Los Osos and Baywood Park, on the south end of Morro Bay, were two independent areas that developed separately during different periods. Over time, they grew together. In 1974, the US Post Office eliminated the Baywood branch and declared the area as Los Osos. Residents, passionate about their neighborhoods, specifically refer to Cuesta-by-the-Sea, Baywood, or the 12 other housing areas, while nonresidents ascribe to the Los Osos name. This area, including the beautiful Los Osos Valley, has been home to artisans, fishermen, and hunters for centuries, and more recently, cattle ranchers and farmers. The town grew haphazardly in fits and starts. Quirky, rebellious, off the beaten path—all apply. People here are happy to be a bit undiscovered and prefer that it stays that way.