Morro Bay, CA
I have been traveling to San Luis Obispo County since I was kid. My aunt, uncle, and their two kids lived in the area and over the years I have nothing but good memories associated with every moment in time.
At the age of 10, I finally stood up on water skis for the first time at Lake Nacimiento and the lake is still a popular destination for water sports, fishing, hiking, camping, lodging, wildlife viewing, and much more.
I love getting to see the sea otters in their nursery near Morro Rock in Morro Bay. Fun fact, the 2002 psychological thriller Murder by Number starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling was filmed in Morro Bay.
I took this photo looking south of Morro Rock near the sea otters
The Embarcadero is a short but nice walk along the waters edge with shops and restaurants.
A restaurant on the Embarcadero had fun cut outs which made a fun photo op for my dog Cali.
Just north of Morro Bay, San Simeon is located about half way between Los Angelas and San Francisco off the cost of highway 1. The elephant seals are a must stop, those guys are HUGE! During beading season, there could be thousands of them on the beah. Not always the best smell but a cool experience no matter the season. Somehow Hearst Castle that was one a private home of William Randolph Hearts is still open to the public over 68 years later.
IF YOU LOVE CAMPING I would recommend either Morro Bay State Park across the state park marina, it’s quiet and the night sky is amazing for star gazing. If you prefer something closer to the beach, Oceano is located directly next to the sand dunes in/on/next to (LOL) Pismo Beach; one of the few beaches you can still drive on in CA. Pending your came site, you could be a 5 min walk to the beach front. Fun Fact, Pismo Beach State Park is home to the monarch butterfly grove which is one of the largest over-wintering colonies of monarch butterflies in the United States.
Walking with my old dog Rio back in day along the marsh near the state park marina
East of Morro Bay is downtown San Louis Obispo and bubblegum ally has been a social media hot spot for years. Quite literally a 700 foot long alley with already been chew bubblegum which tourist keep adding too. Great for shopping, dining, museums, art galleries, theaters, and the home of Mission San Louis Obispo De Tolosa which has been a tourist attraction for over two centuries. Fun fact, Weird Al Yankovic got his start in music while he was attending university at Cal Poly
During my last trip to Morro Bay and the surrounding areas in 2025, my dog Cali (California Marie) experience the beach for the first time in Los Osos at Spooner Cove which is a part of Montana De Oro State Park.
Spooners Cove, Montana De Oro State Park
If you are looking for a place to stay with great water views and not a high cost, the Inn at Morro Bay is my favorite place to say. The smell of salty air and eucalyptus go great with an water front sunrise or sunset. If you prefer something more adventurous, the Madonna Inn might be the spot for you. It’s uniquely whimsical themed rooms, the inn has been a hot sport for tourist and celebrities since it opened in 1958. Since it’s opening, it has since grown from 12 to over 100 rooms along with a wine cellar, bakery, coffee shop, dining room, cocktail lounge, banquet rooms, ladies’ boutique, men’s gift shop, and the gourmet shop. One of the most popular places for tourists to stop off might just be the mens bathroom, yes you heard me correctly. Both ladies and gents are welcome in the gents which features a rock waterfall style urinal that has been a main attraction for decades.
Maybe the best development over the years has been the addition of the SLO county airport. Alaska, American, and United have limited flights in and out of this small but mighty airport from AZ, CA, CO, OR, NV, TX, and WA. Security is a breeze and their is a open air courtyard to enjoy while waiting for your flight to board that also has a nice relief area for your dog if they happen to be traveling with you.
There are so many place to explore in San Luis Obispo County off the California cost highway 1. Wild life, wine tasting, culture, and more, I hope this inspires you to stop off and enjoy what many have to offer. It’s been over a year since I last step foot in Morro Bay but it will always hold a special place in my heart as one of my favorite US cities.
Cheers,