A Destination to Remember
Morro Bay, California is a place to discover your better nature. Located on the central coast midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this historic fishing village has much to offer its visitors and residents. The most distinctive recognizable landmark associated with Morro Bay is the famous Morro Rock. However, there is so much more to see and explore in and around Morro Bay.

For nature lovers and bird watchers, Morro Bay Estuary provides a nourishing habitat to more than 250 species of birds and over two-dozen endangered and threatened species.

The Morro Bay Natural History Museum , located in the Morro Bay State Park includes engaging exhibits, informative lectures, nature walks, and also features a discovery area for children offering hands on exploration.

There is never a shortage of things to do in Morro Bay. You can peruse boutiques and shops, or play golf on a world champion course. Discover a coastline of clean dunes, paddle down a silent estuary and spy on beautiful and rare birds, or sail in the wild Pacific just beyond the breakwater.

Morro Bay is also a wonderful starting point for visiting several attractions in San Luis Obispo County. Montaña de Oro (Mountain of Gold) State Park is Southwest of Morro Bay. The famous Hearst Castle is just a short drive north of Morro Bay just past the charming villages of Harmony and Cambria. To the east, you will find local wineries offering tastings of the famous Central Coast varietals.

Looking for a unique coastal community to spend a day, a week, or a lifetime? You've come to the right place.

Take some time to discover the unique features of our historic fishing village and you'll see why so many of our visitors return year after year and some even stay a lifetime.

Your better nature awaits you among our miles of unspoiled beaches, nature trails, and estuary. And your inner "Tiger Woods" is ready to reveal itself at our spectacular seaside 18-hole championship golf course. Throw in some wine tasting at our nearby world class wineries, top notch local seafood dining, kayak tours by expert local guides, and incredible bird watching and you have the makings for a true mood-altering experience.

Morro Bay, along California's Central Coast, is among the most visually spectacular communities in America. It has a rich early history that stretches back to the adventures of the Chumash and Salinian Native Americans and visits by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and the Manila Galleons of the 16th Century.

Its modern history begins with the tragic story of one of the town's founding fathers, Reverend Alden B. Spooner. During the midst of a heavy arctic storm, on the night of February 5, 1877, the Reverend Spooner heard the call of duty. The steamboat Mary Taylor was overdue. Rev. Spooner wasn't feeling well, but he rowed out into the squall in his small boat. He was in the north channel, near Pilot Rock, when his craft capsized. His body was never found.

Prohibition stories of Canadian whiskey on the Rock abound as economically hard-pressed farmers, fishermen, and tugboat operators facilitated the landing of Canadian distillates near Morro Bay.

Miles Castle and other refugees from a failed land settlement for English immigrants in the Central Valley joined with Neil Moses, a colorful newspaper editor, Dorothy Gates, a college librarian and Dr. Jack Levitt, a physician from Minnesota, to form a literary society and journal and bring high culture to Morro Bay in the 1930s.

In the beginning this history was passed on from family to family during the evenings in this then remote fishing village. Much of this oral tradition was later gathered together by Dorothy Gates, Jane Horton Bailey, and others and preserved in print. As the community at large grew conscious of its rich past, community-based groups were formed. They continue today, gathering both artifacts and images to preserve Morro Bay's history.

Excerpt from: "Images of America: Morro Bay" (Arcadia Publishing 2006) by Roger Castle and Gary Ream for the Historical Society of Morro Bay. PREVIEW/BUY

Recurring Events
Monthly - Embarcadero Art Walk , second Friday of every month.

Weekends - Music by Capt Jimmy in Anchor Park, Fri/Sat/Sun

Saturdays - Community Farmer's Market - 3:00pm to 6:00pm on Morro Bay Blvd/Main Street

Thursdays - Community Farmer's Market - 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Spencer's Market

Calendar of Events 2009

September

September 5-7: Art in the Park. Vendors come from all over the state to display their wide variety of arts and crafts in the City Park. Morro Bay Art Association. (805) 772-2504

September 19: Avocado & Margarita Festival. Sample guacamole til you see green! Quench your thirst with margaritas by Margarita Man. 714 Embarcadero. Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce (805) 772-4467 Learn more

October
October 3-4: Harbor Festival. An annual celebration of the Central Coast's unique food, wine, lifestyle, and working waterfront. It has been the highlight of the first full weekend in October for nearly 30 years. For vendor information please call the Morro Bay Harbor Festival, Inc. at (805) 772-1155 or visit our website. For lodging information please call the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce at (805) 772-4467. Learn more

October 23-25: Morro Photo Expo. Morro Bay has been referred to as the center of nature photography in California, affording magnificent photo opportunities from virtually every vantage point. This event is designed to celebrate digital photography and help photographers of all skill levels improve technique and proficiency. Learn more

November
November 29: Christmas Street Faire. Vendors display their arts and crafts. Morro Bay Merchant's Association. (877) 478-9477

December
December 5: Lighted Boat Parade. Starts at 6:30pm. Local boats of all sizes, decorated with lights for the holiday season, cruise the harbor. Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce (805) 772-4467

December 31: Gala New Years Eve Party. Complete package for an unforgettable New Year's Eve. Rich Ferguson Master Magician, Illusionist & Mentalist will be on hand to entertain you, Guy Budd & The Gypsy Souls will perform. "Doc" will provide karaoke and for those who need babysitting for their children, "Rent a Granny" will be available. For more information call Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce (805) 772-4467

January 2010
January 16-19: Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival. Both local and state-wide birding experts will lead over 35 land, ocean, and bay field trips, plus discussions and presentations, social events and workshops focusing on everything from warblers to elephant seals. Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce (805) 772-4467. Or registration voice mail 1-866-464-5105