Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve State Park — Attraction in Grover Beach

Pismo Beach: A Beautiful Natural Gem Ruined by Reckless ATV and Dirt Bike Culture

Pismo Beach, with its breathtaking coastline, sweeping dunes, and crystal-clear waters, is undeniably one of California's most stunning natural wonders. The landscape here is awe-inspiring—an untouched sanctuary where the ocean meets the land in an endless dance of waves and windswept sands. It's the perfect place to camp, relax, and soak in the beauty of nature. Unfortunately, the idyllic tranquility of Pismo Beach is being brutally overshadowed by the loud, obnoxious, and reckless ATV and dirt bike culture that seems to have overrun the area.

Let's start with the most glaring issue: the noise. If you're someone who enjoys the sounds of the ocean and the wind rustling through the dunes, forget it. The peace is constantly shattered by the roar of gas-guzzling recreational vehicles zipping across the beach. These machines, spewing foul-smelling exhaust, create a toxic atmosphere that ruins the whole experience. It's not just an occasional buzz, either—it's an incessant cacophony of revs, roars, and the unmistakable stench of gas. It’s hard to even hear the waves crashing when you’re surrounded by these mechanical monstrosities.

But that's not the worst part. These reckless riders, many of whom proudly display Trump flags and flaunt obnoxious pro-gun messages, seem to think that their right to disturb everyone else’s peace is somehow a form of personal freedom. It’s not. It's an invasion of a place that's meant to be enjoyed by all. Pismo Beach is not a racetrack or a rallying ground for political grandstanding. It’s a public space that should be available for everyone to enjoy in peace, without the threat of being run over by a speeding ATV or dirt bike.

The situation is further exacerbated by the disturbing sight of young children, some barely able to reach the handlebars, riding these dangerous vehicles at high speeds with no supervision. One nearly got into a head-on collision with us while we were simply trying to enjoy the day. It was a close call, and it’s not an isolated incident. This is a beach, not a dirt bike course, and it’s incredibly dangerous to let kids speed around on these machines without any regard for safety or common sense.

To make matters worse, during our camping trip, we were subjected to an inconsiderate family who decided it was perfectly fine to park their car, pitch their tent, and then proceed to ride their obnoxious, gas-guzzling vehicles directly in front of our tent—blocking our ocean view completely. There were plenty of other open spaces where they could have set up their campsite away from everyone else, but no, they chose to impose themselves directly on us. All while a sea of other campers around us was trying to enjoy the same natural beauty we had come for. As if that weren’t bad enough, they thought it was acceptable to rev up their engines at 8 a.m., just as we were trying to sleep off the previous night’s debacle, when inconsiderate campers decided blasting music until 2 a.m. was a good idea.

This culture of entitlement, selfishness, and utter disregard for others is ruining Pismo Beach for those who simply want to experience its beauty without the constant threat of being bombarded by loud, polluting vehicles. ATVs, dirt bikes, and other recreational vehicles should either be banned from the beach or at least contained to a small, designated portion of the area far away from people who are just trying to camp, enjoy the ocean, and not risk being mowed down by an out-of-control 7-year-old.

The fact that these vehicles are allowed to invade such a pristine, peaceful area is a travesty. The future of Pismo Beach should be one where families can camp and appreciate nature without the constant threat of being drowned out by fumes, noise, and the reckless disregard of others. It's time to take back the beach from the loud, entitled few and preserve it for everyone else. This should be a place to find solace in the natural world, not to run from the sound of engines and the...

This beach is beautiful And clean and an amazing place to take in the sunset , No charge for this activity!!! You can chill with friends, go solo, walk or jog with your per, or take the entire family and your pets! Several people had brought shovels and made a dugout for bonfires , which are allowed anywhere on the beach! You are allowed to bring water toys, ice chests, food. Drink, tools to a dig holes or make campfires , pop-up tents. Or shade tents... Pretty much anything you could need or want.You would be allowed to bring on to the beach.You can't even cook over your bonfire..

One person had made a huge circle that was like a sunken in seating area with the fire in the middle! Super cool and inspired my own son to make a Sunken in chair dug out from the sand close to our own bonfire!!

Sandy soft beach... Very clean...water is super cold! Some shells and rocks and baby crabs are there but no debris ...

You may pay to bring your vehicle right down into the sandy beach for a fee.... Otherwise everything is free and you may bring whatever you need as long as you can carry it (or bring it in a cart or wagon) , there is no fee to park in the parking lot and go to the beach without your vehicle....trash cans are available and beach was kept clean. Long low waves (when we went 7pm-10pm on a friday in july....the beach and ocean tide at this time and place made it easier for pets and younger children to play in water for quite a ways with only slight grade...no apparent sudden drops . ( Of course , children should always have life jackets!)

Restaurant nearby for dine-in or takeout.. .it is named Fins Bar & Grill i think....very close to beach Has indoor and roofes/shaded patio...(open air dining... Patio area has views of beach and ocean. Serves alcoholic drink selection and appetizers, dinner food & lunch. Usually live band plays music in patio area in the...

Those of you who have not come here I suggest you do. There is an eerie energy here and only ignorance would disagree with that statement. To me it seems haunted but I am what is called a Sensitive and can feel what others cannot. I am able to track, both people and wildlife and can attest that this Nature Preserve is abundant in a variety of life. The seagulls are very happy here as are the crows. The yapping of coyotes can be heard at different times in both early morning as well as night. The wind rearranges the dunes often and erases evidence of life overnight. The Rogue waves hit occasionally and spontaneously and one must always think safety first. This particular part of the ocean has a force that can be felt as well as seen. The waves crash into each other and the cross current fights for its lane. Wind surfers defy the odds and jump the waves and sail like dare devils in the air. The big trucks come through showing brawn and handsome physiques. Bonfires seem a nightly occurrence and picnics are every week. The bathrooms are non gender and there is a cold shower available in the open. This is a very kool place! I look forward visiting here several times a week taking pictures and hoping for a sight of wildlife never seen before. During the night while observing the moon and stars I have seen both airplanes and unidentified flying craft. It is easy to distinguish between the two. I am in awe of my discoveries here. Such a beautiful...