When it comes to shopping, it is increasingly important that our actions on every level be given a thoughtful approach. Here at the Central Coast State Parks Association, we strive to stock our nature stores with quality products that are locally or USA made whenever possible. Most of our merchandise is custom to our parks and has elements of education and interpretation. In addition, we are committed to sourcing our products from companies that are dedicated to environmental and social practices that are sustainable and fair. Our goal is to make conscious shopping easy and fun all while knowing your purchase directly supports our local State Parks. Thank you for shopping at our nature stores and supporting education in our State Parks!
In addition to our online store, you can visit our nature stores at the locations below.
The Morro Bay Museum of Natural History at Morro Bay State Park is the only natural history museum in the California State Park system. The museum sits on a hill overlooking beautiful Morro Bay, and serves as an exhibit space, curatorial collection, research center, and a nature store. Open from 10 am – 5 pm daily, the museum hosts interactive exhibits for all ages that explore native plants and animals, Native American history, geology, and more. As you exit through the nature store, you will be greeted by the smiling faces of volunteers and employees ready to help you take home your perfect interpretive keepsake. From apparel to books to kids’ toys to maps and jewelry, you will find the perfect gift and experience for the nature lover in your life. Located at 20 State Park Road in Morro Bay.
At the west end of Los Osos Valley Road in Montaña de Oro State Park, you will find the Spooner Ranch House. This building serves as a visitor center, living history museum, and nature store. It is the original home of the Spooner family, one of the first ranching families of the area during the late 1800s. Today, you can walk the house and learn about the struggles of farmers of this era, as well as the local history of Los Osos and Montaña de Oro State Park. With ever-rotating traveling exhibits, this is a location you will want to visit again and again. Merchandise in the nature store represents the historically rich location with modern practicality. Here you will find small business-made jams and candles, locally written books, and vast information about the local trails, plants, animals, and history. Stop by and give the dedicated staff and volunteers a visit while learning something new about this ancient land! The Spooner Ranch House is open from 11 am – 4 pm daily, with extended hours during the summer.
The Monarch Grove Mercantile Trailer sits right at the heart of the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. The trailer is open from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm every day of the year, with extended hours during butterfly season (October-February). This location is for butterfly lovers of all ages! Chat with well-informed staff, and during the monarch season, volunteer experts roam the grove to answer any monarch questions you may have. The Mercantile trailer itself carries a wide variety of butterfly souvenirs, apparel, guides, binoculars, and more. Fly on down and give us a visit, butterfly season or not, and you will leave with top-notch butterfly gear and plenty of monarch fun facts to share with friends and family! The grove is located along Highway 1 between Grover Beach and Pismo Beach.
Next to the Oceano Dunes Campground and right near the beach, you will find the Oceano Dunes Visitor Center and nature store. This interpretive center is a great place to learn about the park and local flora, fauna, and native tribes. Friendly staff, volunteers, and State Park Interpreters will help answer any questions you may have. In the nature store, choose from one of the many children’s books, field guides, history books, or small souvenirs! The Visitor Center is located at 555 Pier Ave in Oceano and open from 12 pm – 4 pm daily.
