Page 49 - SLO Visitors Guide - Fall 2024

slovisitorsguide.com FALL 2024 49
Morro Bay A sightseer’s delight
Explore the natural beauty of Morro
Bay, a town famous for its fog
and fishing. Whether for a day or a
week, this small town by the Rock has
something for everyone.
Morro Bay is bursting with
exciting activities to try. There’s
deep sea fishing, whale watching,
world-class surfing, hiking, biking,
and kayaking.
When it comes to birdwatching,
there’s little doubt that Morro Bay
provides the best chance for observ-
ing a great variety of species. It’s an
incredible birding spectacle. There
are also harbor seals, sea lions, and
sea otters.
Looking to take a slower pace?
Stroll down the Embarcadero and
browse gift shops and art galleries.
Explore the local cuisine and dine on
fresh caught fish. Sit on a bench in
Tidelands Park and watch the boats
leaving the harbor or take a walk on
the beach and watch the waves. Walk
out the harbor boardwalk to Morro
Rock, the 576-foot volcanic plug that
looms over the bay and seashore.
Keep an eye out for sea otters that
rest in the kelp beds near the shore.
Attractions
Morro Bay Maritime Museum
This museum has been preserving
and interpreting the maritime history,
especially that of California since
1995. The current fleet on exhibit
includes the tug boat “Alma” that
rescued sailors from the December
1941 Japanese attack on a Union
Oil tanker off the coast of Morro Bay
and the “Avalon,” one of two Deep
Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRV)
submarines designed to rescue crews
of downed submarines. The museum
is located at 1210 Embarcadero in
Morro Bay. For hours visit morrobay-
maritime.org.
Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park, located at
60 State Park Rd. Morro Bay, features
lagoon and bay habitat, all in view of
Morro Rock. The park has opportuni-
ties for sailing, fishing, hiking and bird
watching and features a marina and
an 18-hole golf course. The Morro Bay
Golf Course is located at 201 State
Park Rd. Call (805) 772-1923 for hours
and tee times.
The park is a California state
park, visit parks.ca.gov for informa-
tion about parking, hours and other
attractions.
North Point Natural Area
Operated by the City of Morro Bay,
the North Point Natural Area has a stair-
way that leads down to the beach. Once
on the beach, people can walk north
to Cayucos or south to Morro Rock.
The beach has one of the best tidepool
areas. In the spring, the meadow is full
of blooming wildflowers. The entry is
located on Toro Lane in Morro Bay.
Black Hill Trail
Located at Main St and Parkview
Dr., this 2.5 mile trail is a moderate
hike. The trail is a favorite spot for na-
ture walks and birdwatching. Leashed
dogs are welcome.
Giant chessboard at
Centennial Parkway
According to the United States
Chess Federation, the Giant Chess-
board at Centennial Parkway, 806 Em-
barcadero, is only one of two outdoor
chessboards in the United States.
The other is located in New York City.
The Morro Bay Chess Club installed
chess tables and benches adjacent
to the Giant Chessboard. The Giant
Chessboard is available for reserva-
tions, Monday through Friday, 8:30
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., through the Morro
Bay Recreation Services for a small
fee. Visitors are always welcomed to
join the Morro Bay Chess Club on Sat-
urdays beginning at noon. For more
information call (805) 772-6278
Art Center Morro Bay
The Gallery has become a hub for fine
art. They offer many opportunities to
purchase beautiful, local drawings,
prints, sculpture, jewelry, cards and
more through an array of venues, as
well as networking and educational
opportunities for artists to further their
craft. artcentermorrobay.org, Morro Bay
Art Center 835 Main St., (805) 772-2504
Chablis Cruises
Treat yourself to a delicious meal
and incredible vistas of Morro Bay
Harbor aboard Chablis Cruises.
Featuring weekly chowder and
sightseeing cruises. Check our
website for wine tasting and special
events! Private charters available.
Reservations highly recommended.
Across from the stacks in Morro Bay,
Chabliscruises.com, (805) 772-2128
Art Galleries
David J Rogers Fine Art
Visit the gallery and working studio of
local artist, David J Rogers. He offers
original paintings, giclée prints, cards,
gifts and live watercolor workshops.
Located in downtown Morro Bay,
407 Morro Bay Blvd., open daily 10
am - 5 pm, Sundays 11 am - 4 pm,
davidjrogersart.com, (805) 225-5077
Dining & Drinks
Bayside Cafe
Located at the State Park Marina it’s
the best kept secret on the Central
Coast. Seafood dinners, such as fresh
fish, steamers and fish and chips.
Meatloaf served Thursday nights.
Lunch daily starting at 11 a.m.,
dinner Thursday-Sunday 4 - 8:30 p.m.
Located across the street from the
State Park Campground entrance,
(805) 772-1465