Montana De Oro State Park

To see the mighty Pacific Ocean waves move for miles before they crash into the shore from up above is one of the most moving experiences I've had on the Central Coast.

Montaña de Oro = "Mountain of Gold" in Spanish, named by park owner Irene McAllister in the 1950s. In 1965, the park was purchased by the State of California and it decided to keep the name.

The Sandy Spit area is my favorite spot. It's a short hike down to the water and opens up into a huge sandy beach area. Only down side are there are a few flies that like to land on you!

Beautiful hiking trails . If you are a hiker I would stick to the NO Bike trails as the bikers fly down the trails . Most wear bells.

Stunningly beautiful - great views from Valencia Peak which is a pretty easy climb.

What a place for hiking ! The views are awesome and accessible

Montaña de Oro is awesome for sand dunes and picnics out in the middle of nowhere.

Take the bluff trail - this place is like Maui with better weather and wildlife

One of the best and prettiest trails ever. Seriously.

Seems like a good spot for last-minute camping . Came here at night on Thanksgiving weekend and there were still a few spots left.

Nice secluded seashore. Dramatic cliff faces with violent waves.

Go hiking . Free trail guides at the visitor center. Tons of trails to explore.

The road through here is windy and offers spectacular views ...but it's a dead end!

Great place to ride horses on the beach !

Check out the tide pools along the Ocean Bluff trail at low tide.

I had an awesome time!!

Beautiful for a little hike

Great place to meditate .

Get drunk and run around in the forest .