Living on the Central Coast affords us great opportunities to experience a myriad of things to do and places to see without the cost of traveling. Let's take a tour of the towns of the Central Coast and we'll start with my town, Morro Bay. Famous as the town with the "Rock," Morro Bay has lots more to offer. Whether you spend a day or a week in this small town by the bay, there is something for everyone here.
Let's start with the beautiful natural world of Morro Bay. When it comes to birdwatching there is little doubt that Morro Bay provides the best chance for seeing a great variety of species. While birds are present all year round, fall and winter months bring spectacular amounts of migrating species into the area. The National Audubon Society lists Morro Bay as a Globally Important Bird Area and it is also a part of the National Estuary Program.
Godwits & Willets at Windy Cove
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Shorebirds such as marbled godwits, willets, curlews with their long curved bill, and tiny sandpipers find a bountiful feast in the mudflats of the bay. Black brant geese migrate from spots on the Alaskan shore to feed on the rich eelgrass beds of the estuary. Fluttering terns, Brown Pelicans, graceful egrets, and herons are also part of the seasonal mix.
One of the best ways to see the birds of Morro Bay is from the water. Outfitters located on the Embarcadero rent kayaks, canoes, and electric boats.
For those who don't want to take to the water there are trails and viewing places surrounding the bay. An easy trail is located beginning at the rear of the Morro Bay State Park Marina parking lot and winding out along the estuary. A new boardwalk has recently been constructed on one of the trails and this will give you a chance to view the birds without disturbing them. Another great viewing spot is at Morro Rock where Peregrine Falcons nest every year. Ospreys are often seen perching on top of boat masts in the harbor area.
To continue your nature tour be sure to visit the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History located in Morro Bay State park. You can find out all about the ecology of Morro Bay using the interactive exhibits here. Docents also lead guided walks and give informative lectures.
Stax Wine Bar & Bistro
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Head on down to the Embarcadero to walk from Tidelands Park in the south all the way out to Morro Rock. You can browse in the many gift shops and art galleries or dine on locally caught fish in your choice of restaurants. Do some wine tasting at Stax Wine Bar & Bistro at 1099 Embarcadero or Bella Vino's on Market Street. Stax offers local vintages and wines from around the world while Bella Vino's specializes in California wines and craft beers.
Sea Lions
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Get out on the water with Lost Isle Adventures and bring your camera to take photos of the sea lions that lounge on the floating docks in the harbor. To explore the underwater life of the bay hop aboard the yellow submarine with Sub-Sea Tours and watch the smelt in a feeding frenzy when they toss some food at them over by Target Rock. Here too, going up top on the boat, you can snap photos of sea otters that are often found wrapped up in kelp at this location. If you want to pilot your own craft you can rent an electric boat from Bay Cruisers or get in a kayak at any of the kayak rentals along the waterfront.
The waterfront is not the only interesting place in Morro Bay. Walk around Old Town, starting at Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street. The Morro Bay Art Association has their gallery at the Art Center, the big purple building on Main. Every month a new exhibit takes place and you can just browse or buy some wonderful original art and photography by local artists. The Art Center is honoring the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival with it's next exhibit titled "It's For The Birds." The exhibit opens January 10th and runs through February 18th and will feature photography of birds by member photographers. 12 PM to 4 PM daily.
Next door is the eclectic Coalesce Bookstore, always a fun place to shop, not just for books, although there are many, but gift items, cards, and more. You might catch a musical concert there too as they hold them regularly in the Garden Chapel. Or you might want to get married – they can take care of that for you also.
At the Helm Boats
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Art Center
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Bella Vinos Winebar
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Across the street is the Babylonian Soap Company with natural skin products and ecclectiQ, offering clothing and accessories for comfort and style.
Two coffee shops are nearby to offer you the best in brewed coffee. Top Dog is located next to Coalesce Bookstore and has a lovely outside seating area. Around the corner on Morro Bay Boulevard is the Rock Espresso Shop. Walk up Morro Bay Boulevard and stop in at Queen's Closet for the latest fashions, Treasures Antique Mall for those old fashioned interesting items, and Beads By The Bay for beads, beads, beads and handmade jewelry. Farther up the boulevard at Shasta Street is the town's newest and most eclectic gift shop, Ruby Dragon, a metaphysical rock, crystal, and gift store.
As you can see there is much to do and much to see and you can't go wrong spending a day in Morro Bay!
