Estero Bluffs State Park

The purpose of Estero Bluffs State Park is to preserve and protect a rich, diverse and particularly scenic area of the California Central Coast. This viewshed includes sea stacks and intertidal areas, a substantial area of wetlands, low bluffs and coastal terraces punctuated by several perennial and intermittent streams, also containing a pocket cove and beach at Villa Creek. The property's rich diversity of habitat types includes marine, intertidal, estuarine, riverine, coastal salt marsh, freshwater marsh, coastal foredune, coastal and riparian scrub and grassland, collectively providing habitat for several endangered species, including the snowy plover. The property also includes sensitive Native American occupancy sites.

In the 1980s, residents of Cayucos and the surrounding communities joined forces to stop coastal development and preserve this open space. The Trust for Public Lands purchased the property in 2000 and deeded it to the State in March 2002. In order to protect the park’s bluffs and its magnificent viewshed, the Trust gave the Cayucos Land Conservancy a perpetual conservation easement that limited activities and facilities (no restrooms or drinking water) in the day-use-only park.

The park offers several recreational opportunities such as sea kayaking, fishing, hiking, bird watching & wildlife viewing. The Museum of Natural History in nearby Morro Bay State Park has exhibits that cover natural features, cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography.

Seasons - Climate - Recommended clothing
Estero Bluffs SP has moderate weather. During summer days, the area is often 30 degrees cooler than inland areas. Dress in layers, especially near the ocean. As the water here is cooler than in Southern California, surfers generally wear wetsuits.

Location & Directions

Estero Bluffs SP is located:

• 20 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1
• 22 miles south of the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument Visitor Center on Highway 1
• 115 miles south of Monterey through Big Sur on Highway 1 (When road conditions permit)
• The coastal town of Cayucos is located 1 mile to the south and offers gas stations and dining choices.
• The charming community of Morro Bay is located 7 miles to the south and offers even more gas stations, grocery stores, and dining options.

Museum of Natural History

A visit to the Central Coast of California is not complete without a stop at the Museum of Natural History within nearby Morro Bay State Park. The museum offers activities for all ages: nature walks, exhibits, lectures, puppet shows, videos, docent led tours and special events.

Visit the Chumash garden along the side of the museum and learn how the Chumash used native plants of this area in their daily lives.

The Museum of Natural History is within minutes of the Heron Rookery, Montaña de Oro State Park, the El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon's Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. The museum overlooks Morro Bay which is both a State and National Estuary.