Montana de Oro State Park
Montana de Oro State Park
Montana de Oro State Park
5
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
A great network of biking trails make this state park a perfect destination for expert and beginner bikers alike.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
576 reviews
Excellent
478
Very good
79
Average
17
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Joe G
Palm Desert, CA77 contributions
Jul 2022
This is such a zen, perfect, mesmerizing place - sooooo much open nature, a reminder of what California USED to be like before all the pristine view places were sold off to the wealthy. The Bluff Trail walk offers so many easy, flat hiking options to see lookouts of waves crashing along the coast, birds, all of it. It's like a mini Big Sur without the hassle of driving there. Spooners cove beach was just adorable and authentic, and even the drive IN offers great views of Morro Bay, Morro Rock and a great tunnel of trees to drive through.
Being a promontory jutting out into the ocean, it is prone to lots of fog, but you can still get easily sunburned, nonetheless. Unless you camp there I believe there is no entrance fee or parking fee for day-use. This is a Central Coast treasure and I was soooooo happy to finally make the time to see it.
Being a promontory jutting out into the ocean, it is prone to lots of fog, but you can still get easily sunburned, nonetheless. Unless you camp there I believe there is no entrance fee or parking fee for day-use. This is a Central Coast treasure and I was soooooo happy to finally make the time to see it.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
onecoolraisin
Huntersville, NC525 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Montana de Oro has absolutely something for everyone. Spooners Cove has a sea cave, tide pools, nice beach and easy access to put in kayaks. Bluff trail runs along the coast with great views of the ocean. The interior of the park has more hiking, mountain biking and horse trails. There is a large sand dune along the coast that is a great chill spot to relax and minimal foot traffic when we were there. Some pictures here but more pics and videos @onecoolraisin on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Live stream coming to Twitch in the coming days.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenLeCreate
Vista, CA396 contributions
Sep 2019
While road tripping, stopped into SLO to visit the nephew and he turned us on to this place. Not too far out of town, but sure feels like it. We stopped off to get some lunch, packed plenty of water (sunny day) and were on our way to catch up on each other's lives.
You gotta love this place. First off it is free (always a good thing) and secondly there is lots of places to check out (in case some are more crowded). We started off down at the cove where we watched the water coming in (and got in for a swim) and out, viewed the wildlife and enjoyed the beach climate. Found a nice spot on the sand to eat our lunch. After hanging around for a while, decided we needed to work off the lunch with a few hikes. Hit the bathroom (clean for beach bathrooms) before leaving the beach.
Driving back on the road into the park, found a nice place to pull off and hiked up through the oak trees up into the hill. After hiking for an hour or so (and with the sun beating down and the oaks far behind us), we decided to move on to another hiking spot. This trail led us back down to another beach where we watched the sea lions and crashing waves. And then it was time to move on - we wanted to watch the sunset down the coast - and of course we were hungry by that time as well.
Overall, a wonderful way to spend the day. We were there for about 5 hours. Bring food, water, a hat, sunscreen. The day was perfect with not much wind. Also it seems like this place can get busy, but just try another area - it is pretty big. Have fun and get outside!
You gotta love this place. First off it is free (always a good thing) and secondly there is lots of places to check out (in case some are more crowded). We started off down at the cove where we watched the water coming in (and got in for a swim) and out, viewed the wildlife and enjoyed the beach climate. Found a nice spot on the sand to eat our lunch. After hanging around for a while, decided we needed to work off the lunch with a few hikes. Hit the bathroom (clean for beach bathrooms) before leaving the beach.
Driving back on the road into the park, found a nice place to pull off and hiked up through the oak trees up into the hill. After hiking for an hour or so (and with the sun beating down and the oaks far behind us), we decided to move on to another hiking spot. This trail led us back down to another beach where we watched the sea lions and crashing waves. And then it was time to move on - we wanted to watch the sunset down the coast - and of course we were hungry by that time as well.
Overall, a wonderful way to spend the day. We were there for about 5 hours. Bring food, water, a hat, sunscreen. The day was perfect with not much wind. Also it seems like this place can get busy, but just try another area - it is pretty big. Have fun and get outside!
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott
San Francisco, CA6,679 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
This state park is definitely one of the best of California. It has everything, and the weather is beautiful when it's 106 degrees 20 miles inland.
if you learn a little bit about the geology of this area you will get much more out of your visit. This region is a textbook example of wave cut marine terraces, uplifted terrain, and compressed layers of strata.
Hike the Valencia Peak and Bluffs Trail. At the end of this hike, head down to Spooner's Beach. If you're a camper, I saw some fantastic little isolated camping spots with shockingly beautiful views of the coast.
The best thing about the state park, there's no fee to enter or Park.
if you learn a little bit about the geology of this area you will get much more out of your visit. This region is a textbook example of wave cut marine terraces, uplifted terrain, and compressed layers of strata.
Hike the Valencia Peak and Bluffs Trail. At the end of this hike, head down to Spooner's Beach. If you're a camper, I saw some fantastic little isolated camping spots with shockingly beautiful views of the coast.
The best thing about the state park, there's no fee to enter or Park.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Adventure Buddies
Manhattan Beach, CA781 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
The Adventure Buddies went hiking at Montana de Oro and it was so incredibly beautiful. The cliffs with caves, tide pools, beaches, wildlife.. what a wonderful surprise it was for us to be able to capture incredible photos of the landscape and central coast cliffs. There were tons of sea otters in the waves playing. Nice to walk, explore, and stop at a beautiful picnic bench with spectacular breathtaking views. We highly recommend!
Written June 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenEph320
Pismo Beach, CA247 contributions
Dec 2019
We live in the area and I would frequent this park way more often except dogs are not allowed. There are different parts to this park, slightly inland you can hike and ride horses. The bluff is a nice nature trail. There's a beach to enjoy. It seems like every year someone gets hurt badly or drowns because they go off trail, climb down the cliff and get swept away by a rogue wave. The BEST time to go is when a storm is coming in as the waves crash high and powerful against the cliffs. Great photo ops. My daughter had her senior pictures done here.
Written November 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Southwest_Gaucho
Lake Havasu City, AZ1,281 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Great park with lots of trails and beaches to explore. Nice little visitor center to get some history on the area. Checked out the campground and it looks decent for future stays. You could spend a full day or more just walking trails and checking out the beach. Didn't take the mountain bike but lots of trails for biking as well. Bring water as there is not shade! Watch out for poison oak.
Written May 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth S
South Lake Tahoe, CA489 contributions
Feb 2022
February was a beautiful time to visit the cliffs overlooking the ocean. There was no fog or wind and we walked all the paths from the furthest parking lot to Cook Creek Beach. I got some great photos of the tide coming in and the arches near the cliffs. The walk was mostly flat. Our adventure took us a little over 3 hours since we spent lots of time watching the waves crash on the rock and the otters playing.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveLicata
Monrovia, CA286 contributions
Jun 2021
This Is actually an enormous state park with many options for hiking, sea shell hunting, rock climbing bluff hikes and dense forest exploration. If you want to sample the kind of views on the famous California Highway 1 (on the way to between San Simeon and Monterey) but on a smaller scale, spend the better part of a day in this park.
The beach area alone has incredible sea shell hunting options, a very impressive giant rock in the bay (accessible form the sand) and a brackish stream with tidal pools safe to be explored by kids.
Some of the remote parts of the park (such as regular campgrounds) remain closed due to COVID-19 but you can still drive and see amazing outlooks throughout the park.
For example, on the beach you see something very rare - large sections of the original sae bed (layers of sedimentary rock) that have been pushed up by tectonic activity at a 45 degree angle into plain view.
This is time well spent.
ADMISSION: FREE
The beach area alone has incredible sea shell hunting options, a very impressive giant rock in the bay (accessible form the sand) and a brackish stream with tidal pools safe to be explored by kids.
Some of the remote parts of the park (such as regular campgrounds) remain closed due to COVID-19 but you can still drive and see amazing outlooks throughout the park.
For example, on the beach you see something very rare - large sections of the original sae bed (layers of sedimentary rock) that have been pushed up by tectonic activity at a 45 degree angle into plain view.
This is time well spent.
ADMISSION: FREE
Written June 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thaila S
San Mateo, CA60 contributions
Jul 2021
This place is unbelievably beautiful! My husband, two young kids and I spent about an hour walking the Bluff trail. I wish we had time to stay longer because it would have been wonderful to walk the entire 4 mile loop (which is flat and very easy for young kids, but be careful about the cliffs). My kids loved going to the beach and picking shells. The ocean views are stunning. Next time we will pack a lunch and spend a few hours here.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You can have dogs in the campground. But a lot of the trails do not allow dogs at all.
Written April 20, 2019
Hi! Were there any hidden hikes or gems in Montaña de Oro that you particularly loved? Beyond the more popular Carolina Cove, Spooners Cove, etc. I love going off-the-beaten path!
Would also love to find a hike that showcases slightly different scenery from all the great coves and cliffs we see along rest of Highway 1. Was there any area that looked particularly unique to you?
Thank you for any insight!
Written January 8, 2019
Hi!
We walked along the coast at sunset, and did a couple of early morning hikes up into the rugged hills behind Spooner's Cove. I think the latter is probably more unusual for that stretch of coast, however, both were utterly worthwhile in our opinion. While it was definitely busier at the weekend, for us, the whole park felt enough 'off the beaten track' to get the feeling of escapism, so I think you'd have a good time whichever route you took. We wanted to climb one of the higher peaks, but ran out of time - I imagine the views would have been amazing. For us, the park was special for the smaller details - the bird life, variety of plants and silence. It's not got the splendour of somewhere like Big Sur, but there was something liberating in its emptiness. Very peaceful.
Hope this helps!
Written January 8, 2019
What kind of wildlife should I expect to come across walking the trails around the bluff ??? . thanks
Written June 20, 2018
Right, don't expect anything too amazing in terms of wildlife. Except... on our last visit, we did see a whale breach right offshore. Amazing.
If it's warm and sunny, it might be best to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes sunning themselves in the open (read: on the trail).
Written June 20, 2018
No idea;? is the website not helpful?
Written May 21, 2018
Like the other person said, the best time is Dec.-April. I would go in the morning so that the sun is at your back. If it is a foggy day then afternoon would be better. Take binocs or a spotting scope for an up close view.
Written November 21, 2017
Is there a dump station at this facility?
Is water available or is this a dry campground?
Written November 30, 2016
There are no dump stations. There is faucets for drinking water around the campgrounds. There are no showers.
Written December 1, 2016
1. Is there a dump station at Montana de Oro. If not, is there one close by?
2. Is this a dry campground or is water available?
Written November 30, 2016
Water available but sorry ...no dump station. This is a fairly primitive (though beautiful) campground
Written December 2, 2016
My girlfriend is super picky about stuff. Are there restrooms and showers at the park?
Written September 21, 2016
Aloha Luciano, I reviewed all of the previous responses to your question, and they are consistent with my recollection of the place. We did not camp there, as we just did a full hiking day trip. It is a beautiful and serene place and not to be missed!
Written September 21, 2016
When in doubt go straight to the source. California State Parks website has all the info one needs and they are excellent at answering questions when further info is required.
San Luis Obispo Coast District 805-927-2074 (Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30 pm)
Dogs are not permitted on beach or trails, except at campsites at Montana de Oro and San Simeon State Park campgrounds.
California State Parks has many wonderful places for you and your dog to enjoy. We understand the benefits of visiting a state park with your dog - exercise is good for the body and spirit for both you and your furry companion. In general, dogs are permitted in most state parks but must be on a leash not exceeding six feet in length at all times. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to see if dogs are allowed in the state park you wish to visit. However, please pay special attention to the following when taking your pet to a state park:
During the day, keep your dog on a leash that is no longer than six feet in length. If you leave your dog in a vehicle, remember that it may get too hot, even with the windows open.
Please do not take your dog (unless it is a service animal) into buildings or trails, unless it’s designated.
For sanitary reasons, dogs are not permitted on most beaches, except as listed below. Always check with a park ranger for any rules specific to the park you are visiting.
Please keep your dog calm and quiet. Vicious or unusually noisy dogs will not be allowed in the park.
At night, please keep your dog in your tent or vehicle to prevent conflicts between your dog and other dogs or passing campers.
Please understand that Park Superintendents have the discretion to further restrict areas open to pets (i.e., trails, buildings, etc.).
A rabies certificate or dog license may be required to bring a dog into a State Park.
Please remember that violations of these rules may lead to a costly citation. Remember too that you are financially responsible for injuries or damage caused by your dog. To ensure everyone’s visit to California State Parks is pleasant, please do not leave your pet unattended, and remember to clean up after them.
Written August 2, 2016
Hi, I will be driving to Morro Bay from Pismo Beach and wondering if we should stop here for views/walking around a bit. We are not camping/staying overnight. Are there any look-out spots or walks suitable for small children for a quick visit?
Written July 27, 2016
I'd say absolutely! It's gorgeous. And you can park right next to the ocean and then walk a teeny bit and be on the beach. If you want something really short, you can enter the park and then shortly thereafter (5 minutes?) you will see a building, like an old farmhouse, on your left, that is a visitor center with limited hours (unique stuff for kids in the gift shop) but right there is parking and a beach with rocks you can walk on if you like. If the tide is low you can see sea anemones, etc. on the rocks.
I think also right there, or more likely just a tad farther, is The Bluff Trail - you wouldn't walk the whole thing of course based on your question, but you could park at the Bluff Trailhead and then there is a trail that goes right to the "bluff" (ocean cliffs, beautiful) - the trail itself is over a mile along the bluffs but you could just walk to the ocean viewpoint and then back to your car.
Written July 27, 2016
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