Visit Morro Bay to Beat the Summer Heat
Fishing Excursions, Kayak Tours and Summer Events
Jun 24, 2009
Located near San Luis Obispo, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the quiet harbor town of Morro Bay, California draws tourists who need a break from the summer heat. The famous Morro Rock, one of a series of peaks in the region, sits at the edge of a protected bay. An inviting waterfront Embarcadero holds shops and restaurants and a place to book a variety of local excursions. A few blocks from the harbor sits the downtown area where dozens of cafes, antique stores and boutiques invite locals and tourists to intermingle and relax.
Water Sports in Morro Bay
Fishing Excursions and Harbor Tours: For deep sea fishing trips, Central Coast Sportfishing and Charters can be booked by calling (805) 704-2084 and provide half day and full day trips that leave from the Morro Bay Harbor. All fishing gear including bait is provided as wells as fish cleaning and packing services. Rockfish, lingcod sole, and an occasional halibut comprise a normal day’s catch.
Whale watching excursions are also offered year round with humpback whales commonly spotted in summer and the California grey whale during the winter months.
Kayaking: The long natural sandbar that protrudes from the harbor creates a calm environment for learning how to kayak. Both tours and rentals are offered from several locations along the Embarcadero (view the Suite101 article www.paddlesports.suite101.com/article.cfm/kayaking_california_central_coast_waters for more details).
Events in Morro Bay
Weekend Farmer’s Market: Held every Saturday throughout the year from 3:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m. on Main Street, dozens of stands sell not only locally grown produce but arts and crafts, gourmet food products and specialty clothing.
Merchants Faire: Held each year on the last Sunday in July or first of August (Aug. 2 for 2009), the downtown streets of Morro Bay fill with vendors offering handmade jewelry, crafts, pottery, glassworks, quilts and crafts. Antique dealers bring treasures out from their local stores. The aroma of barbecued chicken and beef fills the air and fresh locally caught oysters, crab and seafood are offered for sale.
Embarcadero Art Walk: Every Friday, artists show their work on the Embarcadero. Many shops and galleries provide wine and appetizers and an opportunity to meet with the artists and discuss their work.
Hiking Trails in Morro Bay
The nearby Montana de Oro State Park contains a variety of hiking and walking trails that traverse both flat and elevated levels. A scenic bluff trail meanders across meadows where wildflowers continue to bloom in the summer. Coastal views of the rocky shoreline include an occasional glimpse of a peregrine falcon, oystercatcher or cormorant. Sea otters are often seen playing among the kelp beds and humpback whales are commonly spotted just off the coastline.
A short walk from town takes hikers to the sandbar and trails along the Estero Bay estuary. These lower level pathways cross through low growing native shrubs and offer an opportunity to view migrating seabirds. The sound of sea lions can be heard throughout the area where they often spend time on the whistle buoys and harbor moorings.
Whether a visit to Morro Bay means participation in an active event or just a time to relax and unwind, the pleasant climate, enchanting scenery and variety of amenities will please the entire family.
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