
Volunteers set up telescopes so you can observe the clusters high up on the trees. When I went, it was difficult to spot the clusters with the naked eye. Once in there, you are going to observe the monarchs fluttering all around and stopping over several objects (fences, benches, etc.) As you may know, these butterflies cluster by the hundreds in branches. From October to February the butterflies rest from their long migration at the eucalyptus trees of Pismo. Surprise! Surprise! Pismo State Beach has a monarch butterfly grove. Therefore, this is the quietest park if you want to walk, hike, or practice other beach-related activities. Cars are allowed to drive on the beach (close to the water) but not on the dunes.Ĭars are not allowed in the northern section of Pismo State Beach (north of Grand Avenue). North of Pier Avenue, you will find the Oceano Lagoon and a trail surrounding it. Try to access the Dune Trail from Grand Avenue. The section of the Pismo State Beach (central section) between Grand and Pier Avenues is suitable for walking.

Do not worry, you can still enjoy the beauty of the dunes by exploring on foot. The idea of riding off-highway vehicles around sand dunes may sound like too much for you. In that case, consider staying on the campgrounds mentioned above (which have more facilities and are closer to the towns). Of course, you will need to drive out of the sand to get to these. I have heard people use the showers at the Oceano or North (Pismo State Beach) Campgrounds. Reservations are not necessary but encouraged during summer months and holiday weekends.ĭo not expect a fancy campground. There are designated camping spots next to the OHV section. This is another feature that makes the area super popular. Always check park conditions one or two days before planned arrivalĪlways follow instructions, rules, and regulations Camp at the Dunes The SVRA may get closed because of rough surf. People want to do all sorts of acrobatics in these terrains without understanding the hazardsĬonsider the tides when getting in and out of the area If you have never driven in this environment, start by getting a hang of it. You may want to check prices at BJ’s, Steve’s, Arnie’s, and Sun Buggy Fun Rentals. If you wish to drive the laters, there are several rental agencies in the area. People take specialized motorcycles, ATVs (quads), and UTVs too. It is recommended to use a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive to get into the sand. Once there, you have a little bit more than 5 miles of sand to ride. Once at the beach, you have to drive about one mile south (to Post 2) to reach the off-highway vehicle (OHV) area. The area is accessed through a beach ramp at the end of Pier Avenue.

Now, let me tell you more about the Oceano Dunes.


Pismo or not, these adjacent communities present themselves as a complete package for visitors in search of adventure and fun. Now, a lot of people refer to it as the “Pismo Dunes” since that was the former name of the SVRA. If we are going to get technical, as the name implies, this attraction is located in Oceano, a small community south of Pismo Beach. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreational Area (SVRA) is one of the few places in California where the public is allowed to drive their own vehicles on the beach. I am spilling the beans on the things to do in Pismo Beach. So, if you visit, get ready to go on a clam chowder frenzy.īut, there is much more! You will run out of fingers and toes if you try to count all the Pismo Beach attractions! Get ready for sand dunes, bluffs, butterflies, sea caves, and hikes.
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Where is Pismo Beach – How to Reach the Cityįirst, let me tell you the city gets its name from the Pismo clam, a mollusk common in the area.Shopping in Pismo Beach – Till you Drop.Stroll Around Downtown Pismo Beach and Pismo Beach Pier.
