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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
Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Be an iNaturalist with the Cayucos Land Conservancy

Cayucos

Did you know that the Cayucos Land Conservancy sponsors a Citizen/Scientist Project on iNaturalist to catalog all plant and animal…

Cambria Beach Access
Beach Access Points

Cambria

Cambria has several beach access points located throughout town. 

Morro Bay Estuary
Black Hill Trail

Morro Bay

From the mountain's 640-foot summit, you can view the Morro Bay Estuary, the sand spit, and the hills of nearby…

hiking trail
Black Lake Trail

Arroyo Grande

Black Lake Trail in the Arroyo Grande Valley is a 2 mile, easy to moderate hike out and back. 

Bluff Trail

Los Osos

A 3.4 mile roundtrip hike that takes you along the coastal bluffs, passing tide pools, beaches and a scenic rocky coastline

Boucher Trail, San Simeon
Boucher Trail at Piedras Blancas

San Simeon

The Boucher Trail runs from the paved elephant seal viewing parking for 1.9 miles, to a half mile north of…

Moonstone Beach in Cambria, CA
Cambria Discovery Loop ~ Beaches & Parks

Cambria

The Beaches & Parks Loop of Cambria takes visitors to points both historic and scenic.

Cambria Discovery Loop ~ Hiking Trails

Cambria

Known as Pines by the Sea, Cambria offers unqiue hiking trails that include both secluded preserves and seaside boardwalks.

Cayucos Land Conservancy Bluffs & Nature Walks

Cayucos

The "Bluff Walks" and nature walks program offers guided hikes on the Bluffs and other ecosystems on the coast. 

Central Coast Outdoors

Morro Bay

From the serene protected waters of Morro Bay to the rocky cliffs along Shell Beach, kayaking is a sport that…

Cerro San Luis Obispo
Cerro San Luis Obispo Trail

San Luis Obispo

Cerro San Luis Obispo is the large morro looming over San Luis Obispo with the big "M." 

Cliffside Trail

Ragged Point

The Ragged Point Inn and Resort is located at the northernmost corner of San Luis Obispo County, 18 miles north…

Cougar Trail

Arroyo Grande

The trail is close to 3 miles and is open to hikers, dogs and mountain bikes. 

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El Moro Elfin Forest Docent-Led Nature Walks

Los Osos

The Elfin Forest supports more than 200 species of plants, as well as 110 kinds of birds, 22 species of…

Fern Canyon Cambria
Fern Canyon Henry Kluck Memorial Trail

Cambria

This trail passes through Fern Canyon, crosses Fern Drive and dead ends in a chaparral near Highway 1.

Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Docent Nature Walk

Cambria

The Ranch is far from the largest of coastal ecosystems, but packs more biological diversity into a confined area than…

Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Free Online Trail Maps & Trail Work Volunteer Days

San Luis Obispo County

Visitors and local residents alike are invited to download free trail maps throughout the San Luis Obispo and the HWY…

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center Docent-Led Walks

Guadalupe

The Dunes Center hosts a wide variety of events and activities for members, students, volunteers, and the general public.

Hazard Canyon Reef

Los Osos

Hazard Canyon Reef, located within Montaña de Oro State Park, is a gorgeous beach with tide pools and scenic views.

Hearst Castle Holidays

San Simeon

Hearst Castle brings to life his love of all things Christmas, and invites you to join in the spirit of…

hiking trail
High Ridge Trail

Arroyo Grande

High Ridge Trail passes a series of steep canyons east of Lopez Lake along a fire ridge. 

Edna Valley
Horizon Hike over Edna Valley

San Luis Obispo

Enjoy a mild hike, learn about the vines as you walk through them and take in a 360-degree view of…

Junge Ranch Trail

San Simeon

Junge Ranch Trail – Hearst San Simeon State Park is a 2.2 mile out and back trail located near Cambria

Lampton Cliffs Park

Cambria

Lampton Cliffs Park is a 2.1-acre park with trails and benches overlooking the sea.

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