Adrienne's Guidebook
My favorite walks/hikes
Beautiful, easy walks abound just out your front door and across the street.
Beautiful, peaceful and easy hike/walk just across Pecho Valley Rd from your front door. Note: use caution when crossing Pecho.
Follow the trail around the water tank to the trees and turn right once you reach the no dogs sign to walk through the grove, near the golf course and do a loop back up Fresno street. When you’ve gone 3/4 of a mile, as you follow the trail along the golf course fence, you will come out to a clearing with a beautiful view of the bay and a bench on the slope to enjoy the view, meditate or just be. It’s about 2.4 miles round trip or just 1.5 if you walk to the bench and view and turn back. This walk is beautiful any time of day, not busy and shady for half the distance. About half the trail is sandy, so not wheel friendly.
For a more strenuous hike and to get to a beautiful deserted beach section of Montana de Oro, instead of turning right at the NO dogs sign, follow the trail straight and it will take you over a very large dune. You will be rewarded with a beautiful beach and you will likely be the only people there. You can walk left down the beach two miles to get to Hazard Canyon reef, which has nice tide pools. Beware of swimming as the current is pretty rough.
Coastal Access Monarch Butterfly Preserve
2-98 Monarch LnBeautiful, peaceful and easy hike/walk just across Pecho Valley Rd from your front door. Note: use caution when crossing Pecho.
Follow the trail around the water tank to the trees and turn right once you reach the no dogs sign to walk through the grove, near the golf course and do a loop back up Fresno street. When you’ve gone 3/4 of a mile, as you follow the trail along the golf course fence, you will come out to a clearing with a beautiful view of the bay and a bench on the slope to enjoy the view, meditate or just be. It’s about 2.4 miles round trip or just 1.5 if you walk to the bench and view and turn back. This walk is beautiful any time of day, not busy and shady for half the distance. About half the trail is sandy, so not wheel friendly.
For a more strenuous hike and to get to a beautiful deserted beach section of Montana de Oro, instead of turning right at the NO dogs sign, follow the trail straight and it will take you over a very large dune. You will be rewarded with a beautiful beach and you will likely be the only people there. You can walk left down the beach two miles to get to Hazard Canyon reef, which has nice tide pools. Beware of swimming as the current is pretty rough.
Beautiful walk down to the bay and around Cuesta Inlet. Cross Pecho Valley rd in front of your door but instead of turning left at the water tank, keep going down Pecho Valley Rd until you reach the cross street Pecho Rd. Turn left and follow the street to the end which puts you on the trail around Cuesta Inlet. The trail is not very sandy but probably not very wheel friendly. I love to do this walk at sunset but it’s lovely any time of day. It’s never very busy but you will see more people late afternoon walking their dogs after work.
Cuesta Inlet
Beautiful walk down to the bay and around Cuesta Inlet. Cross Pecho Valley rd in front of your door but instead of turning left at the water tank, keep going down Pecho Valley Rd until you reach the cross street Pecho Rd. Turn left and follow the street to the end which puts you on the trail around Cuesta Inlet. The trail is not very sandy but probably not very wheel friendly. I love to do this walk at sunset but it’s lovely any time of day. It’s never very busy but you will see more people late afternoon walking their dogs after work.
A 6 minute drive from our place takes you into one of California’s gems, Montana de Oro State Park or MDO as the locals call it. If you only have time for one easy hike, do the bluff trail, overlooking the rugged coast with hidden beaches available at low tide. Mornings are the prettiest on the bluffs but it’s lovely at any time. It’s often windy, so bring a layer. The park gets pretty busy on the weekends.
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Bluff Trail Montana De Oro
Bluff TrailA 6 minute drive from our place takes you into one of California’s gems, Montana de Oro State Park or MDO as the locals call it. If you only have time for one easy hike, do the bluff trail, overlooking the rugged coast with hidden beaches available at low tide. Mornings are the prettiest on the bluffs but it’s lovely at any time. It’s often windy, so bring a layer. The park gets pretty busy on the weekends.
The Elfin Forest hike and Boardwalk is not to be missed. It’s especially magical on moonlit nights but lovely at any time. This short, easy loop takes you through elfin oak trees hundreds of years old and provides spectacular views of the Morro Bay estuary. It’s a wooden boardwalk so fairly wheel friendly.
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Elfin Forest
17th StreetThe Elfin Forest hike and Boardwalk is not to be missed. It’s especially magical on moonlit nights but lovely at any time. This short, easy loop takes you through elfin oak trees hundreds of years old and provides spectacular views of the Morro Bay estuary. It’s a wooden boardwalk so fairly wheel friendly.
Estero Bluffs is another easy hike not to be missed! About a 20 minute drive takes you to the north edge of Cayucos to Estero Bluffs and Harmony Headlands. This stunning area has several beaches you can scrabble down to with some effort or you can just walk the bluffs and enjoy the view. From the bluffs you will see many birds, seals and the occasional otter. There is also a shipwreck at the start of the hike! It’s one way in and out so you can make the hike as short as a mile or as long as 5. It’s lovely any time of day but does get windy so bring a layer just in case. The hiking trail is dirt and semi wheel friendly as long as it hasn’t been raining.
And after the hike, it’s worth it to drive a few more minutes north to the adorable “town” of harmony to see the glassworks, pottery shop, and if you are lucky the Harmony ice cream truck (out most weekends until 4 pm).
Estero Bluffs
Estero Bluffs is another easy hike not to be missed! About a 20 minute drive takes you to the north edge of Cayucos to Estero Bluffs and Harmony Headlands. This stunning area has several beaches you can scrabble down to with some effort or you can just walk the bluffs and enjoy the view. From the bluffs you will see many birds, seals and the occasional otter. There is also a shipwreck at the start of the hike! It’s one way in and out so you can make the hike as short as a mile or as long as 5. It’s lovely any time of day but does get windy so bring a layer just in case. The hiking trail is dirt and semi wheel friendly as long as it hasn’t been raining.
And after the hike, it’s worth it to drive a few more minutes north to the adorable “town” of harmony to see the glassworks, pottery shop, and if you are lucky the Harmony ice cream truck (out most weekends until 4 pm).
Pasadena Park is Los Osos “beach” on the bay. While there can be a lot of eel grass, this is a fun place to dip in the water, although it’s a bit mucky.
It’s a perfect spot to launch your kayak at high tide or walk at low tide. There is a small dirt lot and street parking just off Pasadena Drive in Baywood/Los Osos. You can also check out the “pier” near Nautical Bean. The pier is wheel friendly but the beach walk is not.
Pasadena Park
Pasadena DrivePasadena Park is Los Osos “beach” on the bay. While there can be a lot of eel grass, this is a fun place to dip in the water, although it’s a bit mucky.
It’s a perfect spot to launch your kayak at high tide or walk at low tide. There is a small dirt lot and street parking just off Pasadena Drive in Baywood/Los Osos. You can also check out the “pier” near Nautical Bean. The pier is wheel friendly but the beach walk is not.
Food scene
Los Osos has several favorite eateries, all very casual, family friendly and a relaxed vibe.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday from about 1-8, in the Rexall Drug parking lot, you can get the best salmon tacos on the central coast. Hanna’s uses fresh, delicious ingredients, healthier than your average taco truck. FYI THEY ONLY TAKE CASH.
Hanna's Street Tacos
995 Los Osos Valley RoadThursday, Friday and Saturday from about 1-8, in the Rexall Drug parking lot, you can get the best salmon tacos on the central coast. Hanna’s uses fresh, delicious ingredients, healthier than your average taco truck. FYI THEY ONLY TAKE CASH.
Done outside on the heated patio of Beerwood and catch the local scene. A delicious menu (love the family style blue corn quesadillas and charcuterie board), dog friendly, ample pleasant patio and local brew and vine on tap, you can’t go wrong with Beerwood.
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Beerwood
690 Santa Maria AvenueDone outside on the heated patio of Beerwood and catch the local scene. A delicious menu (love the family style blue corn quesadillas and charcuterie board), dog friendly, ample pleasant patio and local brew and vine on tap, you can’t go wrong with Beerwood.
High Street deli is a fixture in San Luis Obispo among Cal Poly students. Now there is a second high Street deli in Baywood/Los Osos! Fantastic sandwiches and if you buy one of their unique T-shirts you get a discount on your sandwich. Awesome outdoor patio for dining.
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High Street Deli
1326 2nd StreetHigh Street deli is a fixture in San Luis Obispo among Cal Poly students. Now there is a second high Street deli in Baywood/Los Osos! Fantastic sandwiches and if you buy one of their unique T-shirts you get a discount on your sandwich. Awesome outdoor patio for dining.
Good food, although a somewhat small menu, and fantastic outdoor seating. Often live music on Thursdays. .
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The Olde Alehouse
945 Los Osos Valley RdGood food, although a somewhat small menu, and fantastic outdoor seating. Often live music on Thursdays. .
Kuma is your place for sushi and noodle bowls. Check their site but I believe it’s 1/2 off noodle bowls and $1 sake everyday 2-4. And $5 hand rolls every Tuesday. They have great outdoor seating but they get busy. Worth the wait but food can be slow when they are busy.
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Kuma.
2011 10th StKuma is your place for sushi and noodle bowls. Check their site but I believe it’s 1/2 off noodle bowls and $1 sake everyday 2-4. And $5 hand rolls every Tuesday. They have great outdoor seating but they get busy. Worth the wait but food can be slow when they are busy.
If your a burger fan, your Los Osos trip isn’t complete without a stop at Sylvester’s. It’s not upscale digs but it’s been here forever and the burgers, fries and milkshakes are solid.
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Sylvester's Burgers
1099 Santa Ynez AveIf your a burger fan, your Los Osos trip isn’t complete without a stop at Sylvester’s. It’s not upscale digs but it’s been here forever and the burgers, fries and milkshakes are solid.
If you’d like a short, easy walk (.7 miles) to a bar and grill, check out The Clubhouse at Sea Pines Golf. Although the menu can be hit or miss, I hear the eggs Benedict are delicious. And you can’t beat the convenient location minutes from your door.
The Clubhouse Grill @ Sea Pines
250 Howard AveIf you’d like a short, easy walk (.7 miles) to a bar and grill, check out The Clubhouse at Sea Pines Golf. Although the menu can be hit or miss, I hear the eggs Benedict are delicious. And you can’t beat the convenient location minutes from your door.
Wonderful artisan sourdough breads, croissants, and tarts. A bit pricey but worth it.
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Pagnol Baywood at 3rd Street Bakery
1229 3rd StWonderful artisan sourdough breads, croissants, and tarts. A bit pricey but worth it.
A fixture of Los Osos for over 40 years, Carlocks has solid bakery items and bobas. The donuts and ham and cheese croissants are my family’s favorites. Closed on Sundays.
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Carlock's Bakery
1024 Los Osos Valley RdA fixture of Los Osos for over 40 years, Carlocks has solid bakery items and bobas. The donuts and ham and cheese croissants are my family’s favorites. Closed on Sundays.
On Mondays 2-4:30, The Baywood Farmers Market is not to be missed. Stephanie the Soup Lady near High Street Deli is the bomb but she runs out by 3:15. The berry stands are another favorite. And you can soak in the live music, people watching and ambience of true Los Osos/Baywood.
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Baywood Market
1297 2nd StOn Mondays 2-4:30, The Baywood Farmers Market is not to be missed. Stephanie the Soup Lady near High Street Deli is the bomb but she runs out by 3:15. The berry stands are another favorite. And you can soak in the live music, people watching and ambience of true Los Osos/Baywood.
The Saturday Morro Bay farmers market is as much a craft fair as a farmers market and is a fun way to spend part of an afternoon. Saturdays 2:30 to 5 on Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street. While you are there you should check out the Ugly Mug for the wonderful gifts and ceramics, including 3 Stacks Pottery.
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Morro Bay Saturday Farmers Market
Morro Bay BoulevardThe Saturday Morro Bay farmers market is as much a craft fair as a farmers market and is a fun way to spend part of an afternoon. Saturdays 2:30 to 5 on Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street. While you are there you should check out the Ugly Mug for the wonderful gifts and ceramics, including 3 Stacks Pottery.
I’m told they have the best breakfast burritos and they are just a short drive, 1.4 miles away.
San Miguel Market & Deli
2060 9th StI’m told they have the best breakfast burritos and they are just a short drive, 1.4 miles away.
Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos is my favorite brunch on the central coast, so worthy to include here in my dining list. Their savory blue corn waffles are the bomb. They are closed some days and get busy on the weekends, be sure to check their hours. They have a large outdoor seating area with an ocean view and indoor seating too. There are many other good dining opportunities outside of Los Osos for you to explore.
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The Hidden Kitchen
113 N Ocean AveHidden Kitchen in Cayucos is my favorite brunch on the central coast, so worthy to include here in my dining list. Their savory blue corn waffles are the bomb. They are closed some days and get busy on the weekends, be sure to check their hours. They have a large outdoor seating area with an ocean view and indoor seating too. There are many other good dining opportunities outside of Los Osos for you to explore.
Formerly known as Pagnols. Wonderful artisan sourdough breads, croissants, and tarts. A bit pricey but worth it.
Caliwala Bakery
1229 3rd StreetFormerly known as Pagnols. Wonderful artisan sourdough breads, croissants, and tarts. A bit pricey but worth it.
Neighborhoods
Baywood is the quaint downtown of Los Osos. A short drive or bike ride (2.2 miles) to the “pier” and Second Street shops and eateries. Don’t miss Nautical Bean for your morning coffee, High Street Deli for lunch, and Beerwood for dinner. Peruse Marea Art Gallery for a local, handmade memento from your trip, including some 3 Stacks Pottery by your host. Enjoy the Farmers Market Mondays 2-4:30. Baywood “rolls up the sidewalks by 7 or 8, so best to catch it in daylight.
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Baywood-Los Osos
Baywood is the quaint downtown of Los Osos. A short drive or bike ride (2.2 miles) to the “pier” and Second Street shops and eateries. Don’t miss Nautical Bean for your morning coffee, High Street Deli for lunch, and Beerwood for dinner. Peruse Marea Art Gallery for a local, handmade memento from your trip, including some 3 Stacks Pottery by your host. Enjoy the Farmers Market Mondays 2-4:30. Baywood “rolls up the sidewalks by 7 or 8, so best to catch it in daylight.
Along with the rock, beach and embarcadero, Main Street of Morro Bay is fun to walk around and visit thrift stores, restaurants and gift shops. Be sure to stop by the Ugly Mug on Main Street where you can see pottery and other art featured in our guest suite.
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Morro Bay
Along with the rock, beach and embarcadero, Main Street of Morro Bay is fun to walk around and visit thrift stores, restaurants and gift shops. Be sure to stop by the Ugly Mug on Main Street where you can see pottery and other art featured in our guest suite.
Good Swim Beaches
These are beaches that would be friendly for most swimmers, even children. I’ve put them in order with most kid-friendly at the start.
Avila Beach has the gentlest surf in the area and often lifeguards. This is the most “kid-friendly” beach on the central coast. Avila is also a cute town to walk around and on your drive in you can stop at the Avila Hot Springs for the family pool or romantic hot spring soaks. Also on the road to Avila is the Avila Valley Barn, which has a cute farm stand, pony rides and seasonal mazes. The Bob Jones bike trail to Avila is popular with cyclists and there are several hikes, including one to overlook the bay that starts at the Sycamore Mineral Springs (parking can be tricky).
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Avila Beach
Avila Beach has the gentlest surf in the area and often lifeguards. This is the most “kid-friendly” beach on the central coast. Avila is also a cute town to walk around and on your drive in you can stop at the Avila Hot Springs for the family pool or romantic hot spring soaks. Also on the road to Avila is the Avila Valley Barn, which has a cute farm stand, pony rides and seasonal mazes. The Bob Jones bike trail to Avila is popular with cyclists and there are several hikes, including one to overlook the bay that starts at the Sycamore Mineral Springs (parking can be tricky).
Morro Rock is not to be missed on your central coast visit. The iconic rock and three stacks offers a swim and surf beach which often has lifeguards, an enchanting maze of cairns at the very end of the road and an embarcadero just accross from the large beach parking lot where you can see many families of otters. Walk down the embarcadero to many shops and restaurants. The beach is often windy so bring layers.
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Morro Rock Beach
Morro Rock is not to be missed on your central coast visit. The iconic rock and three stacks offers a swim and surf beach which often has lifeguards, an enchanting maze of cairns at the very end of the road and an embarcadero just accross from the large beach parking lot where you can see many families of otters. Walk down the embarcadero to many shops and restaurants. The beach is often windy so bring layers.
Cayucos Beach near the pier has surfing and boogie boarding. North of the pier the boogie boarding surf tends to be more mellow. There is convenient parking south of the pier but it fills up by noon on weekends and you may need to check street parking. One of my favorite brunch places is right off the beach, Hidden Kitchen, with delicious blue corn waffles.
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Cayucos Beach
Cayucos Beach near the pier has surfing and boogie boarding. North of the pier the boogie boarding surf tends to be more mellow. There is convenient parking south of the pier but it fills up by noon on weekends and you may need to check street parking. One of my favorite brunch places is right off the beach, Hidden Kitchen, with delicious blue corn waffles.
If you are missing your 4-legged friend, head to the dog beach. You can stroll for over three miles from the tide pools at the south end on the edge of Morro Strand State Beach to the pier at Cayucos. At low tide, the tide pools are fun. No lifeguards but you can also boogie board and surf here.
Morro Bay Dog Beach
If you are missing your 4-legged friend, head to the dog beach. You can stroll for over three miles from the tide pools at the south end on the edge of Morro Strand State Beach to the pier at Cayucos. At low tide, the tide pools are fun. No lifeguards but you can also boogie board and surf here.
Kayaking
If you are a water sports fan, kayaking on the bay is not to be missed.
Kayak Shack usually has the most affordable kayak rental on the bay. Call ahead to check availability. This launching spot is easy and hosts lots of nature. If you want more “harbor action” then you might want to rent at Morro Bay Paddlesports, which is right off the embarcadero where you will see many boats coming and going, seals on the dock and otters.
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Kayak Shack
10 State Park RoadKayak Shack usually has the most affordable kayak rental on the bay. Call ahead to check availability. This launching spot is easy and hosts lots of nature. If you want more “harbor action” then you might want to rent at Morro Bay Paddlesports, which is right off the embarcadero where you will see many boats coming and going, seals on the dock and otters.
If you brought your own kayak, then you can launch right in Los Osos. It is critical to check tide tables or you will be caught in the mud at low tide. My favorite spot to park and launch is just off Doris pictured here. You can also launch on the other side of Cuesta inlet off Nancy Ave and at Pasadena Park in Baywood.
Cuesta Inlet
If you brought your own kayak, then you can launch right in Los Osos. It is critical to check tide tables or you will be caught in the mud at low tide. My favorite spot to park and launch is just off Doris pictured here. You can also launch on the other side of Cuesta inlet off Nancy Ave and at Pasadena Park in Baywood.
Sightseeing
Be sure to check out walks/hikes for your nature fix.
If you are here on Thursday night, I recommend you go to the downtown San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market from 6-9. It’s a great city scene with higuera street shut down to offer blocks of farm stands, food stands, artisan stands and live music.
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Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
Higuera StreetIf you are here on Thursday night, I recommend you go to the downtown San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market from 6-9. It’s a great city scene with higuera street shut down to offer blocks of farm stands, food stands, artisan stands and live music.
On Saturdays from 2-6, Sea Pines offers free concerts on the green. Bring your own chairs or blanket but not your own food. They ask you purchase food and drink there so they can offer the concerts free. Check their website to see the Saturday’s musical guest. Also, for golf, frisbee golf and soccer golf, their 9 hole course is very nice.
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Sea Pines Golf Resort
1945 Solano StOn Saturdays from 2-6, Sea Pines offers free concerts on the green. Bring your own chairs or blanket but not your own food. They ask you purchase food and drink there so they can offer the concerts free. Check their website to see the Saturday’s musical guest. Also, for golf, frisbee golf and soccer golf, their 9 hole course is very nice.
Sweet Springs is a lovely little walk where you will find many varieties of local birds.
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Morro Coast Audubon Society Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
660 Ramona AveSweet Springs is a lovely little walk where you will find many varieties of local birds.
Drive to the top of Rodman Drive to be rewarded with incredible views of the bay, sand spit and ocean. You can also connect to the Broderson Peak Trail if you’d like a challenging hike.
Broderson Peak
Peak TrailDrive to the top of Rodman Drive to be rewarded with incredible views of the bay, sand spit and ocean. You can also connect to the Broderson Peak Trail if you’d like a challenging hike.
Hearst Castle is worth a visit. My whole family, even a hard to please teen, really enjoyed the tour and it was extra special at Christmas time.
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赫斯特城堡
750 Hearst Castle RoadHearst Castle is worth a visit. My whole family, even a hard to please teen, really enjoyed the tour and it was extra special at Christmas time.
I mean, how often do you get to see dualing male elephant seals, harems of females and adorable baby seals? Spring calving time is especially popular.
Elephant Seal Vista Point
I mean, how often do you get to see dualing male elephant seals, harems of females and adorable baby seals? Spring calving time is especially popular.
Coffee
Where can I get a decent latte?
For a solid latte or an excellent Mexican Mocha, check out Nautical Bean, just over 2 miles away in Baywood. They have great outdoor seating with an awesome view of the bay. There is food too. I’ve not eaten here much, but everything I’ve tried has been good.
Nautical Bean
1399 2nd StreetFor a solid latte or an excellent Mexican Mocha, check out Nautical Bean, just over 2 miles away in Baywood. They have great outdoor seating with an awesome view of the bay. There is food too. I’ve not eaten here much, but everything I’ve tried has been good.
Ascendo is a solid local coffee option as well with a wide selection of coffee drinks and baked goods.
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Ascendo
1230 Los Osos Valley RdAscendo is a solid local coffee option as well with a wide selection of coffee drinks and baked goods.
Starbucks is the only drive-thru in Los Osos. No joke. I understand the locals were not too happy about a large chain coffee place and a drive-thru coming to town, so it’s literally the only one😀. But of course a solid option for caffeine needs.
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Starbucks
730 Quintana RdStarbucks is the only drive-thru in Los Osos. No joke. I understand the locals were not too happy about a large chain coffee place and a drive-thru coming to town, so it’s literally the only one😀. But of course a solid option for caffeine needs.