Montaña De Oro State Park

This state park offers a beautiful and rugged coastline with some beachy coves to explore and hang out on. Tide pooling is awesome at Hazards Canyon when the tide is low. Explore the big rolling sand dunes, the coastal sage scrub habitat and some shady eucalyptus groves.

Black Hill

Located between Los Osos and Morro Bay, this hike takes you to the top of a medium hill overlooking the estuary, Morro Rock and the ocean and the rolling hills that run through San Luis Obispo.

The Elfin Forest

An easy boardwalk stroll through the pygmy coast live oak trees and chaparral with great views of the estuary. Very kid friendly!

Big Sur

If you have extra time during your stay, we highly recommend taking time to explore Big Sur. There is so much raw beauty along the coast. Big Sur is where the southern most redwoods can be found.

Some of our favorite areas and hikes are:

-Salmon Creek trail (southern Big Sur)

-Ragged Point vista point

-Limekiln State Park

-Nepenthe Restaurant and Cafe Kevah with stunning views + artistic gift shop

-McWay Falls (the iconic waterfall on the beach)

**Make sure you check the road access! Big Sur often has road closures due to past weather disasters.

Morro Bay Natural History Museum

This small but rad museum offers lots of interactive activities to learn about the local habitats of the central coast. This is a really great outing for the whole family!

https://www.morrobay.org/listing/morro-bay-state-park-museum-of-natural-history/15568/

The Elephant Seals

Drive up the coast to the San Simeon area, near Hearst Castle to see what the elephant seals are up to. During July and August the big males have just finished arriving back to their rookery on the shore. There may not be a ton of seals on the beach yet, but the sparring between the adult males is more serious during this time. Also, keep your eyes peeled for zebras along the highway, near Hearst castle.

https://elephantseal.org/

Whale Watching

From August to October is the peak season for sighting Humpback whales! You can organize a trip through a few different vendors:

https://morrobaywhalewatching.com/

https://slo.tours/

https://www.avilabeachwhalewatching.com/

Kayaking in Morro Bay

The bay is a great place to get out on smoother waters and explore the local marine life. There are lots of sea lions, sea otters, sea and shore birds to see! Head to the Embarcadero in Morro Bay to find any number of kayak rental spots.

Avila Hot Springs

Enjoy a hot soak in these mineral rich hot springs, located in Avila Beach. It is a communal hot spring with access to a swimming pool. A great place to take the kids!

https://www.avilahotsprings.com/

Sycamore Hot Springs

Located down the street from Avila Hot Springs, the Sycamore Hot Springs offer a more private and romantic experience, with private pools.

https://www.sycamoresprings.com/

The Ravine Water Park

This water park has become a favorite hot summer day activity for Chuck and Lily. It's located farther northeast in Paso Robles. Take the whole family for a fun watery time!

https://ravinewaterpark.com/

The Hidden Kitchen

With two locations (Cayucos and Cambria), The Hidden Kitchen has delicious sweet and savory blue corn waffles and street tacos. This is a fave place to grab breakfast through lunch.

https://hiddenkitchencalifornia.com/cayucos

KUMA Sushi

Our favorite local (Los Osos) sushi spot. They also have really yummy ramen.

https://www.kumabowls.com/

High Street Deli

Classic delish deli sandos. There are two locations: Los Osos and San Luis Obispo.

https://www.highstdeli.com/