|
|
|
|
THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
|
|
|
Los Osos, California is a quaint little town
next to Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. It is not normally
seen as a day trip in itself but there is lot to see in
this little central coast town. Los Osos is part of a
vast area that was once inhabited by the Chumash Indians.
The area has two distinct areas, Los Osos and Baywood
Park.
Baywood Park area streets are lined with inviting business,
antique shops, cafes, and stores. At the end of the road
there is a pier overlooking the estuary where people go
to bird watch, look at wildlife or just enjoy the peaceful
atmosphere.
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. Between the estuary bay
and the housing areas is an important buffer area that
has recently become a protected reserve.
The Elfin Forest has a boardwalk and trails that are handicapped
accessible and it hosts dozes of mammals, endangered,
and threatened species. The name is derived from the pygmy
oaks that grow here and are stunted because of the sandy
soil that they inhabit. There are docent led tours or
you can walk on your own.
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 and oaks, the ocean, and
natural springs and ponds. Here is where the monarch butterflies
can be observed from late October into March every year
as they complete their migration down the coast of California.
|
|
|
Elfin Forest trail Los Osos, California |
The Los Osos Oaks State Reserve has 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.
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 wild flowers, 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.
Los Osos Community Park is a great way to relax after
exploring all the nature in the area. There is a large
playground for the kids, multiple sports areas with tennis
and a skate park just to name two. The old one room school
house from town was recently moved to the park for more
exploration. J & J Riding offers horseback riding
tours that go down on the beach and are a destination
for many people in the area.
If you are there on a Monday afternoon in Baywood Park,
don’t miss the Farmer’s Market that comes
out to sell the area’s fresh produce. Farmers
Market is held at Santa Maria Avenue between 2nd &
3rd Streets.
Baywood Park Pier is located at
the intersection of 2nd Street and El Morro Ave. overlooking
the shores of the lagoon-like estuary.
The Elfin Forest is located just off South Bay Boulevard
north of Santa Ysabel. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible
and starts at the north end of 16th Street
|
Sweet Springs Nature Preserve |
Los Osos Oaks State Reserve |
The community of Los Osos, often referred
to as Los Osos/Baywood Park, is nestled 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 from Highway 1 on South Bay Boulevard. Neaby points
of interest are Morro
Bay and Montan
de Oro State Park.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Avila
Beach a quaint little town on the Central
Coast of California. Local favorite beach. |
|
Cambria
is a quaint English style village located near Hearst
Castle. |
|
Morro
Bay a central
coast fihing town with a huge rock at its harbor
entrance. |
|
Pismo
Beach has it all and the atmosphere
ranges from peaceful to adventurous. |
|
Living
Desert Zoo in
Palm Desert displays over 450 desert animals within
its 1200 acre park. |
|
|
