Montaña de Oro State Park — Attraction in Morro Bay

I have been here many times since I was a boy scout 30 years ago. I love the trails, the campground and the view. However, I'm older now and my only companion in life is my dog (insert your jokes here). I go everywhere with him. He is well behaved even at 6 months old and is used to being by my side even without a leash (although he stays on it where required). He is an 8 pound ball of joy that loves the outdoors despite being a city dog. He loves trails through meadows and beaches the most, which the bluffs are essentially grasslands. Yet dogs are not allowed on any trails here, as is the theme in many of the state and national parks. The fact there is no certification program beyond making him a service animal leads directly to people fraudulently claiming their dog is a service animal on trails and keeps people like myself, that hike regularly but refuse to do so without what is basically my child, from spending money to camp here. I've heard all kinds of reasons for why dogs aren't allowed, but they are all ridiculous - a good owner keeps their dog from harming the environment and is considerate of other creatures (including humans) who do not want to have their dog around them. They don't take aggressive dogs to areas where they might do harm. It seems so easy to provide a licensing system for well-behaved dogs with responsible owners to be on certain trails in state and national parks (which I would gladly pay hundreds of dollars annually to be a part of). Until that happens, every park that has policies that blanket bar dogs from all trails will be getting one star from me for the simple fact that I can't go there without leaving my pup behind. I want him to have all the experiences I have, within reason.

Please fix this. Having been here many times, I know for a fact that irresponsible humans (like a bunch of teenage boy scouts without proper supervision....) are far far worse to the sensitive habitat than a well trained, well...

Montana de Oro State Park is a breathtakingly beautiful destination that offers a range of activities and natural wonders to explore.

One of the highlights of the park is its network of hiking trails, which wind through the coastal hills and offer panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there's a trail for everyone here. The Bluff Trail is a popular choice, offering stunning ocean views and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching.

In addition to hiking, Montana de Oro State Park is also a great spot for surfing, swimming, and fishing. The park's beaches are known for their wild beauty and excellent waves, attracting surfers from around the world. If you're not a surfer, you can still enjoy the beaches by sunbathing, swimming, or exploring the tidepools.

Another highlight of the park is the Spooner Ranch House Museum, which offers a glimpse into the region's history. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits from the park's early days as a ranch, as well as the lives of the Native Americans who once lived in the area.

Overall, Montana de Oro State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to California's central coast. With its stunning natural beauty, wide range of activities, and fascinating history, it's a park that will leave a lasting impression...

This place is a hidden gem! Seriously, a gem. I highly suggest you check it out, but don't tell everyone about it because the parking lot is small and space is limited (for parking).

The state park, itself, is HUGE. On the walk-in, you pass by a few lakes and then take a bridge over one of the lakes (stunning views btw) and then you pass through the preserve and eventually land on the beach.

We walked for over an hour, without stopping, on the beach and still never were able to walk the entire beach. It's huge and beautiful. Unlike any other place in the area (IMO).

The only downsides are:

If you dont fish, there are a ton of people fishing there and you'll have to dodge their fishing lines and you may even have to keep an eye out of hooks in the sand (I didn't see any, but with that many people fishing, it's better to be safe; i did trip on a dead fishing line in the sand).

Also, as of now, the algae is extreme (although I think it's seasonal). The algie is so bad (only in the lake) that the water is almost neon green. There are signs that say to wash immediately if in contact with the water. So, I suggest avoiding the lake water at all costs until the algae dies down.

Even with these downsides, I still HIGHLY recommend this spot! I'll be...