Take in the beachside beauty of Oceano
The beaches and other outdoor surroundings create an inviting atmosphere in Oceano. Renowned for its kitesurfing, surfing and biking, this city welcomes all visitors. If you're looking for accommodations with space to entertain friends and family, HomeAway has plenty of options to choose from. Many rental homes offer full kitchens and laundry facilities, perfect for big groups.
Trains, sandy plains, and whole load of theatricals in Oceano
Aside from the dunes, Oceano has also been a magnet for the region's train enthusiasts. The Oceano Depot was once the most important building in San Luis Obispo County, when all passenger, freight, and mail passed through here. Built in the early 1900s, the Oceano Train Depot and Railroad Museum is a charming step back in time, so take a cool guided tour of this turn-of-the-century station. Book a Oceano vacation rental in the center of town and you can also catch a show at the Great American Melodrama vaudeville theater, which has been charming Oceano's visitors since 1975.
Swoon over Oceano's dunes
A mix of hilly dunes and wide, buttery sands, Oceano Beach is sheer poetry for beach lovers. There's plenty of action, including horseback riding through the surf, kayaking in the bay, or digging for Pisco clams as the sun sets. But one of the most popular activities in Oceano is dune bashing, the cool sport of driving dune buggies over the sand dunes. Sweeping for 5 miles along the Californian coast, the Oceano Dunes Preserve is one of the largest natural coastal dunes in California. You can rent buggies or ATVs by the hour or day.
Feeling hot, hot, hot on the Central Californian Coast
Like much of the Central Californian Coast, Oceano benefits from a delicious Mediterranean climate. Think long, hot summers with temperatures hitting the high 80s, and short, mild winters. The busiest time to visit is during the summer months, between June and September, when Oceano vacation rentals get booked up in advance. Come in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall and find equally nice days, with temps sometimes reaching 70 degrees. In spring, it gets windy, which draws the kite surfers, and rainy too.
From frogs to falcons, meet Oceano's diverse dune life
Blessed with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Oceano is a small beach town on the Central Californian Coast that appeals to everyone, from beach bums and thrill-seekers to nature lovers. Oceano's famous dunes are part of the larger Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, which stretch for 18 miles between San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County. Head to the Osa Flaco Lake Natural Area, a lake and beach area. Take a leisurely stroll along the mile-long wooden boardwalk and spot brown pelicans, peregrine falcons, and rare breeds of frogs. There are no facilities, aside from a paid parking area.
Transportation options to and around Oceano
Fly into San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), the closest airport, located 9.9 mi (15.9 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could also fly into Santa Maria, CA (SMX-Santa Maria Public), which is 16.5 mi (26.6 km) away.
If you'd rather travel by train, you can make your way to Grover Beach Station.