Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes are the second-largest stretch of dunes in California and the largest intact coastal dune ecosystem on Earth. From Pismo Beach to Point Sal, the dunes span 22,000 acres across 18 miles on California’s Central Coast.

This National Wildlife Refuge boasts dunes as tall as 500 feet, miles of beach, freshwater lakes, and native flora and fauna. These dunes also encompass local favorite natural areas, including the Rancho-Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, Oceano Dunes SVRA, and Oso Flaco Lake area. The stunning scenery of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes has played host to movie classics like The Ten Commandments (1923) and modern films like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Sideways, and Hidalgo.

The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes offer guests plenty of options for hiking, fishing, birdwatching, nature photography and much more.

The coastal access point in Guadalupe at the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve is just 12 minutes away from Santa Maria. You can get more information and plan your visit to the dunes from the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center.