Surfrider Foundation Launches Campaign for Vehicle-Free Oceano Beach

Group aims to create 2.2-mile stretch of vehicle-free beachfront in Oceano, California by 2030

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Luis Obispo chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has launched the Oceano Vehicle Free Beach (OVFB) campaign to convince local and state officials to designate a 2.2-mile stretch of Oceano's beachfront as vehicle-free. The campaign argues that this will spur economic revitalization, restore the natural environment, and fulfill a decades-old promise to the community.

Why it matters

The Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA) has allowed vehicle access to the beach since 1982, which Surfrider says has had major negative impacts on the Oceano community, including economic repression and environmental health threats. The group believes a vehicle-free beach will boost tourism, jobs, and property values, while also protecting threatened species and habitats.

The details

The OVFB campaign is calling on the SLO County Board of Supervisors, California Coastal Commission, and State Parks to work together to create a vehicle-free beach in Oceano by 2030. This would fulfill a promise made over 40 years ago when the Coastal Commission approved vehicle access to the dunes. Recent court rulings have also found that vehicle use on the beach is harming endangered species like the Snowy Plover.

  • In 1982, the California Coastal Commission designated Grand Avenue in Grover Beach and Pier Avenue in Oceano as temporary access ways to the Oceano Dunes SVRA.
  • In 2020, when Oceano's beach and dunes were closed to vehicles for many months, the area saw its highest-ever tourist tax revenue.

The players

Surfrider Foundation

A non-profit environmental organization focused on protecting the world's ocean, waves and beaches.

Charles Varni

Chair of the SLO Surfrider chapter and an Oceano resident.

SLO County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of San Luis Obispo County, responsible for the local coastal plan that allows vehicle access to Oceano's beaches.

California Coastal Commission

The state agency that originally approved vehicle access to the Oceano Dunes in 1982.

California State Parks

The state agency that manages the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“More than 44 years ago a decision was made to temporarily sacrifice the health and safety of the Oceano Beach community so that motor vehicles could access the SVRA. Officials promised that within three years, a new southern entrance to the SVRA would be created and Oceano could have a vehicle-free beach and dunes. We are saying it is time to keep that promise.”

— Charles Varni, SLO Surfrider Chair and Oceano Resident (calcoastnews.com)

What’s next

The OVFB campaign has set a deadline of 2030 for the various agencies to have a project and funding in place to create a vehicle-free beach in Oceano.

The takeaway

This campaign highlights the long-standing tensions between recreational vehicle use and environmental protection in the Oceano Dunes area. If successful, it could provide a model for other coastal communities seeking to balance beach access, tourism, and conservation.