Baywood Inn Los Osos, California Central Coast

On California’s central coast, the 2300 acre Morro Bay Estuary stretches from Morro Bay to  Los Osos, about ten miles south.  One of the defining features of Morro Bay is Morro Rock, a volcanic stub, it is one of the so-called nine sisters, or volcanic hills that form two valleys in San Luis Obispo County. From the unique perspective of Baywood-Los Osos (a small community on the estuary), Morro Estuary and Morro Rock anchor you in a sense of place. 

The  8000-acre Montaña de Oro State Park, is only five minutes south of Los Osos. Montaña de Oro means mountain of gold, so named for the many wildflowers that bloom in the spring. From hiking or biking the canyons and hills of Montaña de Oro, to kayaking or paddle boarding in the estuary, Los Osos is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Other activities in the area include surfing,  horseback riding, and golfing.

  Residents of Los Osos live there for the natural beauty and a lifestyle that seems from a bygone era, one free of cell phones, AI,  and sidewalks. Visitors love Los Osos for the same reasons. 

The Morro Bay Estuary from Elfin Forest in Los Osos

Instead of restaurant chains or franchises you’ll find independently owned businesses, from pottery galleries to bakeries. Many are only open on the weekends or during the Monday Farmer’s Market. If you are in the area on a Monday, go to the market– it’s quite an event with live music, prepared foods as well as fresh produce, fish, honey, herbs, greens and nuts. The produce sold there is all grown locally. For original art, created by area artists, be sure to visit Marea Art Studio located in a turquoise blue house just steps from the market. 

One of my favorite local businesses,  Fable Rune, is a luxuriously affordable skin care line rooted in natural botanicals and essential ethics. They have a warehouse location in Los Osos, but you can order online if you don’t have time to stop in. 

Baywood Inn Los Osos

I stayed at The Baywood Inn Los Osos , the perfect place for getting outside on both the water and the trails. Not only was the location ideal, the room provided everything one could need for a comfortable stay whether long or short term. 

The Baywood Inn opened in 1988 across from the Morro estuary.  There are thirty-one self-catering suites, both one and two bedrooms, plus four accessible rooms. If you want to bring a four-legged friend along, the inn has twelve pet-friendly rooms. Every room has a different floor plan and decor. 

Suite 110 at the Baywood Inn, Los Osos

I stayed in a recently updated suite that was modern, light, and comfortable. The large living space included an under-the-counter fridge, dinnerware, a small dining area that could double as a desk, a gas cooktop and sink, and a two-way electric fireplace. The fireplace was one of my favorite amenities. In my spare time at the inn, I enjoyed the warmth and light of the fire while propped up in my cozy king-size bed. 

The bathroom was large and included double sinks, plus I had the only bathroom with a shower you can roll a wheelchair into. There were two seats and a hand-held attachment. The floors of the room and bathroom are concrete. Toiletries for the shower are in eco-friendly refillable containers

If you’re staying more than a couple of nights note that maid service is available upon request, between the hours of 9:30am to 2:30pm.  There is no on-site laundry facility.

Dining in Baywood-Los Osos

While there is no restaurant attached to the inn, there are several options within less than a five-minute walk. Across the street is one of the nicest restaurants in Baywood,  Mizura, serving eclectic American food in a pretty room with views of the bay. Adjacent to the Baywood Inn is La Palapa for delicious Mexican food with fresh seafood. You can get breakfast here as well. Noi is the local Thai restaurant with takeaway. It’s a neighborhood staple and one of the few places you can find vegan options. Across the street from the Baywood Inn is the Nautical Bean, which gratefully opens by 6:00 am. They serve a variety of specialty coffees, teas, and breakfast items. There’s no indoor dining, but there is takeaway and tables outside.

For a casual bite, such as sandwiches, try High Street Deli. Beerwood is another option with outdoor dining and a wide variety of menu items. I had a chicken soup and roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan shavings. The outdoor tables are enclosed in a pretty patio-like area. On Monday, the Farmer’s Market sets up on the street in front of Beerwood. You can walk to all of these places in minutes. No car required. If you stay in Baywood Los Osos for more than a couple of days, you will likely try all of them. 

Dinner at La Palapa, Los Osos

The Baywood Inn Los Osos is perfect for families, solo travelers, and groups, but it is also ideal for outdoor lovers seeking peace and quiet in nature. The luxury is in the silence, the lack of traffic, and a stunning coastal landscape.

Amenities, fees, and need-to-knows

WiFi is complimentary. 

Bottled water is complimentary.

Parking is in the rear.

Bikes are available for rent on a daily basis.

There’s a $40 pet fee.

Service animals are welcome.

The office is closed on Tuesday but you can access the office via a pass code. Late check-in is available and there is a 24 phone number. 

Rates at the Baywood Inn Los Osos vary by season and weekday. Studio rooms start at $150 Suites are $300-350 on weekends. Weekends are busy so book in advance. The inn offers a complimentary breakfast via a coupon for use at the Nautical Bean or La Palapa. 

Compare rates on Expedia and Booking.com

My stay at the Baywood Inn in Los Osos was sponsored.