Founded in 1999, the Dunes Center is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. The Dunes Center was originally conceived by a group of concerned citizens and in 1989 the Nature Conservancy’s efforts to help preserve and restore the Guadalupe Beach and Oso Flaco Lake Natural Areas planted the seeds for a dunes visitor center. The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex is comprised of 18 miles of coastline and is one of the most ecologically significant and largest intact coastal dune ecosystems on earth. A significant portion of the nearly 22,000 acres is under public management and open for recreation.

The Dunes Center was finally opened in 1996 in a small storefront in central Guadalupe and evolved, over time, into our current existence. In 1998, the Dunes Center, seeking non-profit status, was adopted by the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County and eventually became an independent and thriving non-profit in 1999.

We have a thriving education program, reaching over 4,000 students annually. We offer docent led walks in the dunes. We have guest speakers for our volunteers, members, and local community. We have quarterly Members Events. In addition, we are the Administrator of what is known as the Dunes Collaborative—a coalition of state agencies, federal agencies, local governments, and nonprofits.

 

 

The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes are a National Natural Landmark and this beautiful natural resource is a perfect place to visit and enjoy nature; our Interpretive Center provides information and activities for all of our visitors.

 

Contacting the Dunes Center

Interpretive Center Location and Hours: 

1065 Guadalupe Street ( Highway 1) Guadalupe, CA 93434

Wednesday and Sunday 10:00 am-4:00 pm 

Mailing Address and Hours: 

1065 Guadalupe Street, Guadalupe, CA 93434

Tuesday through Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm