Things To Do

Highway 1 Road Trip logo - links to homepage
Tidepool Children

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

#OceanoNipomo

Search
Destinations
Features
230 results found.
230 found
0
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk Wildflowers
Moonstone Beach

Cambria

Considered one of the Central Coast’s best beaches, Moonstone Beach is an ethereal outpost where waves meet a shoreline perfect…

Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Oceano & Nipomo Activity Map

Oceano

Explore Oceano as part of the Highway 1 Road Trip. 

The Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve

Oceano

Walk where both the Chumash and Dunites walked

surfing pismo
Oceano Surfing

Oceano

Whether you're a pro or just starting out, we have the perfect weather and the right wave for you to…

Avila Beach pier
Olde Port Beach

San Luis Obispo

This is the first beach you will find after crossing the bridge out of Avila and into Port San Luis.

Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA
Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
San Simeon Activity Map

San Simeon

The stunning natural beauty of San Simeon Cove; the enchantment of a hilltop castle – what a beautiful way to…

San Simeon Pier
San Simeon Pier

San Simeon

Before the advent of the railroad and easily traversed highways, most of the commerce in central California was conducted by…

San Simeon Surfing

San Simeon

San Simeon is reliable and popular in the spring among local surfers, with wide beach breaks and chest-high swells.

wind surfing, San Simeon
San Simeon Wind Sports

San Simeon

The winds around San Simeon beaches offer an excellent chance to take part in wind sports such as windsurfing and…

Kitboarding in Oceano
Sandboarding, Surfing & Other Oceano Boardsports

Oceano

The area is a family-friendly, natural playground for anyone who likes to ride — or anyone who wants to learn.…

Aerial view of the Santa Barbara Coastline and Pier
Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Santa Barbara Road Trip Guide: Routes, Stops, and Weekend Planning

Santa Barbara

Few coastal cities stack experiences like Santa Barbara: glittering waterfront, lively downtown, relaxed beaches, coastal wine plus canyon trails all…

Highway 46, Cambria
Scenic Drive: Your Highway 1 Road Trip

San Simeon

If you want the inside scoop on the best places to stop while driving the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll need…

Tidepool
Sea Life and Tide Pools of Los Osos and Baywood Park

Los Osos

With several miles of coastline, including plenty of bays and channels composed of craggy terrain, Los Osos is an area…

Sea Life of Oceano and Nipomo

Oceano

The stretch of Highway 1 between Oceano and Nipomo is some of the most beautiful and biologically diverse coastline in…

Arroyo Grande Village Downtown Family
Shopping the Village of Arroyo Grande

Arroyo Grande

Old-fashioned charm, mom-and-pop storefronts, and a friendly Main Street reminiscent of years gone by make Arroyo Grande and neighboring Edna…

Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Spooner Ranch House at Montaña de Oro State Park

Los Osos

In 1892, Alden B. Spooner, Jr. built this ranch house overlooking the sea.

Spooner’s Cove

Los Osos

Traveling to Spooner's Cove, located within Montaña de Oro State Park, you'll take in views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches…

San Simeon coastline with wildflowers
State Parks and Beaches of San Simeon

San Simeon

Visit Hearst Castle along with its neighboring San Simeon state parks and beaches, and experience the very best of the…

Downtown Cayucos
Stores in Cayucos

Cayucos

The main thoroughfare of Ocean Avenue cruises through downtown Cayucos, which boasts several unique shopping opportunities.

Surfer at Avila Beach
Surfing Avila Beach

Avila Beach

Our Central Coast beach towns offer waves suitable for surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing and boogie boarding.

Surfing Moonstone Beach
Surfing Cambria

Cambria

Located between two Highway 1 surf hotspots, San Simeon and Cayucos, Cambria’s surf scene sparkles as one of California’s hidden…

Cayucos Pier Surfing
Surfing Cayucos

Cayucos

The Cayucos Pier is a decent spot for beginners, and it's great for families who want the quintessential surf town…

Surfing Moonstone Beach
Surfing Los Osos

Los Osos

Surfing this unspoiled stretch of coastline off Highway 1 should be on every experienced surfer’s bucket list. Epic waves, beautiful…

San Simeon Surfing
Surfing San Simeon to Ragged Point

San Simeon

Beyond San Simeon’s Highway 1’s well-known surf spots lies a coastline that feels like it’s been waiting just for you.…

Load More