Los Osos Travel Guide

Check out this comprehensive travel guide of Los Osos, California featuring a long list of places to visit, best things to do, week-long itinerary, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and more!


Introduction to Los Osos

Located in San Luis Obispo County, in Central Coast, in California, in United States of America, in North America, Los Osos is a small unincorporated town that offers visitors a quiet and laid-back getaway. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Los Osos Valley, this charming hamlet boasts some of the most spectacular natural wonders and outdoor adventures in the region. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will share must-see attractions, the best things to do, the food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, and much more in Los Osos, California.

List of Places to Visit in Los Osos

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve
  • Morro Bay National Estuary
  • Montaña de Oro State Park
  • Point Buchon State Marine Reserve
  • Elfin Forest Natural Area

Natural Attractions of Los Osos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Montana de Oro Bluffs Trail
  • Coon Creek Trail
  • Los Osos to Morro Bay Bike Path
  • Los Osos Valley Mountain Biking
  • Ontario Ridge Trail

Hiking/Biking Routes of Los Osos

  • Montana de Oro State Park: Use Hazard Peak to access several trails and hikes within the park, including the Bluffs trail, which takes hikers to stunning views and the beach.
  • Morro Bay State Park: Trails range from easy walks to more strenuous hikes, while the bay offers water-based activities and boating.
  • Sweet Springs Nature Preserve: This is a great place for a leisurely walk.
  • Los Osos Oaks State Nature Reserve: Several short trails on which visitors can explore the oak trees and fauna of Los Osos.
  • Montana de Oro Bluffs Trail: Highly recommended for biking and hiking enthusiasts for its varied terrain and panoramas of the Pacific Ocean.

Best Things to Do in Los Osos: Activities and Tours

  • Photography tours: The area has a wide range of wildlife and stunning landscapes that offer great photography opportunities to both professionals and enthusiasts.
  • Whale watching: Depending on the season, visitors can spot several marine creatures, including whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters.
  • Surfing: The Pacific Ocean’s waves offer great opportunities for both beginner and advanced surfers.
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding: Whether a beginner or an expert, kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to explore the local estuaries and coastlines.
  • Wine Tasting: San Luis Obispo County has some of the best wineries in the region, so a trip here wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one.

Week-Long Itinerary for Los Osos

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Montana de Oro State Park and hike Bluff Trail
Day 2 Visit the Elfin Forest Natural Area. Enjoy kayaking at Morro Bay Harbor and sunset at Morro Rock
Day 3 Rent bikes and ride the Los Osos to Morro Bay Bike Path. Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a local winery.
Day 4 Walk through Sweet Springs Nature Preserve then Surf at Cayucos State Beach.
Day 5 Day trip to San Luis Obispo for hiking and shopping in the historic downtown
Day 6 Visit the amazing beaches of Hearst Castle, one of the most epic views of this area.
Day 7 Enjoy an early morning coffee while watching the waves at Montana de Oro State Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Los Osos

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crab melts – The crab soufflé found at the Back Bay Café is a must-eat dish.
  • Fusion cuisine- Enjoy the fusion delights from the menu at Baywood Ale House, a local favorite.
  • Sushi- Check out Sushi Kokku, which boasts some of the freshest and most innovative dishes in the region.
  • Local wines and beers- There are plenty of great local wineries and breweries to quench your thirst while relaxing in Los Osos.

Local Beverages

  • Coffee: Latte lovers will find their happy places among the local shops like Ascendo Coffee, Pacific Bay Coffee, and Little Black Bird Bakery and Café, which serves organic coffee.
  • Local Beer- Check out the Baywood Ale House, which offers several types of craft beer on tap and an outdoor patio for enjoying it.

Where to Stay in Los Osos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Sea Pines Resort- Perfect for a family holiday with a pool and proximity to Montana de Oro State Park.
  • Back Bay Inn: This charming Bed & Breakfast is equipped near the back bay of Morro Bay.
  • Beach Bungalow: A cozy Airbnb experience within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean

What to Buy in Los Osos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local Wines and Olive Oils from San Luis Obispo County vineyards and orchards.
  • Local art and craft, including ceramics, jewelry, clothing, pottery, and much more, available in shops and boutiques.

Local Culture and Customs of Los Osos

  • Respect the wildlife and sea creatures by not feeding or touching them. Admire them from afar.
  • Treat locals with respect and kindness.

Best Time to Visit Los Osos

The climate in Los Osos is fairly mild year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s most of the year. However, the best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is warm and dry and there is plenty of sunlight.

Do’s and Don’ts of Los Osos

Do:

  • Respect the environment and follow the rules of the hiking and biking trails.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, Hwy 1, and take in the stunning vistas.
  • Try the local wines and cuisine at local eateries.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash in the parks or on the beaches
  • Disturb the wildlife by feeding or touching them.
  • Go off the hiking trails, as it can be dangerous and damaging to the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Los Osos

  • Take care while swimming or surfing along the coastline.
  • Keep valuables locked in hotel safes or inside the vehicles.
  • Be mindful of the nearby Marine Corps Air Station and heed the warning signals on the loudspeakers.

Health in Los Osos

  • Drink plenty of water and use sunblock to avoid sunburns.
  • Wear protective gear while biking or hiking.
  • Be aware of Poison Oak on some of the hiking trails.

Getting to Los Osos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Los Osos

  • San Luis Obispo Airport
  • Santa Maria Public Airport
  • Bakersfield Meadows Field Airport

Bus Stations Near Los Osos

  • Amtrak Bus Station San Luis Obispo
  • Greyhound Bus Station San Luis Obispo

Other Options

  • Driving: Los Osos is within driving distance of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other major cities in California.
  • Rental car: Car rentals are available in the nearby San Luis Obispo or Morro Bay.

How to Get Around Los Osos

Driving is the best option for getting around Los Osos. However, visitors can rent bikes or scooters from a local rental shop or hail a ride from local Uber or Lyft drivers.

Where to Go Next from Los Osos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Morro Bay: Known for its stunning sand flats topped with Morro Rock and Morro Bay State Park.
  • San Luis Obispo: A university city known for its historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.
  • Pismo Beach: Just a short car ride south of Los Osos, it offers some of the area’s best beaches and seafood.
  • Hearst Castle: A historic mansion on a hill, offering a spectacular view of the coastline.

Conclusion

Los Osos, California, is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a quiet, relaxing escape from their hectic lives. From hiking and biking trails to kayaking and beach walks, there’s something here for everyone. We hope that this comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your next trip to Los Osos, California.