Getting to Central Coast Waldorf School

Central Coast Waldorf School is nestled in the quiet coastal community of Los Osos, just a short drive from San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Atascadero, and Paso Robles. Families reach our campus by car, carpool, bike, and on foot along scenic routes that showcase the beauty of the Central Coast.

📍880 Manzanita Dr, Los Osos, CA 93402
🕊️Preschool – 8th Grade
🚗Easy access from across SLO County

Our Los Osos Campus

Our campus looks out toward the Morro Bay estuary and nearby hills, offering students a daily connection with the natural world. We’re tucked into a residential neighborhood, a few minutes from South Bay Boulevard and Los Osos Valley Road.

Families often combine school commute time with a walk at the bay, a stop at Montaña de Oro, or errands in nearby Baywood and Morro Bay.

  • Easy access from US-101 via Los Osos Valley Road
  • Close to Morro Bay, Baywood, and Montaña de Oro
  • Quiet neighborhood with nearby trails and open space
Commute from the city

San Luis Obispo

Many families live, work, or attend activities in San Luis Obispo. The drive follows Los Osos Valley Road through open fields and rolling hills before arriving in Los Osos.

Families often combine school drop-off or pick-up with grocery shopping, appointments, or outdoor time in SLO or along the way.


  • Popular for weekday commuters
  • Straightforward route
  • Potential carpool network
Drive: Approximately 15–20 minutes from central San Luis Obispo (about 11–12 miles).

Route:
Los Osos Valley Road west toward Los Osos, then local streets to campus.

Route:
South Bay Blvd toward Los Osos, then turn into the neighborhood near campus.
Coastal north

Morro Bay

Families coming from Morro Bay enjoy a short and scenic drive along South Bay Boulevard, with views of the estuary and Morro Rock.

It’s easy to pair the school day with time at the harbor, Embarcadero, or a quick stop at the beach.

  • Quickest coastal commute
  • Easy after-school beach trips
Drive:
Approximately 10–15 minutes (about 6 miles) via South Bay Boulevard.
South county coast

Pismo Beach

From Pismo Beach, families usually follow US-101 north and then head west toward Los Osos. It’s a straightforward drive that many families share through carpools.

This commute works well for families who split time between work in San Luis Obispo and home in Pismo.


  • Common carpool corridor
  • 101 + LOVR
Drive:
Approximately 20–25 minutes (about 19–20 miles).

Route:
US-101 north, then Los Osos Valley Road west into Los Osos.

Route:
Connect to US-101, then west on Los Osos Valley Road into Los Osos.
Cliffside community

Shell Beach

Shell Beach families enjoy ocean views at both ends of the day. The route generally mirrors the Pismo commute, connecting quickly to US-101 and then Los Osos Valley Road.

Carpooling from Shell Beach and Pismo together is a popular option for families.

  • Shares route with Pismo
  • Great for regional carpools
Drive:
Approximately 20–25 minutes (about 18 miles).
Right in our neighborhood

Los Osos & Baywood

Families who live in Los Osos and Baywood are just minutes from campus. Many children walk, bike, or enjoy a very short car ride to school.

Neighborhood carpools and “walking school bus” style meet-ups are common, especially for younger students.

  • Easiest daily commute
  • Bike & walking friendly
Drive:
Typically just a few minutes from most neighborhoods in Los Osos.

Options:
Walk, bike, or short local drive, depending on your exact location.

Route:
Commonly via CA-41/US-101, then Los Osos Valley Road west into Los Osos.
North county

Atascadero

Families from Atascadero typically travel over the grade toward Morro Bay or via US-101 and Los Osos Valley Road. Many coordinate morning and afternoon carpools to share the drive.

This route gives students a sense of the varied landscapes of the Central Coast—from oak-covered hills to coastal estuaries.

  • Potential carpools
  • North-county community
Drive:
Approximately 30–35 minutes (about 23 miles).
Wine country to the coast

Paso Robles

Paso Robles families enjoy a true “country to coast” commute, often sharing rides and combining trips with errands or activities in San Luis Obispo or Morro Bay.

With thoughtful planning and carpooling, this longer drive becomes a predictable and sustainable rhythm for many north-county families.

  • Best with carpools
  • Consistent freeway + coastal segment
Drive:
Approximately 40–50 minutes (about 33–34 miles), depending on route and traffic.

Route:
Most families follow US-101 south, then Los Osos Valley Road west into Los Osos.

EV Charging Near Campus

Families driving electric vehicles have convenient access to fast charging close to campus. A Tesla Supercharger station is located just down Los Osos Valley Road, making it easy to top up on the way to or from school.

  • Station: Tesla Supercharger – Los Osos
  • Address: 1130 Los Osos Valley Road, Baywood-Los Osos, CA 93402
  • Stalls: 15 Superchargers (high-speed DC fast charging)
  • Access: Open 24 hours a day

Tip for visiting families:
Parents may find it convenient to plug in at the Los Osos Supercharger during conferences, festivals, or after-school events. You can often finish a substantial charge within the span of a meeting or rehearsal.

Additional public EV chargers are available throughout San Luis Obispo County. Check your preferred charging app for the latest locations and availability.

Carpooling & School Support

Central Coast Waldorf School is committed to helping families create sustainable, community-minded transportation routines. Carpooling reduces traffic and emissions while giving students more time to connect with classmates outside of the classroom.

  • Family introductions by area: The school can help connect interested parents who live in the same region (San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Los Osos, Atascadero, Paso Robles, and nearby communities) so you can explore carpool options together.
  • Flexible arrangements: Some families share both morning and afternoon rides; others choose a few days a week that align with work schedules, activities, or younger siblings’ needs.
  • New to the area? If you are relocating to the Central Coast, our office can share typical commute patterns from different neighborhoods and connect you with current families as you get settled.

To learn more about carpools or to be connected with other families in your area, please contact the school office and let us know your home community and typical drop-off/pick-up times.