Los Osos

Los Osos, "The Bears" in Spanish, is an unincorporated community in San Luis Obispo County. The community is combined with Baywood Park. Despite the name, no bears have been seen in this area for over 100 years so there is no need to worry about encountering one in the countryside.

• South Bay Boulevard leads to town from Morro Bay.
• Los Osos Valley Road leads to town from San Luis Obispo.

San Luis Obispo County Regional Transit Authority's Route 12 provides service from San Luis Obispo.

• 35.2639-120.8621 Montaña de Oro State Park, 3550 Pechco Valley Rd (Take Pechco Valley Rd to the end), ☏ +1 805 528-0513. This 8,000 acre park was named one of the state's best-kept secrets by the L.A. Times, and with good reason; it's filled with an abundance of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails both along the ocean along the bluffs and inland into the coastal peaks; a dramatic cove with caves that kids and adults love; and miles of sandy beach and tidal pools. Trails range from casual ambles along the bluffs to the steep climbs up Valencia and Oats Peaks. Oats is the longer hike (about 5.5 miles / 9 km) but more rewarding, as it offers views of Valencia against the Pacific, as well as northward and eastward to the Nine Sisters and Cuesta Ridge; the trail also is less steep. A terrific nine-mile (14-km) loop can be made by continuing over the summit to the Coon Creek trail, then crossing back in front of the range along Rattlesnake Flats Trail. Take water! The "Mountain of Gold" also reigns as a popular out-and-back destination for the many road cyclists in the county, but cyclists ride westward early as strong winds pick up through Los Osos Valley in the early afternoon. There are 50 primitive camping sites (i.e. vault toilets and water from tanks).  (updated May 2026)
• 35.3064-120.8142 Los Osos Oaks State Reserve, Los Osos Valley Rd between Palomino Dr and Lariat Dr (Just east of town), ☏ +1 805 772-7434. Daylight hours. This 90 acre (0.5 km²) preserve protects a grove of 800-year-old coast live oaks. A 1.5 mi (2.4 km) trail leads through the preserve. Poison oak is found in abundance so leaving the trail is not recommended. There are no picnic or restroom facilities in the Preserve. Free.  

• 35.32802-120.840231 Farmers' Market, Santa Maria Ave (between 2nd & 3rd). Mon 2PM-5PM. Local produce and flowers.  

• 35.31478-120.832881 Kuma, 2011 10th St, ☏ +1 805 528 6767.  (updated Feb 2018)
• 35.32782-120.839372 Nardonne’s La Famiglia Pizzeria, 715 Santa Maria Ave, ☏ +1 805 528-1976.  (updated Feb 2018)
• 35.31489-120.831533 Sylvester's Burgers, 1099 Santa Ynez Ave, ☏ +1 805 528 0779.  (updated Feb 2018)

• 35.328-120.84111 Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd St, ☏ +1 805 439-1969.  (updated Aug 2020)

• 35.32729-120.841651 Back Bay Inn, 1391 Second St, ☏ +1 805 528-1233. A 13 rooms oceanfront waterfront lodge on Morro Bay. All rooms waterfront and are only 50 feet from the waters edge.  

• Morro Bay - five miles north, this coastal town is best known for the massive 581-foot (177 m) volcanic rock that dominates its harbor, but is also a great spot to see marine mammals and is home to one of California's oldest fine art and craft shows.