Page 45 - SLO Visitor's Guide - Winter 2023

Nipomo
Nipomo is a small town on the mesa in the southern area of San Luis Obispo County that is known for its stands of eucalyptus trees, expan- sive golf courses and special outdoor and nature experiences.
Nipomo preserves a spirit of true frontier land even while modern businesses thrive in its commercial areas. Standing on the wet sand of the shore of the Pacific, looking out over the sprawling Guadalupe-Nipo- mo Dunes toward the rich, riparian woods, creeks, fresh water lakes and the Santa Maria River, one imagines seeing the same views that the original Chumash saw while going about their daily activities. The word “nipomo” means “base of the hills” in the Chumash language.
Bostonian sea captain, Captain William G. Dana acquired a land grant in 1837, and settled the 37,888-acre Rancho Nipomo. His adobe house still stands near the 101 Freeway.
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Attractions
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
The 3,400-acre Guadalupe- Nipomo Dunes Preserve is one of
the largest remaining coastal dune systems in the nation and is a must- see excursion for hikers, naturalists and bird-watchers. Catch glimpses of more than 200 varieties of birds and view more than 120 imperiled plants and animals within the preserve’s Na- tional Wildlife Refuge and surround- ing dune habitat.
Nipomo Native Gardens
A forest of native plants and
trees are maintained by volunteers from the Nipomo Native Gardens Society. The Nipomo Native Garden is a 12-acre site located between Pomeroy, Camino Caballo and Osage, nipomonativegarden.org.
Nipomo Swap Meet
The huge Nipomo Swap Meet and Flea market is on the grounds adja- cent to the 101 Freeway at the Teft Street off-ramp. The Nipomo Swap Meet & Flea market combines great family entertainment with old school swap meet atmosphere. It is the larg- est swap meet on California’s Central Coast and is open Sat - Sun 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. $3 parking on Sun. No dogs. Visit nipomoswapmeets.com or call (805) 929-7000 for more information.
Dana Adobe Historical Landmark and Cultural Center
The mission of the Dana Adobe Cultural Center is to engage visitors with the stories of California’s Rancho Era History, connecting them with the peoples, the land and its resources
to foster environmental stewardship and cultural understanding. The Dana Adobe is located at 671 Oakglen
Ave, Nipomo, CA. Be sure to visit danaadobe.org before arriving for the most recent information.
The Luffa Farm
Come and see how luffas grow at the Luffa Farm. These natural sponges grow like squash. Take a free tour and see all their products at the gift shop. Open Wed. to Sun. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 1457 Willow Road., theluffafarm.com, (805) 343-0883
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