The blog

Stories from the valley

Practical guides and stories about Guadalupe and the Santa Maria Valley: the dunes, downtown, slow drives along Highway 1, and tips for living with coastal weather. Everything here is written to help visitors and locals plan a good day out and enjoy this corner of the Central Coast.

A weathered wood deck with simple railings overlooking coastal dunes and a foggy Pacific Ocean

October 5, 2026 · 4 min read

Building a Deck That Survives Central Coast Fog and Salt Air

How fog, salt air, and sun affect decks near Guadalupe, plus materials, coastal hardware, drainage, maintenance, and planning tips for the Santa Maria Valley.

A quiet small-town main street lined with low historic brick storefronts and green awnings

October 5, 2026 · 3 min read

A first-timer's day in Guadalupe

A relaxed, unhurried plan for your first day in Guadalupe: a downtown stroll, the dunes, the coast, and the farm fields that define the town.

Golden coastal sand dunes covered in yellow and orange wildflowers above the Pacific Ocean

October 5, 2026 · 3 min read

Visiting the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

Guide to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes: where to go, what to bring, and how to protect this fragile coastal landscape.

A two-lane coastal highway curving through golden hills beside the Pacific Ocean at sunset

October 5, 2026 · 3 min read

Guadalupe to Pismo on Highway 1

A relaxed weekend drive from Guadalupe north to Pismo Beach along Highway 1, with farm fields, dunes, small towns, and ocean views along the way.