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Air Sports abound in Oceano and Nipomo, the perfect place to take to the skies. Whether you’re looking to land your plane at an airport that claims the coveted title of “closest to the Pacific” or dream of taking to the skies in a vintage WW2 era biplane, you’ll find that fun soars to new heights in Oceano and Nipomo.

Explore Oceano & Nipomo Air Sports

The Oceano County Airport

If the Oceano County Airport were any closer to the Oceano Dunes, you’d have to fly a seaplane to arrive. Built in the ‘50s to serve the communities of Pismo Beach, Oceano and Grover Beach, the airport is situated closer to the Pacific Ocean than any other on the West Coast. Offering on-field beach camping and fire-pits when you fly in, as well as free use of airport bicycles, you can easily enjoy all the coast has to offer. Transitioning from sky to sand has never been so rewarding: In fact, “Friends of the Oceano Airport” regularly hold events welcome to anyone who’d like to attend. Enjoy movie nights, barbecues, Toys for Tots benefits and more all kicking off at this welcoming, publicly owned airport. Plus, ACI Jet offers concierge services for high fliers, including 24-hour fuel, aircraft detailing, rental car referrals, weather and flight planning and WiFi. If you’re looking for high flying fun, plenty of beach activities nearby and convenient service, the Oceano County Airport should be your first stop.

Biplane Oceano Airport
Ready for takeoff at the Oceano County Airport

The biplane

Ride high in a vintage biplane in Oceano and Nipomo and see the coast from a whole new perspective. Banner Airways offers a unique biplane flight that has become a beloved tradition for visitors and locals alike. In fact, many folks can spot this iconic WW2 era 1942 Boeing Super Stearman motoring against the sky thanks to its bright yellow open cockpit. Enjoy a scenic flight for two over the Oceano Dunes—or even whale watch from above! Seeking something a little more exhilarating? Book one of Banner Airways’ exciting thrill rides and feel the roar of a 450 horsepower Pratt & Whitney radial engine in action. Offered to just one passenger at a time, these blood-pumping aerial adventures zip along the pier and dunes with speed and agility thanks to keen maneuvering in the cockpit. Of course, this famous yellow plane also tows banners (hence the Banner Airways name). Have a marriage proposal, baby announcement or personal ad you can’t wait for the whole world to see? Say it in style when you book a custom banner to be proudly flown across the big blue horizon.

Biplane Oceano
Soaring above the Oceano coastline

When you land

Soaring amongst the clouds has its perks, but it’s also lovely being grounded in Oceano and Nipomo. Enjoy a plethora of coastal activities, including kitesurfing, board sports, golf courses and diverse dining options. Whether you play on the dunes immediately following your flight or book the perfect coastal hotel or vacation rental to help you unwind, the coast’s best-kept secrets are at your fingertips. Home to incredible ocean views, enchanting wildlife and the only beach in the world you can drive onto, you’ll enjoy every moment exploring this laid-back coastal region, whether by air or foot.

Oceano dunes hike
A day of discovery out exploring the dunes

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Cayucos Estero Bluffs
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Estero Bluffs State Park

Cayucos

The majestic Estero Bluffs State Park allows visitors to explore the landscape and beaches on the northern end of Cayucos.

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Cambria

Take a seaside stroll … The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Fishing
Fishing Avila Beach

Avila Beach

Casting a line into Avila Beach’s gentle surf isn’t just about the catch—it’s about stepping into a timeless coastal playground…

Oceano fishing near Oso Flaco
Fishing California’s Highway 1

San Simeon

Plentiful waters invite fishing of all sorts here on our special stretch of Highway 1. Find yourself on an uncrowded…

Kayak Fishing
Fishing Cambria

Cambria

Weathered bluffs, kelp-draped shorelines and the timeless pull of the tide: Welcome to fishing Cambria’s pristine waters. Here, casting a…

Cayucos Pier
Fishing Cayucos

Cayucos

Fishing in Cayucos is one of the best ways to explore our unique section of Highway 1. You can see…

Fishing Lopez Lake
Fishing Lopez Lake

Arroyo Grande

Watch the morning mist lift off Lopez Lake as you cast your first line of the day. This 940-acre reservoir,…

Montana De Oro
Fishing Los Osos

Los Osos

As one of the most secluded and unspoiled areas on the California coast, Los Osos offers terrific opportunities for fishing.…

Oso Flaco Lake hike in Nipomo along Highway 1
Fishing Oceano and the Nipomo Mesa

Oceano

At the southern end of our special stretch of Highway 1, the sister towns of Oceano and Nipomo offer a…

San Simeon Pier Fishing
Fishing San Simeon & Ragged Point

San Simeon

Jagged cliffs, hidden coves and the steady rhythm of crashing waves: Welcome to fishing San Simeon and fishing Ragged Point.…

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Natural History Center

Guadalupe

The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex is comprised of 18 miles of coastline and is one of the most ecologically significant and…

Hearst Castle, San Simeon
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Hearst Castle on Highway 1: Tours, Tickets, and How to Plan Your Visit

San Simeon

With its extravagant antiquities, architecture, and heritage, Hearst Castle welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Plan your visit…

Hearst Castle Zebras

San Simeon

What’s black and white and visible from Highway 1? Believe it or not, zebras are a common sight for drivers…

Cayucos surfer & dog
Highway 1 is Dog-Friendly

Various

Highway 1 loves its four-legged visitors! With one of the mildest, most temperate climates in the West, the great outdoors…

Highway 46, Cambria
Highway 46 Scenic Drive

Cambria

Beginning at the forested seaside town of Cambria, where houses are built on stilts to mimic the stately pines that…

Hiking Arroyo Grande and Edna Valleys

Arroyo Grande

Find yourself on a hike in either of these two scenic valleys where sunshine, vineyard views, and cool coastal breezes…

Hiking in Cayucos
Hiking in Cayucos

Cayucos

Sweeping coastal views and a temperate climate make hiking the trails in and around Cayucos a must-do. Ready to hit…

Bluffs Hike in Montana De Oro State Park
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Hiking Los Osos

Los Osos

A hiker’s paradise, Los Osos lies in a valley at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Trails of all lengths…

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Hiking Oceano and Nipomo

Oceano

A hike across the varied trails of Oceano or Nipomo means wildlife, peaceful lagoons, abundant native plants, and views of…

Hiking in San Simeon and Ragged Point
Hiking San Simeon and Ragged Point

San Simeon

Whether your preferred hike involves a view of the coastline, country or mountains, you will have no problem finding a…

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Hot Springs in Avila Beach

Avila Beach

For generations, the natural hot springs of Avila Beach have provided relief and relaxation to visitors from far and wide.…

Avila Beach Paddleboarding
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Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Avila Beach

Avila Beach

Avila Beach sits on a protected cove that boasts slightly warmer temperatures and calmer conditions, both on land and sea.…

Kayak Morro Bay
Kayaking Morro Bay

Los Osos

A kayak trip from Spooner's Cove in Montaña de Oro to Morro Rock offers spectacular views and challenging conditions.

Picnic Los Osos
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Los Osos & Baywood Activity Map

Los Osos

The Oso de Oro Loop takes you on a diverse tour of Los Osos and Baywood Park. 

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