Oceano Dunes SVRA & Oso Flaco Lake

Oceano Dunes SVRA

The Oceano Dunes SVRA is an extraordinary geological complex of sand dunes and beaches providing a wealth of activities for visitors including camping, hiking, surfing, and fishing, as well as off-highway vehicle recreation. The park is one of a handful of OHV areas administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Click here to access the State Parks webpage.

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area

Oso Flaco Lake is one of the most scenic natural areas of California’s coast. The lake’s name means “skinny bear,” named for an episode from Gaspar de Portola’s ill-fated expedition to the area in 1769. A path winds through arroyo willows and wax myrtles sustained by Oso Flaco Creek. The path becomes a boardwalk over dunes culminating in a viewing platform, which offers a panorama of the entire San Luis Bay from Point San Luis in the north to Mussel Rock in the south. The western snowy plover makes its home in these dunes, as do silver dune lupine, coyote bush, deer weed, dunes paintbrush, and an abundance of flora and fauna.

Photos: Mike Baird/Flickr