Sandee logo Blue
  • Countries
  • Blogs
  • Map
  • Nude Beaches
  • Sharks
  • Beach News
Sandee logo Blue
Home
Countries
Blog
Map
Nude Beaches
Sharks
Beach News

Sandee logo Blue
instagramfacebooktwitteryoutube
Choose Your Beach! TM
  • Explore

  • Countries

  • Nude Beaches

  • Best Beaches

  • Sitemap

  • Company

  • About

  • Press

  • Mr. Beach

  • License Our Data

  • Legal

  • Privacy Policy

  • Cookie Policy

  • Terms and Conditions

  • Community

  • Beach News

  • Contact Us

  • Save Our Oceans

Explore
Company
Legal
Community

© 2025 by Sandee, LLC.   All rights reserved.

Home >  United States  >  California  >  Nipomo  >  

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area

United States, California, Nipomo 

Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area

United States, California, Nipomo 

Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee
Sandee Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area

72.122

°F

|

°C

Icon

Clouds

10 Km61%2.86 m/s

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

72.1 °F22 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

61.9 °F16 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

50.6 °F10 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

48.8 °F9 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

47.1 °F8 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

59.0 °F15 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

63.0 °F17 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

60.7 °F16 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.8 °F15 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

55.1 °F13 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.5 °F12 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

52.6 °F11 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.6 °F11 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.8 °F13 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.4 °F14 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

59.7 °F15 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.1 °F14 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.6 °F12 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.4 °F12 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

52.9 °F11 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.0 °F11 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.7 °F12 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

57.0 °F14 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.1 °F14 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

57.1 °F14 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.6 °F12 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

52.3 °F11 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.1 °F10 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.5 °F11 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

55.2 °F13 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.5 °F15 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.6 °F15 °C

5:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

57.2 °F14 °C

8:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

53.4 °F12 °C

11:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

52.1 °F11 °C

2:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.2 °F11 °C

5:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

51.0 °F10 °C

8:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

54.4 °F12 °C

11:00 AM

Sandee Weather Icon

59.6 °F15 °C

2:00 PM

Sandee Weather Icon

58.8 °F15 °C

Located along the San Luis Obispo County shoreline, Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is a state-protected natural area that has an unnamed beach with light-brown sand. This beach is also known as Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area Beach. The beach in Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is situated below oceanfront bluffs. Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is a part of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. The Oso Flaco Creek flows through the beach into the Pacific Ocean. The beach in Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area does not have lifeguards. However, the area around this beach has restrooms, a boardwalk, and walking trails. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area within a 25-minute drive. The Swiss Restaurant and Bar offers many amenities including salads, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and pasta. PAPA JAY’S SOUTHERN QUE ZINE offers excellent Creole and Cajun dishes including po’boy sandwiches and jambalaya. In addition, the restaurant also serves delicious macaroni-and-cheese and fried chicken. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area, the modestly priced Tom’s Take Out serves amazing burgers, sandwiches, and fries.

If you are looking for a hotel near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area, there are many great nearby options within a 25-minute drive. The 4-Star Inn at The Pier offers many amenities including a rooftop terrace with a pool, sun loungers, two restaurants, a lobby bar with a lounge, and a gym. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Best Western Plus Big America which offers many amenities including a pool, a gym, a hot tub, barbecue spots, a restaurant, and complimentary breakfast. In addition, the hotel also offers complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day and also offers a complimentary shuttle service. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area, the 2-Star Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Maria offers many amenities including a pool and complimentary breakfast.

The beach in Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area offers many amenities including beachcombing, sunbathing, wildlife watching, hiking, swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, canoeing, non-motorized boating, and fishing. If you are planning to go into the water near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area, we recommend being careful as the water here has rip currents. Depending on the tie of the year, you can see many kinds of animals in the water near the beach including seals, sea lions, and migrating whales. If you are planning to fish in the water near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area, please make sure that you follow the local fishing regulations. The boardwalk present near this beach offers amazing Instagram-worthy views of the San Luis Obispo County shoreline along with an amazing wildlife watching experience. In addition, interesting interpretive signs are also present on this boardwalk which offers information on the local biodiversity. If you like birdwatching, you can view many kinds of endangered birds which seasonally nest in the area around the beach near the Oso Flaco Lake Area.

There are many attractions near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area within a 20-minute drive. Oceano Train Depot is a museum that is set in a train depot built in the early 20th century. This museum has interesting exhibitions on the vibrant history of San Luis Obispo County. Cypress Ridge Golf Club is a beautifully landscaped golf facility that offers a fun and challenging session of golf. If you are looking for another attraction near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area, the Nipomo Native Garden is spread over 12 acres. This garden has an interesting collection of plants from the Nipomo Mesa region and the Nipomo. The garden also has an oak woodland forest and you can explore the garden’s premises via hiking trails. A children’s play area is also being developed in the garden.

Getting to Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is easy - the paid parking lot for the natural area is easily accessible from Cabrillo Highway/Pacific Coast Highway. From Pacific Coast Highway/ Cabrillo Highway, you need to drive west on Oso Flaco Lake Road in order to access the paid parking lot for Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area. In addition, there are also some free parking areas near the gate for Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area. From the parking lot, you need to hike on an old hiking trail that will pass through woodlands and then lead to a bridge over a lake called the Oso Flaco Lake. Once you cross this bridge, you will come across a mile-long boardwalk. You need to walk along this boardwalk which will lead to a sandy path providing access to the beach in Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area.

As an interesting fact, the Oso Flaco Lake gained its name during the 18th century, when the Portolá Expedition (the first European expedition to explore northern California) was camping in the area - during their stay, some of the expedition members hunted a skinny bear (called Oso Flaco in Spanish) for food near this lake. The expedition members did not know that the bear was poisoned by the Native American Chumash people living in the region, and many expedition members fell gravely ill from eating poisoned bear meat. The Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area has many interesting habitats including riparian wetlands, sand dune fields, and woodland forests which are full of interesting and wonderful animals. If you like birdwatching, you can see many kinds of birds in this natural area including ducks, herons, terns, pelicans, and the rare Western snowy plover (which is listed as Endangered under the 1973 federal Endangered Species Act). In addition, you can also see many animals around the Oso Flaco Lake including frogs, lizards, snakes, deer, coyotes, and rabbits.

There are many attractions near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area within a 20-minute drive. Oceano Train Depot is a museum that is set in a train depot built in the early 20th century. This museum has interesting exhibitions on the vibrant history of San Luis Obispo County. Cypress Ridge Golf Club is a beautifully landscaped golf facility that offers a fun and challenging session of golf. If you are looking for another attraction near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area, the Nipomo Native Garden is spread over 12 acres. This garden has an interesting collection of plants from the Nipomo Mesa region and the Nipomo. The garden also has an oak woodland forest and you can explore the garden’s premises via hiking trails. A children’s play area is also being developed in the garden.

Basic Details

INParking

IN8AM - Sunset

INRestroom Available

INBeige

IN3098 Oso Flaco Lake Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420, USA

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Lifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Playground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Showers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Bike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesSurfing

  • Tours

  • Volleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Bikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Bars

  • Food Snacks

  • Local Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Restaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesDisabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Free

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Paid

  • Parking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area - Beach Map

    Loading Beaches...

    Explore Top Destinations

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides paid parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area have lifeguards?

    No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.

    Is Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area good for swimming?

    Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.

    Does Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area?

    No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.

    What are the activities at Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Fishing, Hiking, Surfing.

    Does Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.

    Is Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area a dog-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.

    Is Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area good for surfing?

    Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.

    Beaches Near Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area

    Sandee Oceano Dunes State Recreational Area / Guadalupe Dunes

    Oceano Dunes State Recreational Area / Guadalupe Dunes

    Oceano Dunes State Recreational Area / Guadalupe Dunes
    Callender, USA(1.91 Miles)
    Sandee Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

    Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

    Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
    Guadalupe, USA(3.37 Miles)
    Sandee Rancho Guadalupe Dunes

    Rancho Guadalupe Dunes

    Rancho Guadalupe Dunes
    Guadalupe, USA(4.82 Miles)
    Sandee Pismo State Beach - Oceano Beach

    Pismo State Beach - Oceano Beach

    Pismo State Beach - Oceano Beach
    Oceano, USA(5.65 Miles)
    Sandee Pismo State Beach - Grover Beach

    Pismo State Beach - Grover Beach

    Pismo State Beach - Grover Beach
    Grover Beach, USA(6.48 Miles)
    Sandee Pismo State Beach - North Beach

    Pismo State Beach - North Beach

    Pismo State Beach - North Beach
    Pismo Beach, USA(7.27 Miles)
    Sandee Pismo Beach City Beach

    Pismo Beach City Beach

    Pismo Beach City Beach
    Pismo Beach, USA(7.74 Miles)
    Sandee Pismo Beach - Wilmar Stairs Access
    Copyright Randall Kaplan. All Rights Reserved.

    Pismo Beach - Wilmar Stairs Access

    Pismo Beach - Wilmar Stairs Access
    Pismo Beach, USA(8.28 Miles)
    Sandee Spiral Staircase Beach

    Spiral Staircase Beach

    Spiral Staircase Beach
    Pismo Beach, USA(8.57 Miles)
    Sandee Elmer Ross Beach

    Elmer Ross Beach

    Elmer Ross Beach
    Pismo Beach, USA(8.91 Miles)

    Best Beaches in California

    Sandee Santa Monica Beach
    Copyright Randall Kaplan. All Rights Reserved.

    Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica Beach
    Santa Monica , USA
    Sandee Baker Beach

    Baker Beach

    Baker Beach
    San Francisco , USA
    Sandee Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach
    Carmel By The Sea , USA
    Sandee Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor
    Bodega Bay , USA
    Sandee Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach
    Stinson Beach , USA
    Sandee Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach
    Ferndale , USA
    Sandee Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach
    Monterey , USA
    Sandee Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach
    Santa Cruz , USA
    Sandee Santa Monica Beach
    Copyright Randall Kaplan. All Rights Reserved.

    Santa Monica Beach

    Santa Monica Beach
    Santa Monica , USA
    Sandee Baker Beach

    Baker Beach

    Baker Beach
    San Francisco , USA
    Sandee Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach

    Carmel City Beach
    Carmel By The Sea , USA
    Sandee Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor

    Bodega Bay Harbor
    Bodega Bay , USA
    Sandee Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach

    Stinson Beach
    Stinson Beach , USA
    Sandee Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach

    Centerville Beach
    Ferndale , USA
    Sandee Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach

    Monterey Beach
    Monterey , USA
    Sandee Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach

    Santa Cruz Beach
    Santa Cruz , USA
    View All

    EXPERT ADVICE AND TIPS

    Beach Blogs

    Read All Blogs
    Sandee - Blog / Live Hurricane Milton Updates

    Oct 09, 2024 SANDEE

    Live Hurricane Milton Updates

    Live Hurricane Milton Updates

    Discover how hurricanes, like the powerful Hurricane Milton, are classified into categories and the damage each category can cause. Learn how Florida and other regions prepare for such storms.

    Sandee - Blog / Discover the Mysterious Velella Washing Ashore on California Beaches

    Oct 02, 2024 SANDEE

    Discover the Mysterious Velella Washing Ashore on California Beaches

    Discover the Mysterious Velella Washing Ashore on California Beaches

    If you're visiting California's iconic beaches this season, you might encounter some unusual, vibrant blue creatures washed ashore. These tiny marine organisms, known as Velella Velella, are captivating tourists and locals alike. Often referred to as "by-the-wind sailors," these creatures have recently been appearing in large numbers along the West Coast, including popular beaches in Santa Cruz, Malibu, and Santa Barbara. This phenomenon adds a touch of intrigue to California’s already scenic shores, making your beach visit even more unforgettable.

    Sandee - Blog / Trapped and Swallowed by Quicksand

    Aug 20, 2024 SANDEE

    Trapped and Swallowed by Quicksand

    Trapped and Swallowed by Quicksand

    Quick! That’s how fast it happened—one moment, Jamie Acord was enjoying a peaceful stroll along the beach with her husband, and the next, she was waist-deep in quicksand.

    Sandee - Blog / Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    May 28, 2024 SANDEE

    Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

    Sandee - Blog / 4 Best Cliff Jumping Beaches in the United States

    May 14, 2024 SANDEE

    4 Best Cliff Jumping Beaches in the United States

    4 Best Cliff Jumping Beaches in the United States

    Discover the top cliff jumping beaches in the United States! Dive into our expert guide to find the most exhilarating spots for adrenaline-pumping jumps, breathtaking views, and unforgettable beach adventures. Perfect for thrill seekers!

    Sandee - Blog / Pet-Friendly Beaches - Top 3 Destinations to Vacation with Your Dog or Cat in USA

    Feb 07, 2024 SANDEE

    Pet-Friendly Beaches - Top 3 Destinations to Vacation with Your Dog or Cat in USA

    Pet-Friendly Beaches - Top 3 Destinations to Vacation with Your Dog or Cat in USA

    For pet owners, leaving Fido or Fluffy behind while the family hits the beach just won't do. Luckily, many coastal destinations now cater to vacationing animal lovers by allowing dogs, cats, and other pets to enjoy the seaside fun too. From wide open spaces to play, pet perks, and accommodations, here are the top pet-friendly beaches to visit for a pawsome vacation with your furry best friend.

    Sandee - Blog / Family Beach Day Essentials: Packing for Fun in the Sun

    Feb 07, 2024 SANDEE

    Family Beach Day Essentials: Packing for Fun in the Sun

    Family Beach Day Essentials: Packing for Fun in the Sun

    A successful beach trip requires thoughtful preparation and packing. You don't want to forget essential items and have to cut your day short or run out constantly for supplies.

    Sandee - Blog / 8 Things That RUIN A Beach Day

    Feb 07, 2024 SANDEE

    8 Things That RUIN A Beach Day

    8 Things That RUIN A Beach Day

    You've dreamt of this beach vacay for months. The sunscreen is packed, cute swimsuit donned, and you made your playlist filled with sunny tunes. You head out ready for a blissful, relaxing day soaking up the summer sun, waves, and vistas. Then...something happens that puts a damper on the day. Beach trips don't always go as envisioned. From weather mishaps to forgetting necessities, here are 8 common things that can sabotage and ruin an otherwise glorious beach day.

    Sandee - Blog / 13 Best Beach Cities in California

    Feb 01, 2024 SANDEE

    13 Best Beach Cities in California

    13 Best Beach Cities in California

    With over 800 miles of coastline, California is synonymous with beach culture. Up and down the Golden State, you’ll find lively seaside towns and cities where you can wake up to ocean views, spend the day tanning on the sand, and enjoy fresh coastal cuisine.

    Sandee - Blog / Nudism Laws in United States Virgin Islands: A Comprehensive Overview

    Feb 01, 2024 SANDEE

    Nudism Laws in United States Virgin Islands: A Comprehensive Overview

    Nudism Laws in United States Virgin Islands: A Comprehensive Overview

    The United States Virgin Islands offer a beautiful tropical escape for travelers looking to experience the stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. For those who are interested in naturism or nudism, it's important to be aware of the laws and cultural attitudes towards nudity in this region.

    Sandee - Blog / Nudism Laws in United States: A Comprehensive Overview

    Feb 01, 2024 SANDEE

    Nudism Laws in United States: A Comprehensive Overview

    Nudism Laws in United States: A Comprehensive Overview

    Nudism, also known as naturism, is a lifestyle that promotes the freedom and comfort of being nude in a non-sexual context. In the United States, there are laws and regulations that dictate where and when nudism is permissible. As a travel blogger and enthusiast of naturist activities, I have explored the various laws and cultural attitudes towards nudism in the US.

    Read All Blogs