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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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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. 

Los Osos Art
Los Osos Arts & Culture

Los Osos

Los Osos art and culture brings together community art walks, artist galleries, studios and museums to create an enriching and…

Montana de Oro
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Los Osos State Parks and Beaches

Los Osos

With natural splendor to spare, Los Osos boasts two state parks and beaches: Montaña de Oro State Park and the…

Spooners Cove
Montaña de Oro State Park

Los Osos

This park features rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak.

Tidepool Sea anemone
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Monterey Bay Aquarium: The Complete Visitor Guide

Various

Step into the Monterey Bay Aquarium and feel world on land slip away. Towering kelp forests sway just beyond the…

Whale Photo by Danna Dykstra-Coy
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Monterey Bay Whale Watching

Various

Few stretches of California coast deliver ocean wildlife encounters as consistently as Monterey Bay. The reason is geological: a submarine…

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…

Blacklake Golf Course Nipomo
Nipomo Golf Courses

Nipomo

Whether you seek lessons from a pro, a putting green, driving range, or just a quiet day on the links,…

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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…

Oceano train station
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Oceano Train Depot

Oceano

A critical historic site for the development of San Luis Obispo County, the Oceano Train Depot now stands as a…

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.

Oso Flaco Lake hike in Nipomo along Highway 1
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Oso Flaco Lake

Arroyo Grande

Just north of Guadalupe, California, lies one of the most scenic natural areas all along California’s coast, Oso Flaco Lake.

Piedras Blancas Lightstation
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Piedras Blancas Light Station

San Simeon

The Piedras Blancas Light Station stands as a monument to maritime days gone by. The lighthouse, built in 1875 and…

Point San Luis Lighthouse
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Point San Luis Lighthouse

Avila Beach

Founded in 1890, Point San Luis Lighthouse has saved many lives in its time, and remains a beacon over San…

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