Things To Do in Oceano, California - Pismo State Park - San Luis Obispo County
Posted by San Luis Obispo Mom on Monday, April 19, 2021 Under: Oceano
Oceano is a quieter beach town than neighboring Grover Beach and Pismo Beach but it is still part of Pismo State Beach and visitors are catching on to the this little gem in San Luis Obispo County. It is actually where the famous dunes are located but many visitors would often mistakenly think they're still in Pismo Beach, when in fact, the Oceano Dunes are located well, in Oceano, California.
There's a mix of the old and new. It's trying to change but there is a bit of hesitation. I like hanging out at beach here when I happen to be in Oceano to run an errand. However, you really have to be careful with people driving on the beach once you get out of your vehicle to walk on the sand, especially with little ones! Nonetheless, it's a gift to be able to drive or ride on the beach. It is the last beach area in California where you can pay to drive on the beach. (You can also drive on the beach from the Grover Beach entrance and into the Dunes as well.)
However, beach aside, I really want to highlight on the places in Oceano that you can visit as a visitor. I spent a morning with my kiddos there and took some pictures of Oceano's neat places.
Oceano Depot is a community museum where you can go inside the visitor's center and get some brochures. There is a bit of a courtyard in the back where you can see some stationed collections. It's a nice place to stretch your legs a bit and learn some history. Oceano Depot Address: 1650 Front St, Oceano, CA 93445
There's a mix of the old and new. It's trying to change but there is a bit of hesitation. I like hanging out at beach here when I happen to be in Oceano to run an errand. However, you really have to be careful with people driving on the beach once you get out of your vehicle to walk on the sand, especially with little ones! Nonetheless, it's a gift to be able to drive or ride on the beach. It is the last beach area in California where you can pay to drive on the beach. (You can also drive on the beach from the Grover Beach entrance and into the Dunes as well.)
See My Short Video of My Drive on the Beach Entering from Grover Beach and Driving Through Oceano Below
See My Short Video of the Velella Velella, By-the-wind Sailors, When They Made Their Appearance in Oceano
However, beach aside, I really want to highlight on the places in Oceano that you can visit as a visitor. I spent a morning with my kiddos there and took some pictures of Oceano's neat places.
Oceano Depot
Oceano Depot is a community museum where you can go inside the visitor's center and get some brochures. There is a bit of a courtyard in the back where you can see some stationed collections. It's a nice place to stretch your legs a bit and learn some history. Oceano Depot Address: 1650 Front St, Oceano, CA 93445
The Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville
One of the most unique things about the beach town of Oceano is there is a very professional theatre located on Front St. called The Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville or just Melodrama Theatre for short. It has the traditional vibe of a theatre that reminds me of San Diego. One of the most coolest things about this place is when there is intermission, the actors themselves also run the concessions! My kids are still too antsy to sit still through a whole theatre show so my husband and I went on a date here when my mother-in-law was in town to watch the kiddos. It was a unique way to spend time with him and it's probably one of my favorite dates with my husband. Melodrama Theatre Address: 1863 Front St, Oceano, CA 93445Elk Lodge
Whenever you drive towards Oceano Beach, you'll notice Elk Lodge. I don't think it's actually a place for the public but it's memorable. They have events there for fundraisers, but it still seems like a member-only type of place. However, the building is unique so I took a picture of the place. They seem to occasionally have public events like a Halloween event every year! Elk Lodge Address: 410 Air Park Dr. Oceano, CA 93445Deltina Coffee Roasters
Deltina (formerly Quintessa) Coffee Roasters is a coffee shop that roast their own coffee! They have a little courtyard in the back for you to enjoy your coffee and do some reading. I ordered a latte and really enjoyed their coffee! I'll have to come back here again when I'm passing by. Deltina Coffee Roasters Address: 1945 Front St., Oceano, CA 93445Oceano Community Center
I've taken advantage of the Parent Participation Program here and they've hosted many free community events for kids at the Oceano Community Center over the years as well. I think it's a really good place to look into for finding free events throughout the year for the kids. It's a pretty building with one main large community space for activities. Oceano Community Center Address is 1425 19th St, Oceano, CA 93445.Reading Suggestions:
- Read about my staycation at the famous Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.
- See my other blog entries and pictures of other beaches in San Luis Obispo County.
Popular Things To Do with Kids in San Luis Obispo County
- Charles Paddock Zoo -- Read my blog review
- Hearst Castle -- Read my blog review
- The Ravine Waterpark -- Read my blog review (only open for Summer)
- Mustang Waterpark -- Read my blog review (only open for Summer)
- San Luis Obispo Children's Museum -- Read my blog review
- Central Coast Aquarium -- Read my blog review
- San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum -- Learn more
- Paso Robles Children's Museum -- Read my blog review
- Exploration Discovery Center -- Read my blog review
- Museum of Natural History -- Learn more
- Avila Valley Barn -- Read my blog review
In : Oceano
Tags: oceano california oceano beach pismo state beach oceano dunes
Originally from San Diego, California, I'm a San Diego State University alumna, veteran's wife and mom of two kids who were born two years apart. After living on the East Coast for 6 years, we now reside in San Luis Obispo County and here, the exploration continues. In between work and momming it, I like to exercise.
@sanluisobispomom