I felt it was only appropriate to review one of my favorite state parks for my 1000th review…read more This park has an extensive history dating back to the Chumash Native American inhabitation. These people lived here long before European explorers arrived. The park was purchased in 1965 by the State of California and made a state park. Prior to it becoming a state park, the land was used for agricultural use as well as farming and dairy use. It consists of 8000 acres of cliffs, seven miles of shoreline, coastal plains, canyons and hills. There is such a peaceful and calm vibe that you feel as you enter the park. As you enter through this colossal Eucalyptus forrest, you are mesmerized with their size. Clouds flow through the forrest and open up to the mighty Pacific Ocean. I always feel like I am entering a different world when I come here. There are so many fun trails to hike at ocean level, mountain level etc. Abundant wildlife is everywhere. You can also just take leisurely walks and enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Plenty of places to picnic, and a small beach to hang out with family and friends. There is also a small campground but what a great place to camp! Dogs are allowed but need to be on a leash. My first time out here was back in 2021. I mainly walked the Bluff Trail and took in the wind shaped jagged cliffs, caves, and rocky shore. I then completed a long beach walk on the strand that led from the park to the shores of Morro Rock. I saw so many dead jellyfish which was odd. I also saw huge turkey vultures. The next summer I took a recommendation from a worker at a local coffee shop. He told me all about Coon Creek trail. I started on this trail but it was pretty flat and I wanted something a little more challenging. I saw a sign for Oats Peak Summit and I went for it. A steep climb but so worth it at the top. Views were incredible on this ultra sunny day. Last summer I took my hubby with me and we decided to hike Valencia Peak. Hiking from sea level up to 1,347 feet proved to be a challenge but such a fabulous reward at the top. I could have spent the day up there just taking in the 360 degree views of the ocean, Morro Bay, Los Osos, and the SLO valley in the background. We absolutely loved this hike! If you find yourself lucky enough to be visiting the central coast, be sure to check out this phenomenal state park. It's truly one of California's finest offerings. Most of all remember to pack in and pack out - LEAVE NO TRACE.

The Montana de Oro State Park is so very nice, and a great place to take an easy walk along and…read moreabove the cliffs. Parking is always easy and the view is stunning. We always try to take friends who are visiting, and they've all loved it. Thank you so much!

There are a couple of ways to mozy about this place, but the main boardwalk loop is a nice starting…read morepoint. Two nice vistas and Rose's Grove (a sanctuary space in the pigmy oaks) offer a nice place to pause. There are also ample benches throughout the walk if you want to take a break, or just enjoy the adjacent flora and fauna. It's one of my regular trails when walking, early morning or late afternoon. Both the sunrises and sunsets are beautiful!

The Elfin Forest trail is named after the beautiful grove of Pygmie Oaks off the boardwalk of this…read morebeautiful trail. Park along one of the many residential streets with signs marked Elfin Forest. Please be mindful of the neighborhood. The trail is flat with a boardwalk with directional signs everywhere. If you take one of the trails on the sand that runs along the freeway you will be able to see the beautiful groves of trees. This is an easy flat hike except for a few steps off the boardwalk. Benches are located at the lookouts. Bring your binoculars for bird and wildlife watching at the lookouts.

So pretty and peaceful. Very nice to walk around and look at tidepools and wildlife.read more

Love this beach so much! Go here every time we visit friends, relaxed beach with great views…read more Bathrooms are just okay but close to the beach which is very convenient. Parking lot can be busy but wow I love this beach!

I am so glad we discovered this park as it is my favorite park thus far…read more It had the best view of the Morro Bay rock as well as that boat. The kids can climb on with so much fun. It was clean with lots of little squirrels and places to sit.

I'm road tripping and happen to be in Morro Bay along the waterfront, Embarcadero Street. On the…read morefarthest side from Morro Rock is the Tidelands Park. "Aarr Matey" . Locals call the park, Pirate Park, due to the child's pirate ship play structure and nautical theme. The park is two acres advertised as having a children's play area, picnic tables with BBQs, green lawns, public parking lot (2), fish washing station, boater side dock with pump out for waste and access to fresh water, public restroom with showers, walking path towards the waterfront shops, boat launch, and stairs accessing the mud flats. The boat launch parking lot is not free anymore. Effective March 2026, ya gotta pay. Pay varies based on lot size. You can pay daily or get an annual pass. But it's free to launch your boat if that's any consolation. If you're looking for a place to launch your personal crafts (small skiffs, kayaks); this is the place. There are two parking lots. One on each side of the park. The lot furthest south has the boat launch and the lot has spaces large enough for trailers. Plus I gotta comment on the children's play area. It's not a typical park like playground, there are no swings or play equipment. They do have a sand filled area with a mini pirate ship and cute nautical themed concrete statues (octopus, seals, whale tail). What can go wrong with rambunctious kiddos and concrete climbable statues?!

Such a sweet, nicely planned out walking area. Easy enough for my mid-80s year old parents and…read moreinteresting enough for elementary kids. Start out at 15th/16th street for best start, however there are paths to the boardwalk at 11th through 17th streets. Parking is very "elfin" and limited spaces, located in residential area. The entire walk is about a mile with just a little elevation change throughout making it an easier walk. The boardwalk is also wheelchair accessible (enter on 15th/16th). Throughout the walk there are QR codes to find out more about the plants and species in the area, as well as paper maps to read. You'll also find pet stations scattered throughout. Don't be like the "regular" we saw walking his German Shepherd and leave your large bag of poop for others to pick up, place your waste in the trash, please!! The path is very clean (except that dude's poop bag) and kept up, signs remind you to stay on the trail... this is nature at it's finest! A couple of overlooks give you a marvelous view of the bay. Lots of great picture spots! Also located sporadically on the walk are benches to rest or just take in the view. Rose's view is especially pretty, it's like a "tree room" in the cool shade. No bicycles allowed on the trail. Enjoy!! I know we sure do.

From the owner: The El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area is 90 acres in size, and is in Los Osos, California. The name…read more"Elfin Forest" comes from the short stature of the Coast Live Oaks, which are stunted by the local environment. It is part of the County of San Luis Obispo Parks system. In the center of the Elfin Forest is a wooden boardwalk loop (1 mile in length) with beautiful views of Morro Bay and the surrounding landscape. You can enter the Elfin Forest on sand trails from the north ends of 11th through 17th streets, except for 16th street which joins the boardwalk loop with an accessible wooden boardwalk. There is handicapped parking at the end of 16th Street. Dogs on leashes are welcome. There are no restrooms or access to the bay. Please stay on designated trails to avoid poison oak. It is open from dawn until dusk.

Exceptionally quiet and peaceful 32-acre coastal wetland…read more The preserve was created to protect bird habitat, which means you'll see an impressive variety of species year-round. The trails are flat and easy, and a boardwalk leads you out to a panoramic viewpoint. Along the way, the path winds through eucalyptus and cypress groves that make the most beautiful sound when a gentle breeze moves through them. The overlook gives you a wonderful view of calm waters and Morro Rock in the distance. It feels intentionally designed for reflection. I found this place while staying at a nearby hotel recently and ended up coming here every morning. I had it all to myself each time, and one sunrise I was lucky enough to see a family of deer moving quietly through the brush. It's small, yet magical. It's also free, with easy street parking right out front. Open from dawn to dusk. If I lived nearby, I'd probably be here every morning.

One of my favorite places to visit in Los Osos! I'm always…read morepleasantly surprised by the wildlife I come across here--birds, butterflies, and more. The people on the trail are also incredibly polite; I'd say 9 out of 10 will greet you, which is something I rarely experience elsewhere, especially compared to LA. The trail itself is fairly small--you can walk through it in about 20 minutes--but if you pause to enjoy the scenery or spot wildlife, it can easily take much longer. Part of the trail is a boardwalk, while other sections are uneven sand, so if you're wearing flip-flops, be prepared. On windy days it can get quite chilly, so bringing a windbreaker is a good idea. A peaceful little spot that feels welcoming and full of life. If you come early enough you might catch deers that run in the neighborhood. Its parking is plenty along the reserve , street parking .

There is really few things in the world as nice as stopping by this Pier after having a fun time at…read morethe Baywood Farmers Market. One can find all sorts of seabirds, insects, and plants. Of course, it is best to photo them after having a great sandwich at High St. Deli.....along with a cold one. One my last photo session, I used my Sony A7RV plus some nice lens which while not macro, they do a good job. Lens Models: E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 Lens Model: FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

This is our family's go-to "sunset spot". I love walking here at all hours of the day, but sunsets…read moreare the best.

My enchanted forest!!!…read more ...and you don't have to travel far to the Fairy Tale Land, the Los Osos Oaks State Reserve is located right off Los Osos Valley Rd. with a small parking lot fits maximum maybe 10 cars. Look at the trail map, you will get a brief idea. Even though some reviews stated trails are not well marked, it's in fact very simple and hard to get lost. There's no scale on the map, it's smaller than I had anticipated though. The whole loop (started from Loop trail, connected to Oak View Trail and back from Los Osos Creek Trail) took me about 35 mins despite I stopped here and there to take photos and just enjoying the fresh smell of the wood after the rain. The more deep into the wood, where the Loop trail and Oak View Trail connects, the 800 years old Costal live oaks made me feel like everything would come alive when the sun goes down...and I absolutely love my solitude. Once you are closer to the entrance, you will start hearing the cars driving by Los Osos Valley Road and you know you are heading the right direction. I wouldn't consider it's a workout but absolutely good for all hiking levels and a short escape from the people. Side note: Poison oaks are natural part of the area, however, it's winter I was pretty much covered.

Located near Montana De Oro, Los Osos State reserve is a great place to hike trails and just enjoy…read morethe outdoor Beaty that the Central California Coast offers. I absolutely love those twisted oaks, they are gorgeous. Also a great place for family pictures

This monarch buttery preserve location is not very well known online. It is definitely a must to…read morevisit if you're in California Central Coast area and want to go on a good hike! Let me share some details about this preserve area. Background: This is a community project that successfully created a temporary home for the beautiful monarch butterflies. They're usually available from October to March. At the time we visited in June, they were all gone. We did get lucky and saw 2 butterflies! It is about 18 acre in size Location: The preserve is situated at the end of Monarch Lane in Los Osos. Parking: Free street parking! Fee: Free! What's out here: There is a sign "Coastal Access Trail Open To The Public" when you get to the end of the cul-de-sac. The beginning of the trail is filled with eucalyptus trees and it smells amazing! As you follow the fence line in the eucalyptus grove, you'll eventually reach an open area that is filled with coastal grass land. The grass land is enormous and you can hike in any directions you like. If you just hike straight for about half a mile, you'll eventually reach the sand dune. After you hike up the sand dune, you'll reach the ocean in another half mile. The beach was extremely secluded. As you hike, you'll see various plants and critters. This is my first time out here and thought I let you know what's to expect: - This area is coastal so you'll be hiking in sand! Bring shoes and flip flop! - There is no bathroom - There is no shades after the eucalyptus grove area. In the grassland, you'll see a few trees and that's about it! I recommend bringing a hat and lots of sunscreen for your excursion. - From the entrance to the beach is about 1 mile long. - If you want to enjoy the beach, bring beach gears. - The sand dune is a huge hill. - There are lots of horse poops along the trails as the locals ride horses around the area. - Great views when you get to the top of the sand dune. - Great way to get away from crowds. - Great wildlife opportunities.

After walking barefoot a short distance along the water, we both discovered large oil/tar spots on…read morethe bottoms of our feet. So sad. Other than that, this beach is amazing. The short walk to the beach is nice. Favorite part was no people around! I guess the review about bombs keeps them away.

Sandspit is an often-missed beach at the entrance of the Montaña de Oro State Park. This is the…read moreplace to go if you're seeking the solitude of a long beach walk with very few people. The hike to the end of the spit and back is 10 miles and for every mile you walk the fewer people there will be. It's basically ocean on one side, sand dunes on the other. Not many shells but there are plenty of birds. It's worth visiting. - Bathrooms are pit toilets... no fun - No dogs Tip - if you have any snow/sand sleds you can use them on the dunes at the beach entrance. But only if there are no plover nesting signs out...