For my California friends who have driven the 101 between LA and SF (or at least made a break for…read moreSLO from Pasadena), you probably have a vague recollection of seeing signs for Nipomo... but maybe can't remember quite where along the drive.
... and that's Ok, because Nipomo is more or less content to keep to itself. A small but tightly-knit community, heavily influenced by an agrarian history, this little town is just a skip off the highway, and close enough to Pismo and SLO that most folks don't think to stop there.
But if you're in no particular hurry, and you're not looking for manicured nonsensical whimsy such that one might find in the nonpareil sections of Santa Barbara, then give this town a look.
In addition to one of my favorite steakhouses (see my review for Jocko's in Nipomo), there are other little treasures to be found on quiet streets with backdrops of pasture and agriculture.
On our most recent trip in April 2021, my family got a wild hair and we decided to take the drive up to Jocko's from our campsite at El Capitan for COVID-19 style takeout. Once our to-go containers were safely in my truck, we looked around for a place a little nicer than the gravel-covered parking lot of said steakhouse to enjoy our meals.
Just a short drive away on the other side of the 101, we found this regional park. Somewhere in the midst of athletic fields, open spades of rolling hills, and a few playgrounds, we found a picnic area beneath century-old oak trees. There was something magical about eating our oak-grilled Spencer steaks and filet mignon cuts, huge baked potatoes with all the fixings, and a bunch of sides in that setting. The crisp, clean air, pushed by a sea breeze made the sunset sparkle through the trees as we supped.
Yeah, I know... it's just a park. But for that short time, it was our family table, a celebration of being together with and for each other. That it is a peaceful and beautiful little spot off the beaten path made it that more special.