Location: Los Osos
Top Things to do in Los Osos
The 10 Best Things to Do in Los Osos, United States
Los Osos is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place located along the Pacific coast of San Luis Obispo County, California. The community is part of the 93402 and 93412 ZIP codes and area code 805. The population was 14,276 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Los Osos
1. Montana de Oro State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 468 reviews
A great network of biking trails make this state park a perfect destination for expert and beginner bikers alike.
Reviewed By Maggers - Los Osos, California
Takes your breath away. Gorgeous walking and hiking trails offer options for all levels of fitness, including the flat Bluff Trail. Different at all times of year. Be sure to stop at the Spooner Ranch House for some juicy local history of bootleggers and smugglers! Spooner Cove beach is wild and beautiful.
2. Morro Bay National Estuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
California coastal wetland located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and covering 10 miles of shoreline.
Reviewed By Ruth H - Morgan Hill
I love kayaking here. You can rent them along front street or go on a variety of tours, including whale watching. There are lots of sea lions, sea otters, and birds. The waters are relatively calm too!
3. Elfin Forest Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By northernneckinn - Tappahannock, Virginia
Just across the estuary from our Morro Bay campground we found the Elfin Forest, a one mile gentle boardwalk through a beautiful range of Pacific Coast wilderness plants, trees and flowers, along with two peaceful viewpoints over the Bay. We accessed it through the 16th street access car park which is also the handicap entry so we were on boardwalk the entire hike. We saw several major plant species including sage, manzanita, gooseberry, ferns, poison ivy and stunted live oaks with Spanish moss. The Coast Live Oaks normally grow to 50 ft however the sand dune environment limits them to 12 ft. A very pleasant stroll and great exercise!
4. Morro Bay Skateboard Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Featuring skateboards and memorabilia from the 1930s to present day. Proudly displaying skateboards and memorabilia from Todd Huber's Skatelab, Stephen Pizzo, Pat "Skate Fink" Maphis, Dennis Allgeier and Jack Smith .Open seven days a week. M-F: 11-5 Weekends: 10-6
Reviewed By p0ulet0 - Switzerland
We enjoyed this very small museum (1 room). Free entrance, based on donation. Many old skates and scooters, movies and documentaires. A good moment.
5. Bluff Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 62 reviews
Scenic hiking trail in the Montana De Oro State Park.
Reviewed By Jon R - San Luis Obispo, California
There are a lot of wonderful trails to hike up and walk along in Montaño de Oro State Park, but it’s hard for me to imagine one more beautiful than the Bluff Trail. The views are stunning, with several bench areas along the way where you can sit and take it all in. Try to time your visit with a lower tide and then do not miss the short stairway down to the tide pools.
This is a comfortable walk on a wide trail with very little elevation change. If you’re like me you’ll get a lot of steps but not a lot of exercise because you’ll stop so often to take photographs. If you’d like a short hike uphill, then you can take the Badger Trail from the bluff back up to the park road.
I will return to this trail often.
6. Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
The emphasis is on interactive and hands-on learning exhibits that provide scientific information regarding tidal forces, geology, erosion and environmental issues.
Reviewed By Jon R - San Luis Obispo, California
This museum is small but it offers excellent exhibitions focused on local natural history. It is a particularly good place to introduce children to coastal ecosystems. Adults can learn a lot, too. We did. We particularly enjoyed the taxidermy specimens of local birds and wildlife. Part of the enjoyment is the excellent location overlooking the Morro Bay Estuary. Beautiful scenery.
The staff are friendly and helpful. They will remind you to "look up" because there are many things to see at the ceiling level, and to "open the drawers" to see small presentations in them. The gift shop has a nice selection of books, clothing, stuffed animals and other nature-related items.
7. Bishop Peak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Named because it resembles a bishop's hat, the highest peak of the Morros range is heavily used by hikers and bicyclists. The climb to the top will take anywhere from one to two hours depending on your fitness level.
Reviewed By Robin R - Hillsborough
Two trailheads: Patricia Drive trailhead has switchbacks and takes you gradually uphill with some shade from beautiful oaks. The Highland Drive trailhead puts you on a very steep, short hike to Summit Trail. We saw two hikers on hands and knees finishing it. Felsman Loop is a lovely hike on good trails. Summit trail has lots of boulders and rocks to climb over, so consider your ability to climb rocks without falling before you take this portion of the trail to the very top.
8. Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By onaroll56 - Los Osos, California
Sweet Springs has just added additional property and trails that are wheelchair friendly. There are trails that go around a freshwater pond that feeds into the bay. There are two bird blinds where you can relax and use your binoculars to view some of the numerous birds that visit the Morro Bay Estuary.
9. Morro Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Home to flocks of Peregrine falcons, egrets and blue herons, the 50-acre Morro Rock is the last in a chain of extinct volcanoes.
Reviewed By Jon R - San Luis Obispo, California
This iconic landmark is very much worth a visit. But don’t do as I’ve done on too many occasions — just drive into the parking area at the end f Coleman Dr. and look toward the harbor and the town of Morro Bay. That’s a very nice view, especially when the otters and sea lions are visible, but don’t forget to turn around and walk around.
First, walk around the Rock as far as possible on both the east and west sides. It’s impressive to get up close and personal. Pay attention to the "Do Not Climb" signs. It’s a common event to see a helicopter or an ambulance removing a lawbreaking explorer/climber. It’s very dangerous.
But the often hidden jewel is Morro Rock Beach. Some will access the beach from the parking lot north of Coleman Dr. I recommend a different access. As you’re turning onto Coleman Dr., the causeway that connects the mainland with the Rock, you will see a sign for Coleman Park. Just to the right of that sign is a bike path and dirt road heading north. Take that dirt road as far as you can drive a car, where you’ll find a small parking area on the left. You can bike or walk even farther north, using a bike/pedestrian bridge over Morro Creek. Access the beach from this area and then walk north of Morro Creek. On many days you will have this expansive, very gently sloping beach area almost to yourself. It’s well worth finding. The views are magnificent. It’s also a great place to find sand dollars.
I will return here many times.
10. Point Buchon Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Val E
The views are spectacular. The hike is not recommended for the novice but we're all 70ish and did fine. There are occasional benches but no toilets except at gate and parking lot. Mostly flat except steep entrance/exit. Take water and maybe a protein bar. Turkey vultures, grey heron, cormorants and much more.
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