The Guadalupe-Nipomo sand dunes offer a taste of wilderness just minutes outside the city of Santa Maria.
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes and nearby Lake Oso Flaco are home to many endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. A beautiful, short boardwalk takes you from the parking lot, over Lake Oso Flaco, and through the dunes before arriving at the ocean. Enjoy the local wildlife and abundant wildflowers that dot the trail, and tread lightly, respecting the closures and guidelines put in place to protect this delicate environment. Pro tip: this is a great place to pack in a thermos of hot coffee and take in the early morning views before the heat of the day sets in.