Morro Bay was one of my last stops down the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) before heading over to Bakersfield to meet up with some friends. This charming fishing town is most known for its large rock formation which rises 576 feet up from the harbor. Morro Rock is one of nine volcanic plugs called the Nine Sisters that stretches along California’s Central Coast. The Rock, as it is known by locals, is one of the best surfing spots, so I wanted to check it out for myself. Surfing among dolphins, sea lions and harbor seals, I had the time of my life. I was so excited to see the large population of adorable otters that make their home in Morro and couldn’t wait to explore additional sightings of these playful little mammals while immersed in this charming town.
Built as a wharf to transport dairy and food products, the Embarcadero waterfront is now a boardwalk full of locally-owned shops and restaurants. I decided to dine at the Great American Fish Company and catch another view of the otters frolicking in the sea.
With so many options on the menu, I decided to order the local back bay oysters. With a little hot sauce and horseradish, I slurped them down in seconds. I was also intrigued by the GAFCO clam steamers and having dipped them in warm butter, they were the perfect taste of saltiness and fish. Someday I will return for the ceviche, calamari (which comes highly recommended) or the local abalone (ab-ah-LOW-nee), a mild mollusk, which is also referred to as a mild tasting sea snail.
Before leaving Morro Bay, I purchased some salt water taffy at Carousel and made a trek around the base of The Rock to stretch out before leaving this beautiful place. Rock climbing at Morro Rock requires a permit to ensure the protection of the peregrine falcons that nest here. Once added to California’s Endangered Species list, there are two nesting pairs of falcons in the area.
I had an amazing adventure in Morro Bay. Having my fill of seafood, a morning of surfing, an afternoon of otter watching and my lucky box of salt water taffy, it was time for me to set out for the Central Valley.
Have you visited Morro Bay? What was your favorite experience? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for following my short trip to The Rock and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Morro Bay
- Admission Fee: Free
- Hours: Open daily 24/7
- Scenic View: See wildlife and surfers from Morro Rock; hike the local trails.
- Length of Visit: 1 hour
- Travel Tip: Bring a sweater if stopping by in the evening. The weather may include fog, so be prepared. Bring binoculars to see the peregrine falcons that nest on The Rock.
The Embarcadero
- Admission Fee: Free
- Hours: Varies depending on the shop/restaurant you visit
- Scenic View: See wildlife near the Great American Fish Company
- Length of Visit: 1 – 3 hours
- Travel Tip: Bring a sweater if stopping by in the evening. The weather may include fog, so be prepared.
Where to Stay:
Inn at Morro Bay
60 State Park Road
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Telephone: 805 772 5651
Where to Eat:
Great American Fish Company
1185 Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Telephone: 805 772 4407
What to Eat:
- Calamari
- Ceviche
- Fish and Chips
- Local Oysters
- Oyster Shooters
- Steamed Clams and Mussels
What to Read:
- Eyes Wide Open by Andrew Gross
- Vanishing Point by Marcia Muller
Photo Guide for Morro Bay:
- Photograph The Rock from Morro Creek Beach at sunrise or sunset
- Morro Bay Dunes
- The sea otters next to Great American Fish Company
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