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!

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.

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.

Very beautiful walk on the beach, any time of day really but sunset was gorgeous!…read moreWe found parking very easily on the north side. There wasn't that many people the day we went. I'm sure it can get busy during the summertime. A beautiful part of California coast.

When you're in San Louis Obispo, Morro Rock is one of those "why not check out a 23 million year…read moreold rock" experiences. An easy flat walk from Morro Bay or you can drive to the rock itself. Lots of parking there. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of sea life on Morro Bay including those adorable sea otters. The rock itself was formed from ancient volcanic activity about 23 million years ago, it's the final peak in a chain of volcanic hills called the "Nine Sisters. Great way to chill and breathe in the beauty of Morro Bay. Happy Travels! 34

This trail is managed by PG&E as it abuts the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, so there is a…read morecheck-in/out procedure and the trail is not open all the time. However, my wife and I hike this trail every year when we celebrate our anniversary (in October) or our birthdays (in November) nearby and love the return to it. This year we only went as far as Lookout Point before we had to turn back due to a reservation elsewhere (a kayak tour of Morro Bay). But we usually hike all the way to the end. Spectacular views of the coast and the rock formations jutting out into the ocean. Birds galore on the rocks and often seals in the water. Sometimes we have spotted whales far offshore. PG&E maintains the trails nicely and the walk is easy, though several miles long to the end. Along with the many hiking trails in next-door Montana de Oro, this is not to be missed by any hiking enthusiast on the central cost.

Wow. This might be one of my favorite trails I've ever hiked…read morein my life. My cousin and I recently re-visited the Montana De Oro State Park area. Last time, we had hiked Valenica, Oates, and Hazard Peaks, which you can read about here: http://tinyurl.com/8mjdzhha This time, we wanted to hike Point Buchon Trail through Diablo Canyon, which only accepts a limited number of hiking reservations per day. Luckily, we made it on time, and were able to register in person at the kiosk on the trail. (Technically, Point Buchon trail is owned and operated by PG&E, and is not a part of Montana De Oro State Park, but the road is the same, and the parking areas are right next to each other.) My cousin had mentioned some "cool rocks," but that barely even begins to describe what we saw here. There were spectacular geological formations around every single bend in the trail. The views were indescribable. I've never seen anything like this in my life, even though I am originally from Southern California. Most of the "cool rocks" are the remnants of eroded coastlines (the ruins of ancient beaches). There are numerous arches and caves, and even a sinkhole. Watching the waves come in through the sinkhole was one of the most interesting things we saw that day. We had originally planned to go down into some of the caves, but the tide was way too high for that. In fact, the tide was the highest I've ever seen in my life. Once we were nearing the end of the trail, from up on the cliffs near the power plant, we saw some waves that we estimated to be about thirty feet high. Down on the beach, back on the calmer side of the trail, we found all kinds of tide pools and tiny shells. While I was busy taking pictures of sea snails inside of pink abalone shells, my cousin was jumping rope with a giant piece of bull kelp. My cousin said we hiked eight miles, but I swear it only felt like one. Time flies. This trail was pretty easy to hike, but for an added challenge, it would be easy to add on any of the nearby three peaks in Montana De Oro. Point Buchon Trail is a must-see. If you haven't been here yet, I highly recommend checking it out at least once!

Beautiful place. You can definitely find some special spots to have an adventure in. A ton of…read morehermit crabs. You can see the otters swimming with the surfers.

A nice spot a few minutes drive from the rock and the town. Spaces are nice and clean. A little too…read morecozy to adjacent neighborhoods for my liking. It was the week after Memorial Day weekend and the place was sparsely occupied. The app showed the park as full though it was at least half empty. The restrictions were clean and it was a short walk to the beautiful trail. There was a restaurant very close by that we'd like to try next visit. The staff were super friendly. We had a knock on the door from park police. Apparently the staff at entry didn't have our tags marked for the appropriate days. A quick drive up front and all was resolved. Certainly a park worth repeating if our other preferred spots are full.

If you like a slower pace, Morro Bay is great. Small shops, ocean breeze, and that huge rock…read morestaring at you everywhere you go. It's not a big tourist scene, which I actually loved. The beaches are clean, people were pleasant & mellow, and the bay views are beautiful. We spent most of the time just walking around. Plenty of parking too. While strolling the pier, you can find numerous seafood and waterfront dining options. If you live in California, it's a 3-day weekend escape, including the hours on the road.

Love this quiet little sleepy beach town! Morro bay is such a hidden gem off the 1, and one of my…read morefavorite spots in SLO county. There are lots of adorable little shops and boutiques, dog friendly restaurants, seal / otter watching, and a great beach for surfing or relaxing. A great spot to get fresh seafood. Highly recommend also getting a kayak or stand up paddle board to explore the bay while enjoying the great bay weather or catching a sunset.

Morro Bay is home...we'll at least where my heart is. I lived here for a number of years before…read moremoving to Tennessee. Still one of my most favorite places/beaches in the world! I absolutely love it when the fog rolls into the bay. Not so good for tanning, but peaceful for sure. I got to sit on the beach and listen to the waves my last day here with the moisture of the fog on my face, my last day here

It's a big NO from me! Super small campsites, no enforcement at all; one side of me at a tent site…read morewas a huge family with their big RV's and the other side had noisy loud people talking loud until midnight. Only plus is that it's next to the ocean but the entire city is next to the ocean so if you want a nice comfy stay, this isn't it. Then I drove to the other campground, Morro Bay campground , and had the same situation over there campsites on top of each other, so I just went back to the Strand and packed up my stuff and left.. one of the worst campgrounds I have ever encountered. 2 stars because the park aide was nice.

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.

Absolutely beautiful place. It has a boardwalk that is good for those who have knee or arthritis…read moreproblems. As the name suggests it is full of elfin trees. There are places where the boardwalk leads to that are inside the elfin trees, super cool. Good for people who have kids who like climbing trees. #locallegend