Fun for Kids on California's Central Coast: Oso Flaco Lake

Walking on the boardwalk at Oso Flaco Lake

Since my parents live on the Central Coast of California, we spend a lot of time there.  We are constantly looking for fun, child-friendly things to do, that don't entail much time in the car.  We have found a number of great places near my parents' hometown that we all love to visit.


One particular favorite is Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area.  It is located just north of Guadalupe, west of Highway 1 on Oso Flaco Lake Road and seems like land lost in time.  Each time we have visited, we feel like we are the only people in the world.

Stopping to smell the flowers!    

It is a great spot for birding, hiking with little kids, and watching the waves.  The trail begins along a wooded path past the white gate in the parking lot.  We have spotted muskrat nests along the path as well as hummingbirds and woodpeckers.  At the end of the dirt path, there is a boardwalk over the lake. Numerous water birds are easy to spot from this location and we often see raccoons as well.  

Interpretive signs along the boardwalk
provide information  about the preserve.

After crossing the boardwalk, the trail enters the dunes area and heads toward the beach.  There are restrooms here - convenient for hikers with little kids.  There are also interpretive signs, some of which need to be revamped, but the one of California Least Terns is intact and provides information about the plight of birds that nest in the preserve area and remind visitors to walk with care.  At the end of the trail is a viewing platform that is a great place to catch beautiful views that encompass Point San Luis to Mussel Rock on clear days.  


The kids enjoy the wildflowers in the dunes area and are always excited to watch the waves at the beach - and somehow always manage to get wet!