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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

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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…

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.

Pacific Coast Wine Trail

Cayucos

Enjoy hand-crafted wines from six small producers along the scenic coast

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…

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
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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…

Avila Beach Promenade
Shopping in Avila Beach

Avila Beach

Avila Beach feels like paradise, and not only for its white sand beaches and other natural wonders — it’s a…

Shopping in Cambria: West Village, East Village, and Main Street Finds

Cambria

To discover the flavor of Cambria shopping, just head to Main Street. The town’s main thoroughfare creates a quaint shopping…

Cambria West Village Couple Shopping
Shopping on Highway 1

Cambria

Find locally-made art, ceramics, cheeses, wine, furniture, surfboards, herb and spice blends, soaps, candles, glasswares, jewelry, breads, books, souvenirs, clothing…

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…

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…

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.…

Cayucos Beach surfer
Surfing Spots on Highway 1

San Simeon

Once called “The Lost Coast” by Surfer Magazine, this rugged stretch of coastline boasts some of the best-kept secret surf…

Cayucos Downtown Shops
The Best Restaurants in Cayucos

Cayucos

Aside from delicious dishes and diverse flavors, places to eat in Cayucos are special because most are within walking distance…

Sweet Springs
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The Sweet Springs Nature Preserve

Los Osos

Located at the meeting of freshwater run-off and the saltwater ocean, the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is a jewel of…

Cycling in Edna Valley Vineyards
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Things to Do in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley

Arroyo Grande

Some corners of California’s Central Coast especially reward the people who get off Highway 1 and go looking. Arroyo Grande…

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