The pier, at the intersection of 2nd Street and El Morro Ave., overlooks the shores of the back bay of Morro Bay. The Los Osos Oaks State Reserve Half-mile east of South Bay Boulevard on the south side of Los Osos Valley Road. The reserve has an easy one-mile trail through the “Pygmy Oaks”, which are dwarfed coast live oaks. The low canopy reserve is on the site where Chumash once lived.

Located off Highway 58. The park offers a variety of services year round. Some services include fishing and boating, hiking and trails, picnics, camping, and swimming. The park is located on several thousand acres of land that has been designated as open space. Two camping areas are open and backcountry campgrounds are accessible by boat. The swimming area is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Be sure to stop at the one gas station in town before driving out to the lake, as there are no gas services once you leave town. (805) 788-2397

9100 Morro Rd., Atascadero, just off Highway 41, about one-and-a-half miles west of Highway 101. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children 3 to 11 years old and $6 for seniors 65 and older. The zoo is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The zoo is one of only 211 zoos accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association since 1991. The park was founded in 1955 by Charles Paddock, who was a park ranger who came to the aid of injured wildlife. (805) 461-5080

Avila Valley Barn is a local favorite! Find fresh, local produce, amazing homemade bakery goodies, gift shops, delicious deli and sweet shop, farm animals, and much more. Also, visit Gopher Glen for organic apples and fresh pressed cider and hard ciders. 560 Avila Beach Dr. avilavalleybarn.com, (805) 595-2816

Located at the corner of Los Osos Valley Road and Palisades Avenue, the park includes a 17,000-square-foot skate park, three tennis courts, playgrounds and restrooms. The park is ideal for walking or picnicking and is the site of the Los Osos Valley School, one of five original one-room schoolhouses between San Luis Obispo and the coast. Of those five, only two still exist today, both in Los Osos.

At South 16th St. and Menetone Ave. are areas to barbecue, restrooms, a large covered picnic table area and two play structures. The park also boasts horseshoes, softball and a grass volleyball court

This nine-hole executive course is located within feet of the ocean. 27 par. Open dawn to dusk daily. The course also offers a great seaside location, which means golfers rarely get too warm. You are almost guaranteed a perfect golf day. 9 La Sage Drive. (805) 481-5215

From September 1-June 14 tours are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, except federal holidays. From June 15-August 31 tours are offered on Mondays-Saturdays except federal holidays. Call for details (805) 927-7361

Nitt Witt Ridge is a hilltop home transformed by one man into what has been described as an “assemblage of sculpted junk.” Arthur Weal, spent many years collecting items fellow Cambrians were throwing away in order to create the home, which has been named a California Historic Landmark as a true example of a folk art environment. Tours available. 881 Hillcrest Drive, (805) 927-2690

Located at the corner of Cliff Street and Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach. This 11-acre park is popular with walkers, photographers, dog lovers, joggers and fishing enthusiasts. Observe dolphins, whales, sea otters and other sea life as well as sea and shore birds such as gulls, cormorants, and Peregrine falcons

Morro Bay State Park, located at 60 State Park Rd. Morro Bay, features lagoon and bay habitat, all in view of Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking and bird watching and features a marina and an 18-hole golf course. The Morro Bay Golf Course is located at 201 State Park Rd. Call (805) 772-1923 for hours and tee times.

The park is a California state park, visit parks.ca.gov for information about parking, hours and other attractions.

The forest has nearly 200 species of plants, more than 100 varieties of birds, and many species of mammals and reptiles and amphibians. The forest includes a 1-mile boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible at the north end of 16th Street. Guided tours are given on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 am starting at the north end of 15th Street off Santa Ysabel. (805) 528-0392.

Offering unique 5 star rated Horseback riding experiences in Paso Robles wine country. Locations include Coastal Trails, Private Estate Ranches, Elite Vineyard Properties and Lakes. All rides come with complimentary wine tasting. Private and customizable one hour to half day packages available.

1750 Ramona Avenue between 16th St. and Oak Park Blvd. Open to skateboarders and inline skaters. Helmets, knee pads and elbow pads are required. Onsite staff.
(805) 543-8235 or (805) 473-4580

Located on the north end of Ramona Avenue between Broderon and 4th Street, the park is open from dawn to dusk and has trails that wander through the Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees around two freshwater ponds and a salt marsh to the edge of Morro Bay.