Nipomo is a census designated place in San Luis Obispo County, California.

Get in

By plane

The closest commercial airports are San Luis Obispo (SBP ^IATA) and Santa Maria (SMX ^IATA). The Santa Barbara Airport (SBA ^IATA) is 90 miles to the south. Major airports are in the Los Angeles area, or San Francisco Bay Area where you will have more travel options.

By car

Nipomo is on Highway 101, south of San Luis Obispo.

By train

Nearest train stations are in the nearby cities of Guadalupe and Grover Beach.

Do

• Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, ☏ +1 805 343-9151. An 18-mile stretch of sand dunes on the coastline. Hiking, wildlife viewing to surf fishing. The Dune Center (see Guadalupe for details) offers guided walks of the dunes. Cecil B. DeMille filmed the 10 Commandments on these dunes then buried the set pieces in the sand. As the dunes blow in the wind, the sets are revealed then reburied so keep an eye out for "ancient Egyptian" architecture during your visit. Many other films have been filmed on this beach including a few scenes from the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie 

Eat

• Jocko's Steakhouse, 125 N Thompson Ave, ☏ + 1 805-929-3686. Monday – Friday 4 PM to 9 PM; Saturday – Sunday 1 PM to 9 PM. Dressy casual environment, frequently booked in advance with walkin space saved. (updated Jun 2022)

Sleep

• Kaleidoscope Inn & Gardens, 130 E Dana St, ☏ +1 805-929-5444. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A gingerbread Victorian inn with themed rooms. $140 per night for a room. (updated Jun 2022)

Go next

• Santa Maria - Seven miles south of Nipomo, Santa Maria is the largest city in Santa Barbara County, and is probably best known as the original home of barbecue tri-tip, now referred to as Santa Maria style barbecue. The area is also one of the state's largest wine-producing regions, and has been a filming location for films ranging from The Ten Commandments to Pirates of the Caribbean.

Routes through Nipomo

San Luis Obispo ← Arroyo Grande ←

N  S

→ Santa Maria → Santa Barbara