Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Oceano, CA
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is one of the only beaches in California where you can legally drive onto the sand, entered from Grand Avenue in Grover Beach or Pier Avenue in Oceano. The adjacent Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve protects a quieter, vehicle-free stretch of the same dune system for anyone who'd rather walk than drive.
The genuinely rare legal beach driving is a real draw for OHV enthusiasts, though it's a very different, louder scene than a typical dune beach.
How we score beachesAir down your tires before driving onto the sand if you're bringing a vehicle, it's a real difference for traction and most first timers don't know to do it.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance.
Vehicle access is permitted directly onto the sand at designated entrances; the adjacent natural preserve is foot access only.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Oceano coast.
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