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About Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area in Arroyo Grande, California

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is a California state park that is part of Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area. This park offers visitors a trip through several diverse natural habitats for viewing flora and fauna and access to a remote sandy beach.

To get there drive west on Oso Flaco Lake Road from Highway 1 north of Guadalupe, CA. From the parking area hike out on an old road which passes through a large wooded area. A trail emerges from the trees and leads onto a bridge that crosses over Oso Flaco Lake with great views and bird-watching opportunities.

After leaving the lake a wooden boardwalk enters the dunes structure and eventually opens up to a wooden observation platform with incredible views over San Luis Bay. The entire one-mile route to the overlook is wheelchair accessible. From there a sandy path continues past sensitive bird nesting habitats and drops down to the beach.

Once on the beach you can walk south to the creek that drains out of Oso Flaco Lake and beyond to the long remote beach fronting the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. Walking north on the beach leads to Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. A fee is charged for parking in the Oso Flaco lot, but there are free spaces outside of the gate (which is locked after sunset).

Address
Oso Flaco Lake Rd
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Phone
805-343-2455
Park Name
Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area State Park, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Owner
State Park
Pet Details
No dogs allowed in the natural area or on the beach
Fees
Fee charged for parking
Activities
Hiking, Beach Walking, Beachcombing, Birdwatching, Wildlife Watching, Fishing, Surfing, Non-motorized Boating
Amenities
Toilets, Trails, Boardwalk, Wetlands, Accessible Features
Map of Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area
Callender, US
1:08 pm, March 28, 2024
temperature icon 63°F
L: 51° H: 63°
Feels like 62.37 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 1 m/s
UV Index: 5.37
Precipitation: 0.02 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:53 am
Sunset: 7:20 pm
Humidity 74 %
Pressure1017 mb
Wind 1 m/s

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