Morro Bay, Calif. – For the Salinan Indians, it is a religious icon. For the endangered peregrine falcons, it is a favorite nesting spot. Early explorers called it the Gibraltar of the Pacific.
Morro Rock, a 581-foot-high volcanic plug rising from the sea here, dominates California’s central coastline as no other geological feature can. Whether one is touring the waterfront of this charming fishing village (population 8,000) or exploring the area’s abundant natural beauty, the eyes can’t help being drawn to this solitary offshore sentinel.
“Historically, visitors came here to unwind and kick back,” says Ed Biaggini, owner of the Embarcadero Inn. But because Morro Bay’s vast estuary was made a national preserve, the region’s natural assets have become a major lure, as well, he says.
Visitor overflow
The estuary is a globally important bird area. Birders flock here at all times of the year, but especially in winter, when Morro Bay becomes home for such migrating birds as black brant geese and white pelicans. More than 200 species are sighted during the annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival, an annual January event that has grown so big that even with more than 900 guest rooms, the town no longer can house all its visitors at that time.
Morro Rock is one of the area’s best bird-watching sites, but Morro Bay State Park is another popular site. Within the park is the Central Coast Natural History Museum, fresh and fascinating after a two-year, multimillion-dollar renovation. Walks and talks with docents are offered, and its many interactive exhibits are especially attuned to children.
Home for butterflies
A few miles farther south, 8,000-acre Montaña de Oro State Park provides great birding sites and breathtaking hiking and biking opportunities. One of the most scenic routes for bikers is the Bluff Trail, which courses for 2 miles on the ocean bluffs. Hikers who negotiate the Valencia Peak Trail are rewarded with splendid 360-degree views from the 1,345-foot summit. Thousands of monarch butterflies also make their winter home in Montaña de Oro’s eucalyptus trees.
But nature is not the town’s sole attraction. In town, shopping is a major activity.
“We have the same kind of shops as Carmel, but we’re smaller,” Biaggini says.
From the docks there, visitors can embark on ocean sport-fishing and whale-watching trips, and if that’s not sufficiently adventuresome, they can go rock climbing on Hollister Peak, fly a kite or ride a horse on the beach.
Rock climbers may look longingly at Morro Rock, but that’s all they can do. The famous rock has been off-limits to climbers since the 1960s. But surfers, as well as sunbathers, are welcome at the beach adjacent to the rock, reachable by a causeway.
“Sometimes there are so many surfers out there that they look like seals bobbing in the water,” Biaggini says.
Booming wine country
Less energetic visitors may opt for a wine-tasting excursion. The booming wine country around Paso Robles, with dozens of tasting rooms, is just 15 miles away. In summer the excursions may run the opposite direction, as Morro Bay becomes a welcome haven for wine-sippers.
This cozy seaside village also is a popular stop for those visiting one of California’s biggest tourist attractions, the famous Hearst Castle. William Ran-
dolph Hearst’s remarkable hilltop mansion at San Simeon is less than 30 minutes away.
The biggest blowout here is the annual Harbor Festival, which brings 30,000 to 50,000 visitors to Morro Bay on the first weekend of October.
