Pismo Beach ATV Rentals and Dune Buggy Activities

“An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is defined as a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four low-pressure or non-pneumatic tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control. ATVs are subdivided into two types as designated by the manufacturer. Type I ATVs are intended by the manufacturer for use by a single operator and no passenger. Type II ATVs are intended by the manufacturer for use by an operator and a passenger, and are equipped with a designated seating position behind the operator. Similarly, riders must also consider the various ATV sizes.

ATVs are not “one size fits all.” The ATV industry recommends all riders operate an ATV intended for their age. Youth model ATVs are designed for smaller hands and feet, and travel at slower speeds appropriate for their age.”
– https://atvsafety.org/

“A Sandrail is a lightweight vehicle similar to a dune buggy, but designed specifically for operation on open sand.

Sandrails are usually built as a spaceframe by welding steel tubes together. The name sandrail is due to the frame “rails” present. The advantage of this method is that the fabricator can change fundamental parts of the vehicle (usually the suspension and addition of a built-in roll cage). Sandrails, as per dune buggies, often have the engine located behind the driver. Sizes can vary from a small-engine one-seat size to four-seat vehicles with eight or more cylinders.

A similar, more recent generation of off-road vehicle, often similar in appearance to a sandrail but designed for different use, is the “off road go-kart”. The difference may be little more than fitting all-terrain tires instead of sand tires and the much smaller size of the engine.” – Wikipedia

We rented our Dune Buggy with Sunbuggys which is one of the largest Pismo Beach ATV rentals companies in the area.

In fact, they have several locations in Las Vegas, Reno and Oregon. They have a large collection of ATV Rentals and Dune Buggy Rentals in various models, sizes and price ranges.

Do note that they do NOT have a Cancel/Refund policy.

We rented one of the lower tier 2-Seater Dune Buggys and it was great riding around the sand and the dunes going up and down. However, it lacked the power to get out of a low dune and we had to get pulled out by Sunbuggy “Patrol” that patrolled the dunes looking for anyone that needed assistance.
They told us to go back to the check-in station and request a higher grade model. And we did. The new upgrade was a bit top heavy but it was still great fun!

It’s important to wear the right gear. If you are going riding on your own using your own vehicles, make sure to always have the proper safety gear. Such as helmet, goggles and bandanna to cover your mouth.

If you are renting a vehicle at a Pismo Beach ATV Rentals company, a reputable company should always provide you with all the necessary safety gear.

Depending on the season and the time of day you are riding, it can get pretty chilly in Pismo Beach. So make sure you wear comfortable clothing, but nothing too loose. Wear a light weight jacket or flannel if necessary. Do note that during your ride, sand will sometimes blast back at you, so depending on how sensitive your skin is, it may get a bit irritated.

And of course, always wear sunscreen!

The Ride!

Use your GPS Map and locate the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve at 200 Pier Avenue until it ends into the coastline. There will be a guard station where you will need to pay a fee to enter onto the beach to drive your own vehicle, camp or off-road.

Follow the map provided by the guard station to get to the sand dunes area for your ATV rental or your Dune Buggy. Be alert, because there are other vehicles on the beach and lots of people as well. This is a public beach so be diligent!

Riding an ATV or Dune Buggy on the Dunes in Pismo Beach is pretty incredible. You have the coast line with the ocean on one side, and the sandy dunes on the other. The sand is soft and fine and the waves of the dunes going up and down is pretty beautiful. It’s an endless horizon of sand, almost like another world. I would recommend a good 2 hours to get the most out of your excursion.

Pismo Beach is known for camping. But did you know that the Ocean Dunes is the only on-the-beach camping site in the entire state of California? Beach camping is an appealing idea for outdoor enthusiasts and often a bucket list activity.

At Oceano Dunes, there are no trees which equals no shade! There are vault and chemical toilets (porta-potties) but no other amenities. If you don’t have a self-contained RV, it’s a pretty primitive situation.

To camp on the beach, you’ll need to make reservations. Do not confuse it with the Ocean Campground which is a completely different location.

For more details, check out this blog post at Trip Savvy.