Name: Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve
Rating: 4

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About Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve in Guadalupe, California

Ranch Guadalupe Dunes Preserve County Park near Guadalupe, California has the northernmost beach along the Santa Barbara County coastline. These large sand dunes are managed by the Santa Barbara County Parks Department for both recreation and animal habitat protection. The dunes here are high and vast and the beach is long and sandy. There are access restrictions March 1st through October 1st for snowy plover and least tern bird nesting protection so read signs in the parking lot before roaming the dunes. North of the parking lot the Santa Maria River meanders toward the ocean with more bird-watching opportunities.

To get there, turn west on Main Street in Guadulupe and follow it to the end of the road where a parking lot on the sand that isn’t far from the water’s edge. Once on the beach you can walk south for 2.5 miles to Mussel Point or walk north in front of Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge.

Address: 6350 W Main St
Guadalupe, CA 93434
Park Name: Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve County Park
Owner: County Park
Pet Details: No dogs allowed in the park or on the beach
Fees: Free parking
Activities: Beachcombing, Birdwatching, Whale Watching, Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking, Surfing, Beach Walking
Amenities: Dunes, Restrooms, Picnic Tables
Links: Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart