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Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area has 1,500 acres, featuring beach and sand dune riding. Thousands of off-highway vehicle enthusiasts enjoy the beach dunes of this SVRA most weekends during the summer. It is a motorcycle, four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle, and dune buggy use area. Camping is allowed on the beach.

Montana de Oro State Park features over 8,000 acres of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills - with 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park trails. There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The best-known beach is Spooner's Cove, across from the campground. The park's name (Mountain of Gold) comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park includes primitive and equestrian campsites.

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pacific Ocean while camping at San Simeon Creek Campground (water + showers) or Washburn Campground (water fill-up in lower campground + no showers). This tranquil getaway has many recreational options. Beach is closed to dogs for the protection of the threatened Snowey Plover shorebird.

Gaviota State Park is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking and surf fishing. This section of the coast was first called gaviota (seagull) by soldiers of the Portola Expedition in 1769. A pier on the west end of the beach is used by divers and surfers. A Southern Pacific railroad trestle crosses the creek above the day-use parking lot. Visitors can explore the upland portions of the park from a trailhead in the parking area. Gaviota Peak offers a view of the coast and the Channel Islands.