Nice area… walking or riding horses in the sand dunes… the beach is full of trucks and 4-wheel drives, but if you park your car on the beach about 0.5 mile after the northern entrance, turn your back to the ocean, and walk towards the end of the beach where the dunes start. You will find a small path that will lead you right in the heart of the dunes to a very quit secluded almost dessert-like place… we had a great hike with the dogs there!
Scott H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Grover Beach, CA
There are very few places like this. Quiet and peaceful. It can be a bit windy. Parking and access can be difficult. I have always driven on the beach and then walked up into the dunes. Sand boarding and sledding are also popular here.
Amelia E.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Rohnert Park, CA
This is honestly the best place to let loose! I was able to rent an ATV(which was pretty expensive but worth it) and to ride around in a truck and jump it! Random people are always willing to help you out if your truck is stuck or if your quad is stuck. So friendly! I honestly love it all! The dunes change up due to the wind and I think it’s always a new adventure. All ages will enjoy this! Just remember to stay safe!
Will B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Los Angeles, CA
Had a little trouble finding the dunes, but it was totally worth the trek. The dunes are absolutely gorgeous and we were the only people there. We ended up parking in the rv area and didn’t have to pay for parking which was great. If you’re in the area, this is definitely worth a stop
Veronica S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Patterson, CA
Awesome just a beautiful site to see way better than pismo state beach! Oh and clean bathrooms that’s double points being a girl we care a lot about our bathrooms! Wasn’t crowded maybe a few people and just a wonderful sight to see! The rangers were always on sight kinda a little over kill being constantly watched in the parking lot but run out to the beach and there’s no one around :) ! Sad thing no pups allowed :(
Laura B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Walnut Creek, CA
I can only assume that Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve gets so little traffic because it’s getting confused for the more X-treme Oceano Dunes SRVA(which is awesome in its own right). While they are immediately adjacent, they are worlds apart. Making a pilgrimage through the dune grass, away from the ATVs and Jeeps whirling their wheels into sand pits, you’ll be rewarded with quiet warmth and geographic perfection. Hours can be spent watching the wind blow miniature canyons into the silk-fine sand, or diving down the tallest dunes only to fall onto the natural pillows of pure beach. Completely protected from cars, traffic, and(frankly) assholes, the Natural Preserve is an arid oasis. I like to imagine that if I were a Chumash living in the area generations ago, I would have a pretty awesome home going in the Dunes. It shouldn’t cost you anything to get there. In Oceano, drive to the end of Pier Ave. and park for free either on the street or in the lot, near all the ATV rentals. Walk south about half a mile along the beach, then veer east toward a natural lake. You’ll see markers restricting motor vehicle access — go beyond them, and keep going until you hit a clearing… you’ll know the Dunes when you see them — they’ll make you feel like you’ve landed on the moon. By far one of my favorite places in SLO County — a definite must for someone looking to relax and soak in some unique, natural beauty. Enjoy.
Jay V.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Fresno, CA
Ready set run!!! Well not away but to this place. Good place to go if you want to work up sweat before you jump into the water not so far from here. Just like any dunes it has lots and lots of sand and a few bugs. You can see lots of people on quads and horse so be careful you don’t get hit by one.
Shelby N.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Huntington Beach, CA
Great experience, I love the fact that you can drive your car on the sand. Really pretty.
Anu M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Jose, CA
What: — Sand dunes — Birds — ATV Rentals — Campgrounds More Info: — $ 5/car entrance fee to the dunes — Free parking just outside the entrance to the Preserve — Free walk-in without a car The free parking lot just outside to the Preserve entrance was full; hence we parked the car on Pier Ave and walked to the sand dunes. One can pay $ 5/car and drive on the beach all the way to the place where they rent ATVs to drive on the massive sand dunes. However, as our car would not quite co-operate the sandy beach and being risk averse about the wheels getting stuck in the sand, we just decided to walk all the way to the sand dunes. As we were walking on the beach, we noticed several small lakes to our left that were flocked with birds. Ropes were tied around the lakes to protect the birds from human interference. Pismo Beach Sand Dunes — After a long walk on the beach, we finally reached the sand dunes area. There were so extensive and looked so bone dry that it is easy to visualize being in a desert. We spent some time here taking pictures and decided to return. There is also a camping ground nearby. On our way back, we noticed people enjoying a ducky BBQ on the beach. Pismo Beach Sand —
