Spyglass Park is a clean, fun and scenic park in Pismo Beach. There is a parking lot to park in…read more This park has bathrooms, which were clean when I was there. There is a large grassy area to play on. There are a few picnic tables to eat on. There is a fantastic overlook to see the ocean. There is a semi hidden path to get down to the ocean. The playground is great. Part of the playground is in the shape of a ship. There is plenty of equipment to climb on and a few slides to enjoy. There are toddler swings but there aren't any regular swings. Part of the playground has wood chips underneath, part has soft padding. The playground has a larger and smaller playgrounds. Both playgrounds are in good condition. Have fun out there. -Dadzone

Loved this little hiding spot. It's a cute little park. My dog and boyfriend could have stayed for…read moreliteral hours!!! I loved that there was beach access too. Pretty awesome. I would love to go back for a picnic or just some relaxation! Compared to Central Valley heat, it's a real nice get away in the summer! Definitely recommend this park for families, couples, everyone!

Shamel Park is a community park in the coastal California town of Cambria nestled in the burbs…read morealong Moonstone Beach. It's a six acre park that has a large grassy field, kids play area, swimming pool, reserved picnic table area with a Santa Ana grill, individual picnic tables with smaller grills, gazebo, restrooms, and direct access to Moonstone Beach. There is no fee to use the park including the parking. When I dropped by recently in the summer, the grassy lawn was crunchy brown. I don't know the reasoning for the lack of irrigation. But it was open for folks to use still, some folks were playing soccer. The swimming pool was surprisingly smallish size for a community pool; it was covered up and not in use. Possibly closed just for the day. I'm sure the schedule is posted on the San Luis Obispo parks district website. The pool is next to the children's play area, gazebo, and restroom. The play area and picnic areas are shaded by beautiful old growth trees. This is one of my favorite beaches, in Cambria, due to the restroom situation and combo park and beach access. There are several walking beach access points from the park. But most I recall involve stairs. The stairs are not numerous but they're there. The beach has sleeper currents and strong riptides. So if you go into the water be careful especially since there are no lifeguards here. To the far right behind the restrooms is a ragged tag self made old dirt trail leading to the Santa Rosa creek where it connects to the beach.Beautiful views. Movie worthy cinematography scenes. Regarding the dog policy, dogs are not allowed on the beach. But they are allowed in the park, leashed that is.

This park is a fine place to stop if you want to let the kids or the dog out for a bit…read more Most of the grassy area was taken up by a large group of gentleman playing soccer while we were there but there is a small, unfenced area where you can let your dog off leash for a bit and let them relieve themselves. Most people kept their dogs on leash though Be careful though as it's close to the street and people go around the corner there much faster than I would like, especially for a residential neighborhood. The bathrooms were clean and there is a playground area for kids. You can also access the beach from this park. There is a pool are that was closed, so as busy as it was when we visited, I imagine it gets even busier.

The otters are absolutely cute. They are best viewed in T pier but can also be seen along the rest…read moreof the pier.

We came to check out the Black Hill Trail!…read more Parking lot is limited, but it's a great out and back trail. We took the exercise loop and went up black hill trail, and then took grove trail on the way back and linked back to exercise trail -back to parking lot. Bring hat and water- the trail is partially shady but gets really hot. Some breeze, great views up top! Caution: there's a lot of poison ivy lining the path- don't advise small children or pets on the trail.

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.

Great little play park for the kiddos. It's right next to the aquarium and alongside the beach. It…read morehas a play area (jungle gym), a pirate theme play structure... Arr' matey!, basketball court, patches of green lawn nice for picnicking, benches, and public restrooms. Family friendly vibes The beach is right there. Just steps away. Yay. The park is close to the beach shallows and where the beach funnels into the creek. Calmer waters. The promenade and pier are within walking distance. Parking is street parking. At least it's not parallel parking. Ohh ya all know I luv history. So gotta let you know this is also the spot of the last lost " sand spur" of the narrow gauge track of the Pacific Coast Railway. The railway actively ran in 1875-1940 from San Luis Obispo to Los Olivas, running through Avila Beach. There is a plaque along the sidewalk between the park and beach. All remnants of the track are long gone.

Absolutely concur with Nicole's perspective. Family friendly and just a super coastal city easy…read morebreezy beach vibe here in this cove that is Avila. Seek this spot out and enjoy the surf, the local beachfront and vitamin C(A)!

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.

Gold Fashioned A…read moremere fifteen miles west of SLO sits Montaña de Oro, which is one of California's largest state parks at a whopping 8k-acres. And the cherry on top of all that acreage, is a nice seven-mile stretch of California coastline. The Good: *Shockingly--free admission! *Superlative views of rocky shores, cool ocean breezes, and plenty of vitamin sea for everyone. *Bluff Trail is the best way to take advantage of those aforementioned seven miles of shoreline; easy, flat and nonstop ocean views. *Spooner's Cove is a great little beach to have a picnic at (pit toilets available). *Restrooms throughout the park *Mountain biking trails *Campgrounds & environmental camps available The Meh: *Dogs only allowed at Spooner's Cove and campgrounds, but we saw plenty along the trails. I guess it's not heavily enforced, but you take your chances. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ *A few AC parking lots but it's gonna be mostly edge of the shoulder parking. Please pay attention to any signage to avoid tickets/tow. *Little to no shade along the trails, which normally wouldn't be an issue as it's along the coast, but even the coast can get warm. So bring ya waters. The Ugly: *Very popular place and can fill up fast, so don't dilly-dally and get here early. Conclusion: Amazing park with fantastic views, but with a bit of a people problem.

Coleman Park in Morro Bay, CA, finally got a remodel. This iconic park sits near the impressive…read morebehemoth of Morro Rock. The remodel updated the play area equipment to be modern, safer. Gone are the steel swings that pinch fingers, and get toasty warm to the touch in hotter months. Gen X style. Restrooms were updated as well, The adjoining parking lot was restructured making the lot closer to the park and more accessible. The enclosed basketball court is still there. The historical marker of the First Filipinos in America moved closer to the three stacks and Embarcadero Street. The park is right along the coastal access walking path (which is ADA compliant, nice). The path connects from the waterfront (aka Embarcadero) to the Morro Rock. From the path, one side is the park and the other is directly next to the gentle harbor waters. When I was there, there were a couple of sea otters super close. They were lounging about eating. Providing quite a show.

A cute park, located on a path aside the bay, has a mini spiral slide, classic swings, and a…read moreface-to-face tandem swing. The playground flooring seems to be made with shock-absorbent, interlocking tiles. It has a small parking lot nearby, yet there is ample parking a short walk, both north and south. It's a perfect mini stop for little ones before or after fun north at Morro Rock Beach, exploration west at Morro Rock, or south on a harbor walk. My elementary school-aged kids spent approx 15-20 minutes here and did not want to leave.

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.