Sun, surf, sand...and off-roading? It's a great combination and it exists, on the west coast. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), formerly Pismo Dunes SVRA, is just south of San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach, west of the town of Oceano, CA.

This one-of-a-kind area is the only state park in California where vehicles are allowed to drive on the beach. With 1,500 acres of OHV terrain, it's a beautiful place to camp and play.

We had an open invitation from my brother Esteban, member of the Los Angeles off-road club ACORA to join them on their annual trek to Oceano Dunes. We were intrigued and jumped on board for a weekend of off-road fun.

THE TREK

From the greater Los Angeles area to Oceano Dunes, it's about a 200-mile drive. Esteban and I decided to leave a day early so we had time to make some stops along the way. 

Hwy 101 leaves Los Angeles County and stretches north on the coast from Ventura to Gaviota, CA.  Beautiful beaches with lush coastal mountains abound the drive.

The town of Santa Barbara is home to Mission Santa Barbara, a well-preserved Spanish building dating back to 1876. The mission offers great history of Santa Barbara, life in early California and the California Missions.

Santa Barbara, CA - the Riviera of the Pacific boast with culture, scenic vistas, great food and history. A stop at Mission Santa Barbara is a must.

In the little Danish town of Solvang, CA you're sure to find 14th Century inspired windmills, girls wearing funny hats and wooden shoes, and great Danish and pastries. This little town is about 52 miles south of Oceano, CA. on Hwy 101.

North of Solvang, Hwy 101 travels inland through soft rolling hillsides, vineyard and old cattle ranches.  Fresh fruit is sold at roadside ranches from spring the early summer.

Once in Oceano, CA - topping off on fuel, ice, firewood and supplies can easily be done at one of the many stores and gas stations in town.

THE DUNES

This 1,500 acre sand box is full of off-road fun and adventure.  From 4x4s, ATVs to UTVs and Dune Buggies - Oceano Dunes has something for everyone. 

The difficulty of the dunes ranges from easy to advanced.  Most dunes have smooth rolling form, but beware of sharp, sheer drop-offs that can send you flying. Scouting the area and getting familiar with the dunes before you rip full throttle is recommended.  Let's just say we had some close calls ourselves.

All ATVs, dirt bikes and buggies must have a flag at Oceano Dunes SVRA. Flags on trucks and SUVs are optional, but recommended. If you don't have a dune flag already, they can be purchased on-site from dune vendors. 

Riding along the beach is allowed, but there is a 15mph speed limit. ATVs, dirt bikes and non-street legal vehicles can only ride south of pole marker #2. All street legal vehicles and pedestrians can travel north of pole marker #2. Park Rangers are plentiful and will ticket those breaking the rules.

Sand Highway stretches from one end of the park to the southern boundaries. This is a favorite route to traverse across the dunes and visit places like competition hill and worm valley. 

CAMPING IS A BEACH

The town of Oceano, CA has plenty of hotels, RV parks and campgrounds where visitors to Oceano Dunes can stay. We choose to camp on the beach at Oceano Dunes SVRA.  It's primitive camping, so no hook-ups or cable TV - oh my.  

Tent camping is also popular, and welcomed. There are restrooms along camp, south of pole marker #2.  So if you nature calls - setting your camp near one is a good idea.

Getting to your campsite will be an adventure in itself. Airing tires down to about 15psi is recommended to help get traction on the sand. For vehicles towing trailers, arriving and departing during low-tide is encouraged - the low tide allows driving on harder packed sand. If you happen to get stuck, make a friend and see if they can pull you out. The going rate for a tow truck to come out and drag you out of the beach to terra firme is around $500.

The rules for beach camping at Oceano Dunes SVRA are pretty standard to most OHV and SVRA camp areas: clean up after yourself, 15 mph speed limit in camping areas and along the beach. Supervised campfires are allowed. The most unique rule - birds have the right-of-way. 

Cost to camp on the beach - $10 per night plus $8 processing fee per site (Spring/Summer 2010).  More camping info at ReserveAmerica.com

As for the weather, the temperatures can range from lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s and 60s during the winter.  The summer has lows in the 50s with highs in the 60s and 70s. High winds are possible during the spring so it is best to be prepared. 

FUN FACTS: The area has been known to be one of the centers of creative energy in California according to the "Dunites."  The Dunites were a group of free thinkers that included mystics, nudists, artists, writers and hermits.  This area was their home during the 1930s and 40s.  Some say that you can feel the creative energy while in the center of the dunes. 

So whether it be finding your creative energy, looking for an adrenaline rush, or simply enjoying the beautiful California coast - pack up your truck, strap down the toys, and head out west to the Oceano Dunes!

RESOURCES
Oceano Dunes SVRA
Friends of Oceano Dunes
Trails.com - Guides & Maps