Oceano Travel Guide

The small San Luis Obispo County town of Oceano is the ultimate vacation destination for those looking to experience California's sandy beaches and vibrant sunsets. The city boasts a number of relaxing beaches, recreational activities, and quirky shopping locations to keep visitors from all walks of life entertained.

Things to Do in Oceano

Visitors can start their Oceano adventures with a visit to the scenic Pismo State Beach where they can play a game of beach frisbee or take a walk along the ocean shores. They can also spend their afternoon at the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve which features a collection of natural coastal dunes that are great for hiking, taking a ride over Pismo Beach in an authentic WWII Boeing stearman with Banner Airways, taking a dune buggy ride with Sun Buggy & ATV Rentals, or gliding along the sand dunes on a hummer tour with Pacific Adventure Tours. Guests can also go horseback riding at Pacific Dunes Ranch, try their luck at Oceana Casino, play a round of golf at Pismo State Beach Golf Course, browse the art-lined walls of The Place, and take a few hours to shop Oceano's many unique stores.

Best Places to Stay in Oceano

The vacation rentals available in Oceano and the surrounding area boast delightful views of the Pacific Ocean and a small-town California feel. The rentals range from large modernized homes to small, beachside cottages and each rental includes wireless internet, kitchen spaces, and spacious living quarters that are perfect for entertaining and spending time with family and friends.

Best Time to Visit Oceano

The best time to visit Oceano is from June to September, when summer weather is in full swing and you can enjoy all of the outdoor activities that the area has to offer.

Best Events in Oceano

A few of the most popular annual events around Oceano include the Monarch Butterfly Migration which takes place at Pismo State Beach, the Easter Eggstravaganza, the Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival, and the St. Anthony’s Celebration. The Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival features children’s carnival games, art and crafts booths, a variety of ethnic foods, live music and entertainment and of course -- all the strawberries and strawberry-flavored treats you can imagine.

Things to Do for Families in Oceano

By taking a short trip to nearby Pismo Beach, families can extend their recreational activity options even further. First, visit Monarch Butterfly Grove and take an educational tour through miles of butterfly gardens. Then learn how to surf or rent a boat at Sandbar Surf School. Or, taking things indoors, energetic families can make their way to Arroyo Grande to catch a live play or musical at the Clark Center for The Performing Arts, which features two theaters and a host of live performances every year.