Nestled in the hills above Morro Bay lies Montaña de Oro State Park, a hidden gem of Central California. Just a short drive from San Luis Obispo, this state park offers visitors miles of hiking trails, stunning ocean vistas, and a variety of activities to enjoy.
Montaña de Oro State Park stretches across 8,500 acres of land and includes a diverse array of landscapes, from coastal bluffs and beaches to grassland hillsides covered in wildflowers. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including eucalyptus trees, oaks, deer, squirrels, and snakes. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, swimming, tidepooling, and surf fishing in addition to hiking and camping. Dogs are welcome in the park as long as they are kept on a leash at all times.
With over 75 miles of trails winding through landscapes ranging from sandy beaches to grassy hillsides dotted with flowers and oaks, there’s a hike for everyone at Montaña de Oro State Park.
One of the best things about exploring Montaña de Oro’s coastline is getting up close and personal with tidepool creatures! Rock pools form along the shore when tide levels drop low enough to expose part of the rocky reef below.
The waves off Montaña de Ore’s coast make it a popular spot for surfing & surf fishing year-round. Morro Strand State Beach is especially popular with surfers thanks to its three miles of uninterrupted beachfront coastline. Whether you’re hitting the waves or hiking along the shore (or one of the many bluffs overlooking the beach), don’t forget your sunscreen!
Head on over to Montaña de Oro State Park for an unforgettable day trip destination!
