Morro Bay, a small city on California’s Central Coast in San Luis Obispo County, is drawing attention as an easy weekend escape roughly three hours north of Los Angeles by car. The town was previously named California’s coolest small town by BudgetTravel, which described it as “unlike any other California seaside town.”
“For travelers who seek local wine, fresh seafood and adventures filled with wildlife watching and iconic coastal experiences, look no further than Morro Bay,” BudgetTravel wrote.
The town’s defining landmark is Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic formation sitting in the harbor. Visitors can walk the area around the rock, but climbing it is prohibited. It was designated a historical landmark in 1968. The rock is surrounded by Morro Bay State Park, where the lagoon draws birdwatchers, sailors and anglers.
The Embarcadero, the town’s waterfront strip, is lined with small businesses, including the seafood restaurant Kicker’s and the kite shop Beachfront Kites, Surreys & More. Along the coast, visitors can kayak, paddle board, surf, fly kites or go whale watching.
Morro Bay is also known for its population of roughly 70 southern sea otters, typically visible in the summer months. Travelers who miss the otters can still find notable wildlife at the Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve, home to the endangered Morro shoulderband snail, the Morro Bay kangaroo rat, and a variety of reptiles, birds, amphibians and butterflies.
Lodging in town is relatively affordable. A room at The Landing Hotel, which overlooks Morro Rock, runs between $99 and $250 a night.
The town’s location makes it a convenient base for exploring other Central Coast attractions, including Hearst Castle and the vineyards of Edna Valley. Morro Bay also hosts annual events, including the Avocado & Margarita Street Festival in September and the Morro Bay Bird Festival in January.
Add comment