hour
Steve's ATV Rental
http://www.stevesatv.com
BJ's ATV Rental
http://www.bjsatvrentals.com/
11 Reviews for Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
25
110 families found this helpful
"We loved it, but understand why others don't!"
This beach, to Nor Cal residents not used to seeing cars driving along the surf, was so cool. It was very convenient for us to park our car, get out and set up lunch, then walk to the water. We built a castle right by our car, and we saw a guy fishing out of the back of his truck--pretty cool I think! But some drivers were going too fast and I can see how it can be dangerous. We went to the right upon entry instead of the left where the main dunes are, and it was much quieter. We also parked up a bit from the water, so we were out of the main path of drivers. We stayed close to our car to ensure no driver would even come close, and we never had a close encounter with anyone but hungry seagulls! If you follow some rules similar to ours when you visit with small kids, you shouldn't have a problem either. But if the idea scares you, pick another beach. There are plenty gorgeous ones to choose from in this area:)
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'10, '11
1 family found this helpful
"Fun On A Quieter Weekend!"
Watch out for the dune buggy's, quads, and motorcycles, this is their paradise! As a kid, I've loved riding on the beach. There's just something so fun about having the ocean on one side and the dunes on the other as you speed down the sand, the wind whipping at your clothes and adrenaline coursing through your body! Growing up riding quads, I've enjoyed this beach for that specific purpose for many years. However, nowadays, it gets so crowded that I'm not so sure I'd want to take my own children for the same type of rides. People fly over those dunes and because it's a free for all, the chances of crashing into someone else could be kinda dangerous. I'm not really sure when the best time of the year to go would be, but I would definitely recommend checking with someone who works there to find out before you plan your trip!
0 families found this helpful
"Not a big fan"
I do not enjoy going to the dunes in Oceano. There have multiple deaths at this beach due to careless drivers and I do not think it is well monitored. There should be very strict regulations in order to drive on the dunes and I do not feel it is enforced enough. Needless to say, we never visit there.
2 families found this helpful
"We love it"
Our family takes trips to the dunes when we can. Being that we are very interested in ATVs and camping we always try to gather a group of family members and head over. Camping on the beach, either in a tent or camper is so much fun! Hearing the waves crashing on the beach and hoping on the quad to explore is my idea of fun! Not to mention the campfire and s'mores before bed!
0 families found this helpful
"Not for kids"
We went camping at the Oceano Dunes, and were sorely disappointed. All night long there were people going up and down the beach on the ATVs. There were also so many drunk adults it wasn't even funny. And to top it all off, one of our camping chairs was stolen!
1 family found this helpful
"fun times"
Lots of fun but keep your kids in check or leave them at home. Just go for a walk or camp out for the night.
Can walk to the pismo pier or local shops.
can have a camp fire which is awesome.
rent or bring your own atv, rv, or car and ride around.
2 families found this helpful
"Great for adults and teens"
But not so great for families with young kids. There are people driving every which way they want to and you can't relax because you're always worried about someone hitting your kids. Every year several people die on the dunes. It is good however for the older families. The people are usually really friendly, you can rent atvs and buggies and there are Hummer rides as well. Comp Hill is also good if you like to race or like to watch races.
1 family found this helpful
"Skip it"
It is a crowded and dangerous area. Many people are drinking in excess and not paying attention to where they are going. Large trucks drive along the beach faster than they should and I have seen children dart out and narrowly avoid getting hit. There are many other beautiful beach areas on the Central Coast to visit.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
Formerly Pismo Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, this is a geologically uniques and-dune complex that is an impressive off-highway vehicular (OHV) playground that also offers activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, camping, and hiking. Children younger than eighteen must be accompanied by an adult or take a two-hour state certification safety test to pilot their own buggy.
2 families found this helpful
"dangerous"
I'm not a fan of what goes on at the dunes. Accidents and fatalities are too common when you mix families with fast vehicles racing up and down the beach. Alcohol is sometimes involved in these accidents, but not always. Just last weekend there was a fatal accident there. Big truck vs quad, you can guess who lost.
2 families found this helpful
"Interesting crowd...but an adrenali"
The Oceano sand dunes are quite something. One could imagine you were in the middle of the Sahara dessert. The crowd is really different from what we are used to. That's an experience in an of itself. If you like people watching, hang out on the beach with the RV camping families.
The real attraction is ATVing or Dune Buggying through the sand dunes. What an adrenalin rush. Better than a roller coaster ride for anyone who is a thrill seeker. If you have young children, you'll be safer in a dune buggy, but there is only one place to rent one. They are very expensive. But you can even have them strap a car seat onto the dune buggy. The bigger challenge was getting our 4 year old to wear the huge helmet.
If you decide to camp on the beach, realize that it's very noisy 24 hours a day. People are riding ATV's all night and all day. You might want to stay at Pismo Beach Campground or Morro Bay Campground. Both fill up quickly.
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