Los Osos California Central Coast Day Trip

Los Osos is a charming town near Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. This small coastal town offers many attractions, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. The town is divided into two distinct regions: Los Osos and Baywood Park.

Baywood Park

Baywood Park has a few small businesses, such as eateries, stores, and overnight accommodations offered by Back Bay Inn and Baywood Inn. At the end of the road lies a pier overlooking the estuary, where people can birdwatch, observe wildlife, or enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

Morro Bay Estuary

The estuary is unique to this region and maintained by Morro Bay. Hundreds of species of birds either live here year-round or migrate here for the winter from Alaska, Canada, or the northern states. A vital buffer area that has recently become a protected reserve between the estuary bay and the housing areas.

Los Osos Elfin Forest

The Elfin Forest has a boardwalk and trails that are handicapped accessible, and it hosts dozens of mammals and endangered and threatened species. The name is derived from the pygmy oaks that grow here and are stunted because of their sandy soil. There are docent-led tours, or you can walk on your own. The Elfin Forest is just off South Bay Boulevard north of Santa Ysabel. Address: 1103 Santa Lucia Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402

Sweet Springs Nature Preserve

Another nature preserve is Sweet Springs Nature Preserve on the north side of Ramona Avenue. This preserve protects endangered and threatened species that flock to the unique habitat created by eucalyptus, oaks, the ocean, and natural springs and ponds.

Los Osos Oaks State Reserve

The reserve features a one-mile trail that will take you through the gnarled trunks of more pygmy oaks and past tons of poison oak, wild cucumbers, mushrooms, and other native plants, said to be at least 600 years old and once planted by the Chumash Indians. Los Osos Oaks State Reserve Address: 660 Ramona Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402.

Montano de Oro State Park

Last of the preserves but certainly not the least, is the Montano de Oro state park, where you will enjoy trails through forests of eucalyptus and oak, across meadows with millions of wildflowers, along sandy beaches, and around rugged cliffs. You can splash in the bay, investigate caves, watch the tide pools, and even camp with or without your horses.

Morro Bay State Park

The Morro Bay State Park spans 2,700 acres and features a top-notch campground with almost 100 campsites. Visitors can also explore the Museum of Natural History to learn more about the history of the Morro Bay Estuary.

Getting to Los Osos

The community of Los Osos, also known as Los Osos/Baywood Park, is located along the Southern tidal estuary of Morro Bay on the smog-free coast of Central California.

Los Osos is reached from Highway 101 on Los Osos Valley Road or Highway 1 on South Bay Boulevard.

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