The 3 Best Pismo Beach ATV Rentals for an Incredible Experience

The Oceano Dunes in Pismo beach are a must-see stop when you drive the Pacific coast highway in California. Check out these ATV rentals for memorable experiences!

Pismo Beach is a beautiful coastal town in California. It’s known for its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and great restaurants.

Pismo is also known for Oceano Dunes, which is a majestic expanse of sand dunes created by the winds of the Pacific Ocean that are recognized by conservationists, environmentalists, and scientists.

Apart from walking through the sand dunes, you can also swim and surf at the beach or rent ATVs to drive through the expanse! This is the only place in California where you can drive an ATV on the beach!

1. Sunbuggy Fun Rentals

This place is Amazing! All the employees were so kind, and friendly!  Coby and Daniel went over and beyond to make sure we had a great time! We will most definitely be back! I recommend this place 100%!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Shana, Sunbuggy Review

Sunbuggy Fun Rentals is the number one choice for Pismo Beach ATV rentals to drive through the sand dunes! What’s even more than the ATVs is that Sunbuggy Fun Rentals is known for their buggies, wide vehicles close to the ground that can fit up to 4 people and allows for better driving through the terrain.

Sunbuggy Fun Rentals offer no hassles, no extra fees, and all the gear (i.e. helmet) is included in the price. With Sunbuggy Fun Rentals, you have a choice of renting from 1 to 4 hours of the day. It’s best practice to reserve your buggy or ATV rental as their inventory is limited.

The cost of renting an ATV with Sunbuggy varies depending on how many hours you’d like to be out and which vehicle you choose to rent.

When you arrive to pick up your buggy or ATV rental, you’ll be required to sign a waiver and listen to a briefing video on safety, precautions, and best practices while out on the sand.

>> Book your Pismo Beach ATV Rental! <<

2. Steve’s ATVs

Great experience yesterday from start to finish. It was our first time riding ATVs and we absolutely loved it! Very patient, efficient, polite and knowledgable staff at the office provided answers to all of our first-timer questions, gave clear instructions on the shuttle, etc

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – imt999

Steve’s ATVs are another option for the best Pismo Beach ATV rentals. Steve’s has been operating since 2001 to provide families with fun memories out on the Oceano Dunes.

At Steve’s, you can choose ATV rentals depending on the age and height of riders. You can also choose ATVs with multiple riders if you’d like to take your family out on the sand!

You can rent Steve’s ATVs for up to 2 hours and pay a fee for additional hours. Prices at Steve’s ATV rentals vary from $90-$350 per hour.

When it’s time to pick up your rental, you’ll need to sign waiver forms and watch a 13-minute safety video on how to navigate Oceano Dunes.

You will also be asked to demonstrate that you understand how to operate the ATVs on a track, which will take about 5-10 minutes. This is done for the safety of the rider.

3. BJ’s ATVs

Founded by John “BJ” Aitkens, BJ’s ATVs is another great option for Pismo Beach ATV rentals since the 1980s!

Similar to Steve’s, you can choose your ATV rental based on the age and height of riders at BJ’s. You also have the option to rent an ATV for up to 2 hours directly on BJ’s website.

The cost for ATV rentals at BJ’s also varies depending on which ATV you choose and ranges from $75-$325 per hour.

BJ’s will also ask you to sign waiver forms and watch a short safety video before you are allowed to drive out onto the sand.

The vast sand dunes in Pismo Beach have many names: Oceano Dunes, Pismo Dunes, Pismo Beach Sand Dunes, and Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve.

This usually refers to the miles of sand that are off-limits to vehicles. You’ll most likely find people walking around and exploring this area.

On the other hand, the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA) or the Oceano Dunes off-highway vehicle (HV) refers to the area that is dedicated to driving ATVs or dune buggies.

We’ll be talking mostly about the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA) when we refer to renting ATVs at Pismo Beach in this article.

From the San Francisco International Airport, you’ll drive south on Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or PCH for about 3 hours before you reach Oceano Dunes SVRA in Pismo Beach.

If you are coming north from Los Angeles Airport, you’ll be on Highway 1 as well for about 3 hours. The Oceano Dunes SVRA, is located 3 miles south of the Pismo Beach exit off Highway 1.

You’ll arrive at the Pier Avenue beach ramp and from there follow the signs to the ATV rentals area.

All ATVs will be parked near post 2, which is where vehicles can actually start driving on the sand. If you find closed or fenced-off areas, please observe them as they contain sensitive plants and wildlife.

Getting a ride in the morning is better as it is less windy and there are fewer people out.

In terms of weather, Pismo Beach receives 315 days of sunshine with temperatures ranging from 64°F to 86F. Because of this, Pismo Beach is a great place to visit virtually any time of the year.

>> Check out Sunbuggy’s rentals for ATVs and dune buggies! <<

The weather near the ocean is ever-changing, so be sure to check the weather conditions before you go.

You’ll want to dress in comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended. It doesn’t hurt to bring a light jacket just in case the weather turns cold.

Helmets will be provided. And of course, closed-toe shoes are a must!

What is the expected terrain for Pismo Beach ATV rentals?

Oceano Dunes is a 5-mile stretch of sandy beach with 3,500 acres of dunes to explore! You’ll kick up sand behind you as you drive.

The dunes will range from slopes to steep inclines. You won’t have a guide with you, so you’ll have free reign when you go out exploring the Pismo Beach Oceano Dunes.

At Oceano Dunes, you’ll also find a variety of plant and animal life. You may see wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses. You may even spot small animal tracks and birds flying overhead.

Can you still ride ATVs at Oceano Dunes?

Yes, you can still ride ATVs at Oceano Dunes! In fact, it’s a great activity to do with friends or family. The ATVs range from single-rider to 4-people vehicles.

You can also rent buggies, which are wider and lower to the ground for better control on the sand dunes in Pismo Beach.

>> Check out Sunbuggy’s rentals for ATVs and dune buggies! <<

Do you need a license to drive an ATV in Pismo Beach?

Typically, you do not need a driver’s license to drive an ATV in Pismo Beach, but you should bring a photo ID and a signed waiver form.

Who can ride ATVs?

For riders who are 9 years old or over the height of 48″, they will require a specific ATV.

If a child would like to be a passenger, they need to be 46″ to sit in the back and 60″ to sit in the front for safety reasons.

Which Pismo Beach ATV Rental is best for me?

The typical adult rider will ride the Honda 250 EX or KYMCO Auto. These are perfect for beginner riders and are easy to manage.

The instructors will also fit you into the best ATV if they find that you aren’t comfortable with the ATV you reserved.

Is it better to rent an ATV or a buggy for Pismo Beach?

You’re probably wondering whether it’s better to rent an ATV or a buggy for Pismo Beach.

The answer depends on what type of experience you’re looking for and how many people will be joining you. If you want a more intimate experience with someone special, we recommend renting a buggy.

However, if you’re looking for an adventure with a group of friends, then renting an ATV would be the better choice.

No matter what you choose, both options are great fun and offer a unique way to experience the Oceano Dunes in Pismo Beach!

>> Check out Sunbuggy’s rentals for ATVs and dune buggies! <<

Should I try Pismo Beach ATV rentals if it’s my first time driving?

Pismo Beach ATV rentals are a great activity for anyone looking for an adventure, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro.

That being said, pay attention to the safety training videos provided by the renters before you go out driving. The instructors are pretty open to teaching you how to get along the sand dunes as they care for your safety, so don’t be shy to ask for demonstrations or clarifying instructions.

The terrain can be challenging and it’s important to be comfortable with the ATV or buggy before driving out on your own.

Pismo Beach ATV rentals are a great way to experience the Oceano Dunes, so we say go for it! Just be sure to listen to the safety training and take things slowly at first.

The Oceano Dunes at Pismo Beach are beautiful and you must see them at least once! Pismo Beach ATV rentals are a great way to explore the Oceano Dunes.

Our top pick for Pismo Beach rentals is Sunbuggy Fun Rentals.

I hope that you’ll make wonderful memories riding through the sand dunes and exploring this majestic area!

Let us know in the comments how your experience was and share your photos with us @herwanderfulworld!

Check out more California content!

• Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary: Plan the Perfect Road Trip
• 17 Fun Things to do in Santa Rosa, California
• 18 Spectacular Things to do in Cayucos, California
• 17 Charming Things to do in Cambria, California
• 20 Incredible Things to do in Petaluma, California
• 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California

---

LIked what you read? Share it on Pinterest!