By Ben Narasin
Morro Bay is what Monterey was like after the canneries but before the tourists. Saturated with outdoor vistas of the ocean, the seaside fishing village midway between LA and San Francisco is a mix of eccentric and eclectic. It mixes NorCal and SoCal, just as its estuary mixes sea and salt waters. There you’ll find surf shops, coffee stands, seafood shacks, antique stores, thrift stores, candy stores with saltwater taffy, and shell shops under a Pollock-like array of kites against a blue sky. Did I hear wind chimes?
Stay at the Inn at Morro Bay
The view from the inn, which is in the Morro Bay State Park. Dogs are welcome.
PotShots at the House of Jerky
They sell elk, alligator and python jerky, but the “Shoot ’Em Up” coin-op is the real draw.
Rent a Surrey at Farmer’s
Peddle a four-seater pedal craft along the jetty to the volcanic cone of stone that anchors the area.
Look at the Wildlife
Don’t touch the otters. Take a kayak tour or hop aboard a glass-walled boat.
Walk the Embarcadero, Old Town and the Farmers’ Market
Stores ranges from eclectic to eccentric, and there’s often a conch-trumpeting pirate in full regalia.
Bring your free spirit and relax, and come spend a day in Morro Bay!
