title: Estero Bay (California)
text: # Estero Bay (California)
  
  Estero Bay (Spanish for "Estuary") is a bay located on the Pacific Coast in San Luis Obispo County, central California. It is about 15 miles (24 km) from its south end at Point Buchon/Montana de Oro State Park, to its north end at Point Estero, which is about 5 miles (8 km) northwest of Cayucos. It is indented about 5 miles (8 km) into the California coast.
  
  ## Ecology
  
  The Morro Bay kangaroo rat (Dipodomys heermanni morroensis ) is endemic to the Baywood fine sands habitats surrounding Morro Bay. It is a federally listed endangered species and on the IUCN Red List of Critically endangered species.
  
  Morro Bay is located in the center of Estero Bay.
  
  ## Features
  
  Towns on the bay include Morro Bay, Baywood Park-Los Osos, and Cayucos.
  
  For recreation beaches and parks are along the shore of the bay include:
  
  * Morro Strand State Beach
  * Morro Bay State Park
  * El Moro Elfin Forest Preserve — a 90-acre grove of 'pygmy oaks' (Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia ). Located on the southeastern shore of Estero Bay in Los Osos. An oval wooden walkway loops around the forest, with viewing platforms.
  