There’s Much More at Morro Bay

by Barbara L. Steinberg

California is breathtaking with so much to see and many places to explore. A universal truth that hardly needs repeating. But it never hurts to be reminded that we live and play in one of the most special and sometimes idiosyncratic places on Earth.

Morro Bay, one of those quintessential California dreamin’ destinations, is eccentric and distinctive, with more than a slight lean to the quirky side. It’s also charming and welcoming, maintaining a small-town grace you simply can’t ignore. If you love the beach, ocean views, open space, hiking, kayaking, hunting, golfing and fishing you won’t want to miss the OWAC Spring Conference at Morro Bay.

Morro Bay is “the Disneyland of nature,” – according to Sharon Bufo, Manager, Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center – “because there’s so much to do!”  This nature-lovers theme park has twelve miles of beaches! That’s some serious waterfront property.  But there’s much more to discover at Morro Bay.

With all that ocean at your doorstep, naturally there are mind-boggling quantities of fresh seafood. For something more:  Hey, get your mojo moving at local oyster farms! You know what they say about those viscous marine mollusks plucked fresh from the bay? OMG – there’s nothing better.Morro Bay Oysters Courtesy of Heidi Toler Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant serves them raw or barbecued with garlic butter! Are you drooling? The oysters are available year-round. Attend OWAC’s Spring Conference hosted by the Inn at Morro Bay and the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center and enjoy some oyster shooters.

Two dozen threatened and endangered species live in the Morro Bay watershed, including the peregrine falcon, brant, brown pelican, sea otter, Morro Bay kangaroo rat, black rail, snowy plover, steelhead trout, salt marsh bird's beak, and Morro Manzanita; which is what draws outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds to the region. 

The El Moro Elfin Forest in nearby Los Osos, adjacent to the Morro    Bay Estuary, is 90 acres of primordial forest including marshes,       dune scrub, chaparral, and riparian forest. Another hidden jewel in the Morro Bay crown. We’re talking pygmy trees people! The forest shelters centuries old and stunted California Live Oaks.  The mile-long boardwalk (wheelchair accessible) provides access to this mystical place and expansive views of Morro Bay.

Regarding the fine art of sportfishing and hunting, Morro Bay has much more! Virg’s Landing has been the go-to sportfishing outfit since 1954 and has the most complete tackle shop in Morro Bay. They also provide whale-watching tours throughout the season, December through June. The rockcod and lingcod season re-opens May 1, 2012, just in time for our spring conference.  You may be surprised to know, there’s a small window of opportunity for hunting waterfowl in the Back Bay. The hunting season runs from Nov. 10th through January 27th, with the first 30 days being allowed in particular for the popular brant geese hunting.  This Department of Fish & Game link provides a map for the designated hunt zone. 

Okay, I know you must be thinking, “What about the rock?” It’s big. Really big! You can’t climb it. You can’t hike it. And disturbing the bird life is prohibited by law. The area surrounding the base of Morro Rock can be visited, but the rock is protected as the Morro Rock State Preserve. Did I mention it’s reallyMorro Bay Oysters Courtesy of Heidi Toler

big? Get up-close and personal in a kayak! Spanish explorers called the rock El Moro because it resembled the head of a Moor, the people from North Africa known for the turbans they wore – that was some creative thinking. However, the dictionary definition for the Spanish word "morro" pebble – that’s some pebble.  The Summer Solstice, June 21^st,  is the only time  anyone is allowed to ascend “The Rock!” Members of the Salinan Tribe – who have lived in the region for more than 10,000 years – climb the 576-foot-high Morro Rock and light a traditional fire to greet the Solstice. 

What more in Morro Bay? According to John Lozano, Director of Sales, Inn at Morro Bay, “You’ll never meet a stranger in Morro Bay. Everyone is so happy to be here – National Geographic listed it as one of the “happiest place in the USA!” Wait, that goes back to that Disneyland reference. It must be true! National Geographic and Oprah said so!

Stay tuned if you’re at all interested in the first-ever “Deadliest Catch” event at this year’s Morro Bay Harbor Festival, October 2012.  See you at the Outdoor Writers Association of California Spring Conference at Morro Bay. You won’t want to miss this conference. Check out some of the scheduled activities and see why.