Montaña de Oro State Park
Los Osos, CA
Montaña de Oro State Park covers seven miles of dramatic coastline, from the sand spit across the bay from Morro Rock to Coon Creek Beach further south, with equestrian camping and trails through golden hillsides that give the park its Spanish name. It's one of the largest and most varied state parks on the Central Coast.
The sheer scale and trail variety across seven miles of coastline make it a genuine standout among Central Coast parks, though the no-dogs rule on the beach is worth knowing ahead of time.
How we score beachesHike the bluff trails between the named beaches rather than driving between each one, the trail connections here are some of the best on the Central Coast for stringing together a full day.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance station.
A path and blufftop trails lead from parking to the beaches throughout the park.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Los Osos coast, with the golden hillsides that give the park its name most vivid in late summer.
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