Oso Flaco Lake & Oceano Dunes

OCEANO. Set in nearly 20 miles of coastal dunes, Oso Flaco is a rare freshwater lake that boasts a baffling wealth of natural diversity. Prime grounds for birdwatchers and other nature enthusiasts, Oso Flaco features a boardwalk leading to the beach that allows visitors to catch brief glimpses of everything from bobcats and California least terns to prickly phlox and giant coreopsis. The area's dramatic scenery has inspired artists for centuries, including Hollywood film director Cecil B. DeMille, who selected the dunes as the setting for his "Ten Commandments."