This seems like a good idea for a family summer vacation. But where to stay? Preferably a Motel, vacation apartment or ? that we can ride right out of. It would suck to be in the wrong end of town and have to trailer across town or something. Anybody have any local knowledge? Decent price with easy access to ride areas, party places, restaurants etc.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Just looking for a good time....[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I've been going to Pismo for quite some time now. I'm actually headed up there this weekend and then again July 4th. In the last twenty-five years alot has changed there. You can no longer drive your quad or off road vehicle out of the off road area. This means that there is nowhere to stay that will give you immediate access to the beach without trailering your vehicles onto the sand and into the off road area. If you have the means then camp on the beach along with everyone else. If you don't have the means then it doesn't really matter where you stay because every morning you will have to trailer your bikes out to the sand.

Two things that you will want to look out for that can be a tad tricky on occasion. There is a sand "ramp" that you have to go down from the road to the beach. A few weeks ago when I was there it was completly tore up and alot of people were having problems getting through. Thank the good ol state to not renew the permit to have it maintained. If you have a four wheel drive and are experienced in the sand, then drop your tire pressure and it will present no problem to you. The second thing that probably won't be a problem is the creek crossing. During certain times of the year it can be absolutely WICKED, devouring lifted 4X4's like I do with a plate of ribs. In the summer time the creek almost becomes a non issue as it goes down to a trickle. This crossing is unavoidable as you have to cross it to get to the riding area.

As far as the dunes themselves, they are a cakewalk compare to the ones in Glamis. They usually roll away from the from the beach because of the constant wind direction which makes riding them simi predictable. However, I never let my guard down because they still change all the time. Most dune faces range there from 30 to 70 feet. Small compaired to Glamis but making for some very quick action.

One more tidbit. If you decide to go there on a "big" weekend, make sure you get a reservation because they only allow 1,000 "main" vehicles on the beach at once.

Here are a few links that I hope will help you.

Official website.

Reservations can be made here. When you reserve make sure that it's for "Oceano Dunes SVRA" and not Pismo state beach.

And check here for everything to know about Pismo beach with dining and lodging information.

Well I hope this helps you out. Pismo is a wonderful place that I go back to time and again.