Baywood Park Pier and 2nd St Cafes, Los Osos

San Luis Obispo, CA Print   Leave a comment

Description

I wouldn't really call this a pier but it is a tiny stretch of boardwalk in an absolutely beautiful setting. The water is a shimmering blue and the hills and dunes in the distance frame the scene. On a sunny day, there's something about the feel to the air here and the clarity of the light that is just lovely. There's not too much you can do here except just appreciate the view. To linger a little longer, sit outside at Nautical Beans Coffee, where you can enjoy the relaxed California vibe. We had great weather in Los Osos when I took these photos but on other days it has been quite windy or foggy.
2nd St is the "downtown" of Los Osos and you can find many cute cafes here. High Street Market and Deli (closed Tues and Wed) has the best sandwiches ever- try the Dutch Punch. Noi's 2nd Street Cafe has cute garden seating. Niffy's Merrimaker is a bar for ages 21+ with picnic tables and umbrellas in the back, sometimes with live music on Saturdays from 5-7.
There is a farmer's market with organic produce, flowers, fish, bread and soups, on Mondays from 2-4:30pm at 2nd Street and Santa Maria Street, followed by live music at La Palapa from 5-7pm. On October 29, 2023 is Oktoberfest at Baywood Park, with live music. 
One of the nicest things to do in Los Osos is walk in the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, a magical eucalyptus forest with salt marsh and a clear spring with ducks and tadpoles.
A very short walk in a eucalyptus forest with monarch butterflies in winter, plus a long deep sand walk to dunes, is found at the end of Monarch Lane. 
For a long walk, head over to Elfin Forest, where a boardwalk over shrubland gives you great views of Morro Rock and the bay.
If your kids need to let off steam, go to Los Osos Community Park for their large skatepark. The playground isn't as nice.
For a super-inspiring beach with tons for kids to explore, check out Spooner's Cove. The drive there through the forest of Montana de Oro State Park is a joy.
Six minutes south, check out the live music at Sea Pines Resort. It is Saturdays 5-7pm and Sundays 11-2pm (check if times and days have changed).

Photo Gallery

California living...	Wooden walkway and boats.	Luminous water of the bay.
The mini-pier, blue waters, plus strand of trees and hills in the distance. A pretty scene.	I love glassed-in spots that keep you warm on windy days! Nautical Bean Coffee.	Snowy egret exploring the bay on a grey day.
The unique look of this area.	Cold day at Nautical Bean Coffee.	Ice plant by the pier.
Muddy shoreline on a rainy cold day!

Directions

From Highway 101, exit at Los Osos Valley Rd and head west. Go almost ten miles and then turn right on S. Bay Blvd. Turn left on Santa Ysabel Ave and then left on 2nd St. After you pass Santa Maria Ave, turn right into the parking lot for the pier.
Nautical Bean Coffee, 1326 2nd St, Los Osos CA 93402.
High Street Market and Deli, 1326 2nd St, Baywood-Los Osos, CA 93402. Closed Tues and Wed.

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Overall Visitor Rating:

Steve 09/29/2015 05:21

This is one of my favorite spots. If I didn't live in SF I would live here.