MORRO BAY/LOS
OSOS But Morro Bay has also established a reputation for its natural beauty, aweinspiring ocean views, ideal climate, and ecotourism. As a result, the area has become a popular vacation destination. Morro Bay Harbor is delineated by a five-mile sand dune, which stretches from the beautiful state park Montaña de Oro (Mountain of Gold) to Morro Rock, encompassing a large bay completely sheltered from the open ocean. This natural harbor is home to one of California’s largest and most productive commercial fishing fleets. The fishing industry, which provides area restaurants and fish markets with the freshest of seafood, is at the heart of Morro Bay culture. The harbor, which provides protection for boats of all sizes, including a variety of personal luxury vessels, is a popular destination for yachtsmen from all over the West Coast. Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History has been modernized and offers engaging exhibits, informative lectures, nature walks, and hands-on exploration in a discovery area for children. Exhibits provide modern environmental education and incorporate the latest in scientific knowledge emphasizing biodiversity and the interdependence of all living things. The variety of exhibits is designed to provide a deeper appreciation of the natural wonders and cultural history of this region. As a bird sanctuary, Morro Bay provides a nourishing habitat to more than 250 species and more than two dozen threatened and endangered species, including the peregrine falcon, brant, brown pelican, black rail, and snowy plover. The Morro Bay Estuary is the largest area of its kind left unspoiled on the West Coast and is a major stop on the Pacific Flyway. Meandering gracefully along the harbor shoreline is the Embarcadero, noted for shops, outstanding restaurants, and ocean-view accommodations. Here the seafood, the sunsets, and the hospitality are unparalleled. Several blocks above the Embarcadero, visitors find Morro Bay’s charming Old Town, filled with antique shops, stores, and restaurants. Also available in Morro Bay are all the amenities one associates with a first-rate vacation resort. Visitors can avail themselves of the 18-hole ocean-view Morro Bay championship golf course, fishing, boating, world-class surfing, hiking, kayaking, SCUBA diving, rock climbing, horseback riding, biking, bay cruises, and whale watching. There are protected wetlands, bird sanctuaries, and plentiful sea life, which also add to the area’s natural beauty. Morro Bay is also ideally located for other activities, too. It’s a short drive from world-famous Hearst Castle and the fabulous nearby wine regions. The Central Coast has quickly gained recognition as one of the world’s great wine areas. Just
a few miles south of town lie the charming communities of Baywood
Park and Los Osos. Los Osos is the gateway to Moñtana de Oro State
Park. The park’s name, meaning “mountain of gold,” comes from the
fields of wildflowers that blanket the landscape each spring. This
breathtaking 8,000-acre park offers visitors a wealth of natural
beauty; over fifty miles of hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails;
camping; surf fishing; and SCUBA diving.Nestled within the borders
of Los Osos are numerous pristine wilderness preserves such as the
magical Elfin Forest, Los Osos Oak Preserve, Sweet Springs Nature
Preserve, and Audubon Overlook.
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