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    Los Osos Elfin Forest

    4.6 (72 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Los Osos Elfin Forest Photos

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    Julie E.

    This place was absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. My boyfriend and I decided to come here to take a little walk and I'm glad we did. There isn't really shade so definitely wear sunblock and bring sunglasses and or a hat but there is seating/lookout/rest areas if needed. Parking is tricky because you're parking at the end of residential streets that only have a few extra spots (3-5) and because of this there are also no restrooms so go before! You have little walking trails, gorgeous views, and depending on which street you park down you can make the trail as long or as short as possible. We decided to park as close to the beginning of the trail as possible as I can't walk very far. The walk itself was also pretty flat with the exception of going from the car to the actual trail but it was sandy on some and the rest was on a wooden boardwalk that looped if you wanted. It was a nice walk if you're looking for something to do.

    Alex H.

    Stumbled upon this lovely little trail on a sunny Saturday afternoon while in Los Osos exploring some new hiking spots I haven't been to yet in the area (with my two fur babies). This trail offers amazing views of the San Luis Obispo green rolling hills on one side and the ocean on the other. There were multiple loops to enjoy while walking this trail and ample benches/seating throughout. Highly recommend if you are looking for a great spot to take your dogs on-leash. I will surely be back again soon!

    Lovely walk on a overcast day. It is mostly a manmade wood walkway, except for the very beginning. Not many trees, and was thinking it might not smell very good if its a hot day. But, it really is a nice, beautiful walk overall.

    Elfin Forest:  self guided tour
    Lorri D.

    Beautiful, well maintained, easy, relaxing stroll. The main loop is just a morsel longer than a mile, if taking the lookout branches. The entire way is trailed out with a wooden plank walkway, sprinkled with plenty of benches, spots of shady areas, and dog pick-up stations. You can take the trail a little longer, should you prefer, but the main loop with lookouts is approximately a mile. Walkers, strollers, dogs on leashes and wheelchairs are all welcome. The easiest access for those with wheels or walking disabilities would be off the 16th street entrance. The street is marked with a handicapped symbol. Taking this entrance will avoid a short distance of sand that the other spots have. Any of the entrances from 11th to 17th will work to get you there though. Along your walk you'll find informative signs plus QR Codes to scan which will take you to more in-depth information about plants and wildlife. You'll learn about Spittle Bugs, Sticky Monkey Flowers, Poison Oak, and about why the forest is named Elfin. The mighty Oak trees are dwarfed in size giving them the magical feeling of being in a forest for elves. You'll see spectacular views of Morro Bay plus Rose's garden is a fantastic place to sit and enjoy the cool tranquility of the surrounding Oak tree offshoots. You'll need to share your walk with birds, rabbits, lizards, butterflies and the occasional rabbit or deer. Definitely a great way to enjoy nature and stop and remember how beautiful our great Earth is. Enjoy!!

    Los Osos Elfin Forest
    John D.

    Elf Portrait Checked this place out at the end of the day to take in the sunset on our last night visiting Morro Bay (MB). The Good: *Really close to MB; only about a 10-15min drive *All the trails are fairly flat, well-maintained and most are a wooden boardwalk. Great place to bring elderly folks or the morbidly obese, like myself. *Gorgeous views The Bad: *Not a lot of actual official parking from what I could tell. We had to park ifo a neighbor's house. The Ugly: *Bugs! Lots of tiny, biting bugs made waiting for the sun to set a nightmare. Not sure if it's always like this or it was just a dusk thing but bring your repellant!

    Lizard friends!
    Anita T.

    Beautiful place to take a nature walk (probably can't be considered a hike, since it's fairly short and all flat). A lot of the walk is on well-kept boardwalk with a wide views of Morro Bay. There's also a few short off-trail stops with benches under the trees for a little break. Our small pre-school age children loved the walk and had no trouble doing it independently so it's also easy on the parents! Cons: Not a lot of parking at the trailhead, maybe enough space for like 4-5 cars, but it wasn't a very busy park. Can be very windy at the vista points.

    Boardwalk!
    vin b.

    This very easy walking trail is dedicated to the Fairbanks family who were killed in a car accident in 1995. This was their favorite place. There is a path to see their daughter's Seina's, favorite view. Mostly all of the trail is on a boardwalk. There are marked signs on the boardwalk with QR codes describing various plants. I thought this was very cool. No, I didn't see any elves. It's called the Elfin Forrest to describe the Pygmie Oak trees growing there. The views are incredible from any direction, many with Morro Rock in the background. There are benches so you can take in the view. There are 2 entrances, one off 11th street and one off of 16th street..this one has wheelchair access. It's an easy walk and quite picturesque!

    Views
    Kyla F.

    One of my favorite places! It's a lovely boardwalk that takes you through the beautiful native plants. Fantastic views and a nice place to walk friendly dogs on leash! Please remember that the boardwalk is one way! Look out for arrows that tell you which way to go and have a great time

    Ana T.

    I was in the Morro Bay Area and had to come here for a walk and the scenery. We parked on the 11th street and walked up to where the signs for the Elfin Forest was. We had to walk up the trail of sand and eventually there was the boardwalk loop. It was nice but it was a very foggy morning. Will have to come back one day when there is sun.

    Emma W.

    We did the main loop and the boardwalk/path is wonderfully maintained and perfect for an easy stroll. I loved all the informative signage and plaques indicating plant names along the path. There are plenty of benches throughout the forest for you to sit and take in your green surroundings. Definitely check out Siena's view and watch the birds do their thing. You'll definitely find peace and quiet at the Elfin Forest.

    Morro Bay Rock in the distance!
    Briana H.

    Wandered along this trail with a coffee on our last day to stretch our legs and see one last sight before hitting the road! Serene and relaxing stroll with pretty views of the water and Morro Bay rock.

    Falisha R.

    Loved, def a cute experience for kids. Don't make it your whole trip to morro bay but make it part of your trip to morro bay. Plenty to do in SLO

    One of the small parking areas..
    Marcus F.

    A family-friendly walk through coastal brackish marsh on a well maintained wooden boardwalk.. At one mile (or longer if you take the secret trails) it's a perfect place to take smaller kids. The views are great and there are informational stops and viewpoints along way. Tip - For those of you that are more adventurous you'll notice wooden stairs leading off the boardwalk on the North Eastern part of the loop. You can take this dirt trail north. Or just look for dirt trails with cable borders that lead away from the boardwalk. One of these trails leads to a Oak Grove which is a lot more secluded than the Rose Bowker grove.. Again, look for openings around 15 and 16 on the map. I suspect these dirt trails are used for the docent tours.. Parking is available at the end of a few cul-de-sacs along Santa Ysabel Ave. Note that not all lots allow cars to park.

    Hey look, a different view toward Morro Bay

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    Beautiful views and a relaxing walk through the Pygmy oaks of Los osos. Perched above the estuary with views of morro rock.

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    Always good for a walk and a relax of time. Enjoy. Leave no footprints, be kind and all is well

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Los Osos Elfin Forest

    Review Highlights - Los Osos Elfin Forest

    The Elfin Forest trail is named after the beautiful grove of Pygmie Oaks off the boardwalk of this beautiful trail.

    Mentioned in 23 reviews

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    Montana de Oro State Park - Montaña de Oro State Park

    Montana de Oro State Park

    4.7(350 reviews)
    4.7 km

    Located in 3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402 Montaña de Oro…read moreis 15 miles west of San Luis Obispo on Los Osos Valley Rd. until it turns into Pecho Valley Rd. I have been there many times since seven years ago and there used to be a set of wooden stairs that I would use them for getting to the beach but since two years ago they closed that path. It changed a lot during years ago but it still beautiful. People come here for walking, bicycling, surfing, swimming, camping and believe or not they used have free WiFi there. During thanksgiving and Black Friday I decided to go to nature instead of shopping; therefore, I went to a couple places including Montana de Oro and I am glad that I did that. It's was refreshing and very nice.

    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.

    Photos
    Montana de Oro State Park - Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park - Los Osos, CA

    Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park - Los Osos, CA

    Montana de Oro State Park - Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park - Los Osos, CA

    Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park - Los Osos, CA

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    Cloisters Park - From the parking lot- you can see the playground with infant/toddler swings!

    Cloisters Park

    4.7(17 reviews)
    11.4 km

    What a great little park! Clean facilities and wonderful walking trails that will take you all the…read moreway down to the beach if you'd like. Our daughter loved the swings and seeing all the wildlife (ducks, squirrels, seagulls). The playground looked clean and well maintained and safe for little ones to play around on. Although we did witness a seagull completely dig into someone's bag for an open bag of chips! So watch your food-these birds are aggressive! Haha! Restrooms were cleaned and stocked too. Plenty of parking and good midway between Cayucos and Morro- but closer to Morro. Short drive in either direction.

    This community park truly has it all! There are wonderful paved trails that lead you out to the…read morebeach. If you prefer to stay on the trail you can easily walk miles walking the expanse off paths and spots where you can birdwatch or take a break on a bench and enjoy the view. There are BBQ pits around the large grass area where you can also bring the kiddos to play on the climbing structure. The park is always busy and active with people on bikes, rollerblades or simply out walking their pets on leash. Dogs are welcome to come enjoy the several grassy areas where they are encouraged to explore, always on leash! (Please clean up after your pet. Bags are located by bathrooms) Last, but not least, make sure you bring layers because it tends to get windy out along the coast. Cloisters park A++

    Photos
    Cloisters Park - Beautiful trails for walking, running, etc. leads to beach

    Beautiful trails for walking, running, etc. leads to beach

    Cloisters Park
    Cloisters Park - Cloisters neighborhood

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    Cloisters neighborhood

    Sweet Springs Nature Preserve - Perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee.

    Sweet Springs Nature Preserve

    3.9(17 reviews)
    3.8 km

    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 .

    Photos
    Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
    Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
    Sweet Springs Nature Preserve

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    Sinsheimer Park

    Sinsheimer Park

    5.0(55 reviews)
    17.5 km

    I can absolutely see why this park is so highly rated within the city. Between the zip line, the…read morecardboard hill you slide down, the huge slides, the smaller toddler play area, wide open grassy spaces, walking trails, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and clean bathrooms--this is easily one of the best parks I've ever been to. I was anticipating my brother coming into town early Saturday, but he arrived a bit later than planned. That actually worked out because my daughter and I were able to check the park out ahead of time. When we returned on Sunday with my nephew, both kids were completely enamored. My brother and sister-in-law were just as impressed--the park is truly amazing. It's not overly crowded, feels very safe, and there's plenty of parking. We brought our own snacks and enjoyed a little picnic, which made the day even better. The weather was beautiful, and we already can't wait to return. This will definitely be our go-to park whenever we have the time. Absolutely love this place.

    Super fun park in SLO and definitely one of the best playgrounds. Located right next to the…read morebaseball field, this park has two different playgrounds, one for the little kids and a separate one of the bigger kids. Several large enclosed slides which are great for hotter days. There's a fun hill you can slide down on cardboard boxes as well as a small zip line. There's a number of benches and tables for adults to sit. Some are in the shade while others are not. There's some beautiful redwood trees on the periphery of the playground to do a nice picnic under. Parking lot is shared with a pool but there's plenty of space as long as there's no baseball game. There's also tennis courts next to the playground. The playground was redone in 2017 but it's held up pretty well. Overall very enjoyable place to bring kids with lots to keep them busy for a few hours of outdoor fun!

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    Sinsheimer Park
    Sinsheimer Park
    Sinsheimer Park - Huge park great for all ages

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    Huge park great for all ages

    Los Osos Oaks State Reserve - Mushroom hunter

    Los Osos Oaks State Reserve

    4.3(24 reviews)
    3.1 km

    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

    Photos
    Los Osos Oaks State Reserve - Tree looks good with age ;p

    Tree looks good with age ;p

    Los Osos Oaks State Reserve
    Los Osos Oaks State Reserve

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    Del Mar Park

    Del Mar Park

    4.7(12 reviews)
    12.5 km

    Its been a great park to go to with my daughter. The tall structure is great to climb and the…read moreslides are fun. The grassy hills are great for running around and being adjacent to the ranch property makes it fun to see cows. However, like every other park in Morro Bay it is falling apart and a slide is now closed. The spiral slide always scared me since the stairs don't seem safe since a kid could easily fall off. But still a fun park, I just with the parks department would do a fundraiser or something so our parks could be properly maintained and repaired.

    I was visiting my friends, who live in Morro Bay. We decided to hit up Del Mar Park for their first…read morepickleball experience. Despite a busy morning and a wait to get on the court, everyone we met was incredibly friendly. We began in the beginners' court, but it turned out my friends were former tennis players who quickly adapted to the pickleball rules and techniques. So, we moved up to the intermediate middle court and had a fantastic time. The crowd, although a bit older, was warm and welcoming. We shared plenty of laughs, and my friends loved their first pickleball experience, planning to return the next time I visit Morro Bay. Although there were only three courts at the park, they were well-maintained. $1 per player. I can't wait to play pickleball with my buddies and these wonderful people in the community again.

    Photos
    Del Mar Park - Backside of the courts.

    Backside of the courts.

    Del Mar Park
    Del Mar Park

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    Los Osos Elfin Forest - parks - Updated May 2026

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