Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Morro Bay
Home to a commercial fishing fleet, Morro Bay's biggest claim to fame is Morro Rock, a
volcanic peak jutting dramatically from the ocean floor. It's one of the Nine Sisters, a
21-million-year-old chain of rocks stretching all the way south to San Luis Obispo. The
town's less boast-worthy landmark comes courtesy of the power plant, whose three
cigarette-shaped smokestacks mar the bay views. Along this humble, working-class stretch
of coast you'll find fantastic opportunities for kayaking, hiking and camping.
Sights & Activities
This town harbors natural riches that are easily worth a half day's exploration. The bay it-
self is a deep inlet separated from the ocean by a 5-mile-long sand spit. South of Morro
Rock is the
Embarcadero
, a small waterfront boulevard jam-packed with souvenir shops
and eateries.
Morro Rock
LANDMARK
Chumash tribespeople are the only people legally allowed to climb this volcanic rock, now
the protected nesting ground of peregrine falcons. You can laze at the small beach on the
rock's north side, but you can't drive all the way around it. Instead, rent a kayak to paddle
the giant estuary, inhabited by two-dozen threatened and endangered species, including
brown pelicans, snowy plovers and sea otters.
Morro Bay State Park
PARK
adult/child under 17yr $3/free; museum 10am-5pm)
This woodsy waterfront park is strewn with hillside hiking trails. A small
natural history
museum
has interactive exhibits geared toward kids that demonstrate how the forces of
nature affect us all. North of the museum, a eucalyptus grove harbors one of California's
last remaining great blue heron rookeries.
Kayak Horizons
WATER SPORTS
