Oceano Vehicle Free Beach

We propose that the State Legislature, California Coastal Commission, the SLO County Board of Supervisors, and the California State Parks come together and create a plan for a Vehicle Free Beach for Oceano by December 2030. These three entities bear a burden of responsibility to find a solution for the problem they created 43 years ago when Pier and Grand Avenues were created as temporary access routes for vehicles to the beach and State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA). Oceano deserves a Vehicle Free Beach (VFB) to correct the environmental and economic injustice the people have suffered for more than four decades. We propose a 2.2 mile VFB starting 3/10th of a mile North of Pier Avenue and ending 1.9 miles South of Pier Avenue at Pole 4 (boundary of the Oceano Dunes Preserve).

The environmental benefits are profound, starting with the elimination of vehicles crossing Arroyo Grande creek and their threat to endangered species like the Southern steelhead trout, red legged frog, and tidewater goby.  Birds like the snowy plover and least tern will have a more welcoming day and night habitat with the threat of vehicle disturbance eliminated. The beach environment will re-establish its natural ecosystem and protect invertebrates like crabs, sand dollars, and Pismo clams. Also, there are thousands of tourists who want to play at a beach that is free of vehicular traffic and the potential economic boost to Oceano’s economy.

A VFB would be the greatest driver of economic revitalization in the history of Oceano.  The Coastal Commission’s analysis of tourist economic impacts clearly demonstrates that beach tourists spend more money than Off Highway Vehicle tourists.  There are thousands of tourists who want to play at a beach that is free of vehicular traffic and the potential economic boost to Oceano’s economy will include:

-Greatly expanded local employment in tourist and non-tourist related support services plus secondary economic ripples across the Five Cities economy and beyond.

-Increased demand for local sit-down and take out food/beverages.

-Increased demand for local tourist housing in Oceano including hotels, cabins, trailers, and in short term rentals.

-Increased occupancy for State, County, and private campgrounds; 

-Increased demand for beach recreation rentals like ocean and dune surfing supplies, surf schools, beach bicycles plus tourist related clothing and souvenir shopping.

-Increased demand for ecotourism and beach recreation services in the Oceano Dunes Preserve ecosystem and Pacific Ocean.

THE ACTION: Grassroots mobilization of civil and educated is needed to pressure elected officials, staff, and constituents of the four government agencies to embrace the creation of a solution for a Oceano vehicle free beach by 2030 or sooner. Click here for their contact info and suggested messaging. Stay tuned for more details on how you can help!

Questions for Surfrider? Email Charles Varni.