Get Away to Morro Bay on the California Coast
By Lynn and Glenn Pribus
Midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is the laid-back town of Morro Bay. Its iconic 576-foot tall Morro Rock was named “El Moro” by Spanish explorers who thought it looked like a Moor’s turban. Today, rare Peregrine Falcons nest on the rock.
This is a prime spot to commune with nature while enjoying pampered luxury. The Morro Bay Estuary is a National Bird Sanctuary and a top birding spot. Besides the Peregrines, more than 250 birds species can be spotted throughout the year. Lynn loved kayaking with Central Coast Outdoors (888-873-5610; www.centralcoastoutdoors.com) where she was up-close with pelicans, the rare snowy plover and many other birds.
Then there’s rock climbing, bicycling, sailing, whale-watching (in season) and fishing. Glenn earned 15 minutes of fame by catching the first, the last, the biggest and the most fish on his deep-sea excursion with Virg’s Sportfishing (800-ROCK-COD; http://www.virgs.com/pg/sportfishing.php
Apart from nature, there’s golfing, art gallery prowling, fresh seafood dining and wine tasting at some of San Luis Obispo County’s 100+ wineries.
An excellent base of operation is the Inn at Morro Bay located in Morro Bay State Park, which also hosts a marina and nature museum. Many Inn rooms have bay views. Guests often enjoy a drink in the piano lounge before dinner in the glamorous Orchid Room where Chef Rob Root serves up a stylish menu. The Inn has many up-scale amenities including a full-service spa and wellness center, heated pool and complimentary use of bicycles for rides through the park. The Inn (800-321-9566; http://www.innatmorrobay.com always has a variety of specials encompassing extras such as spa treatments, kayaking, or golf with complimentary range balls.
View from Morro Bay Inn Lounge
Other Morro Bay accommodations range from national chains to eclectic B&B’s. For more information about lodging, dining and getaway activities visit http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com
Lynn and Glenn Pribus are members of the Outdoor Writers Association of California.