Morro Bay
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Morro Bay is a working fishing village on the Central Coast. It is located on Estero Bay, named by
Father Juan Crespi on September 9, 1769 as "Estero de Santa Serafina." Estero means estuary in Spanish.
Its most famous landmark, Morro Rock, was named by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo when he first charted this coast during
his voyages of discovery in 1542.
Juan Gaspar de Portola and his overland expedition passed the rock in the autumn of 1769. Captain Portola described
the rock as an island at high tide "a little less than a gunshot" from shore. At 576 feet, it is home to the endangered
Peregrine falcon and is sacred to the local Salinan and Chumash Indians who observe solstices on its peak. Known as
the "Gibraltar of the Pacific", it's part of the Nine Sisters, a chain of ancient volcanic peaks formed about 23 million years
ago.
Father Juan Crespi on September 9, 1769 as "Estero de Santa Serafina." Estero means estuary in Spanish.
Its most famous landmark, Morro Rock, was named by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo when he first charted this coast during
his voyages of discovery in 1542.
Juan Gaspar de Portola and his overland expedition passed the rock in the autumn of 1769. Captain Portola described
the rock as an island at high tide "a little less than a gunshot" from shore. At 576 feet, it is home to the endangered
Peregrine falcon and is sacred to the local Salinan and Chumash Indians who observe solstices on its peak. Known as
the "Gibraltar of the Pacific", it's part of the Nine Sisters, a chain of ancient volcanic peaks formed about 23 million years
ago.
The Park's Museum of Natural History has exhibits covering natural features and cultural history, Native American life,
geology, and oceanography. A trail leads to the top of volcanic Black Hill, with its sweeping views of the estuary and the
Nine Sisters. Cabrillo Peak, ( 805-772-7434), makes a terrific day hike and offers 360-degree views from its summit.
The park also offers camping and the oceanside Morro Bay Golf Course (aka "Poor Man's Pebble Beach"), which
charges only $41 for weekend greens fees ( 805-782-8060).
The Golf Course is often visited by flocks of wild turkeys. On the bay’s northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that
supports a thriving bird population.
The Museum of Natural History is within minutes of the Heron Rookery, Morro Bay State Park,
Montaña de Oro State Park, the El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon's Sweet Springs Nature Preserve.
The museum overlooks Morro Bay which is both a State and National Estuary. The Morro Bay Estuary and surrounding
areas are great places to relax and view wildlife. Morro Bay offers pristine habitats to many species, including over two
dozen endangered species. The museum has a continually updating webcam with a great view of the rock and back
bay.
geology, and oceanography. A trail leads to the top of volcanic Black Hill, with its sweeping views of the estuary and the
Nine Sisters. Cabrillo Peak, ( 805-772-7434), makes a terrific day hike and offers 360-degree views from its summit.
The park also offers camping and the oceanside Morro Bay Golf Course (aka "Poor Man's Pebble Beach"), which
charges only $41 for weekend greens fees ( 805-782-8060).
The Golf Course is often visited by flocks of wild turkeys. On the bay’s northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that
supports a thriving bird population.
The Museum of Natural History is within minutes of the Heron Rookery, Morro Bay State Park,
Montaña de Oro State Park, the El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon's Sweet Springs Nature Preserve.
The museum overlooks Morro Bay which is both a State and National Estuary. The Morro Bay Estuary and surrounding
areas are great places to relax and view wildlife. Morro Bay offers pristine habitats to many species, including over two
dozen endangered species. The museum has a continually updating webcam with a great view of the rock and back
bay.
Morro Bay State Park features 1,500 acres of
lagoon and natural bay habitat, with
opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and
bird watching. It is also a wintering ground for
the Monarch butterfly. There are numerous
campsites with firepits and RV hookups. Hot
showers are available.
lagoon and natural bay habitat, with
opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and
bird watching. It is also a wintering ground for
the Monarch butterfly. There are numerous
campsites with firepits and RV hookups. Hot
showers are available.
By the turn of the century, vacationers were
camping on the nearby beaches. By 1942, the
U.S. Navy used Morro Bay as a training facility
for World War II. By the 1940s, Morro Bay was
an important fishing port and the heart of the
abalone-harvesting industry.
Due to the decline in world fisheries and the
scarcity of abalone, little of Morro Bay's fishing
days remain. There are still some vestiges of
the fishing fleet, and fresh fish can still be
enjoyed in the many restaurants along the
Embarcadero.
Morro Bay is now a popular tourist destination,
and home to 10,420 residents. Watch TV Ad.
camping on the nearby beaches. By 1942, the
U.S. Navy used Morro Bay as a training facility
for World War II. By the 1940s, Morro Bay was
an important fishing port and the heart of the
abalone-harvesting industry.
Due to the decline in world fisheries and the
scarcity of abalone, little of Morro Bay's fishing
days remain. There are still some vestiges of
the fishing fleet, and fresh fish can still be
enjoyed in the many restaurants along the
Embarcadero.
Morro Bay is now a popular tourist destination,
and home to 10,420 residents. Watch TV Ad.
| Here is a shot of the docks on Morro Bay's Embarcadero. It was taken on a foggy morning by Darrell Shurtz of San Simeon. Crystaline Cove welcomes submissions from our readers. Just send them to deci@crystalinecove.net. There is a webcam set up near Giovanni's Fish Market on the Embarcadero. It's called "Eye in the Sky'' and it rotates. It takes a minute to load, but it's a nice one. |
Morro Strand State Beach is located by the sand dunes along Highway 1 at the north end of town. It is a great place for
surfers to camp. There are no showers or RV hookups. (Camping tips.)
surfers to camp. There are no showers or RV hookups. (Camping tips.)
In 1870, the town of Morro Bay was established around two wharves, which existed for the export of local dairy and ranch
products. The first known wharf was constructed by businessman Franklin Riley and his partner Captain Williams. The
bay made for a safe harbor: many piers and wharfs were built, then torn down or blown down, with newer ones replacing
the older ones as the need arose. Schooners brought in redwood from Santa Cruz.
products. The first known wharf was constructed by businessman Franklin Riley and his partner Captain Williams. The
bay made for a safe harbor: many piers and wharfs were built, then torn down or blown down, with newer ones replacing
the older ones as the need arose. Schooners brought in redwood from Santa Cruz.
In 1875, C.H. Phillips, organizer and manager of the Bank of San Luis Obispo, was probably the first to purchase the
8,100 acres known as the Morro y Cayucos Rancho. Phillips subdivided the spendid property which was quickly settled
by dairymen and farmers.
8,100 acres known as the Morro y Cayucos Rancho. Phillips subdivided the spendid property which was quickly settled
by dairymen and farmers.
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Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce
www.morrobay.org
805-772-4467
City of Morro Bay, California
www.morro-bay.ca.us
805-772-6200
More on Morro Bay
Population (2003): 10,321
65+ (2000): 24.2%
Founded: 1870
Incorporated: 1964
www.morrobay.org
805-772-4467
City of Morro Bay, California
www.morro-bay.ca.us
805-772-6200
More on Morro Bay
Population (2003): 10,321
65+ (2000): 24.2%
Founded: 1870
Incorporated: 1964
Fishermen & Farmers Market - Every Saturday afternoon,
local growers sell fresh-picked seasonal fruit, flowers. Smoked local fish
available. Local crafts and musicians. Fresh baked Italian pretzels (Taralli),
biscotti, cookies, bread & more. Sometimes fresh fish! Taste the best of the
Central Coast !
Time: 3 - 6 PM
Address: Main Street, between Harbor & Morro
Phone: 800-231-0592 / 805-772-4467
Admission: Free
Morro Bay Farmer's Market. Huge array of local produce
every Thursday afternoon in the parking lot of Spencer's Market on North
Main St. from 3 to 5 pm.
local growers sell fresh-picked seasonal fruit, flowers. Smoked local fish
available. Local crafts and musicians. Fresh baked Italian pretzels (Taralli),
biscotti, cookies, bread & more. Sometimes fresh fish! Taste the best of the
Central Coast !
Time: 3 - 6 PM
Address: Main Street, between Harbor & Morro
Phone: 800-231-0592 / 805-772-4467
Admission: Free
Morro Bay Farmer's Market. Huge array of local produce
every Thursday afternoon in the parking lot of Spencer's Market on North
Main St. from 3 to 5 pm.
Best Fish & Chips. Giovannis Fish Market has been family owned and operated for more than 25 years.
Located on the Embarcadero , Giovanni's is a locals secret! Known for the biggest and best fish and chips in Morro Bay
, as well as sashimi grade fish including wild salmon, and Ahi Tuna, Giovanni’s has the freshest fish on the Central
Coast. Giovanni's features a fresh fish market and Take out Food, which can be enjoyed on an outdoor waterfront patio,
with views of Morro Rock, Sea Otters, Sea Lions, Pelicans and Harbor Seals. We stop there often. Morro Bay Dining.
Located on the Embarcadero , Giovanni's is a locals secret! Known for the biggest and best fish and chips in Morro Bay
, as well as sashimi grade fish including wild salmon, and Ahi Tuna, Giovanni’s has the freshest fish on the Central
Coast. Giovanni's features a fresh fish market and Take out Food, which can be enjoyed on an outdoor waterfront patio,
with views of Morro Rock, Sea Otters, Sea Lions, Pelicans and Harbor Seals. We stop there often. Morro Bay Dining.
Bird Fest 2008
Artificial Reef for Morro Bay
Morro Bay has been selected as the first Central Coast site to have an artificial reef created through sinking a surplus
ship. Called Ships to Reefs, the program sinks obsolete naval vessels after removing all scrap and toxins. The ship
ultimately becomes an artificial reef attractive for various species. If all goes according to plan, the ship will be sunk
between Morro Bay and Cayucos. More information about the Ships to Reefs programs is at www.cs2r.org.
Morro Bay has been selected as the first Central Coast site to have an artificial reef created through sinking a surplus
ship. Called Ships to Reefs, the program sinks obsolete naval vessels after removing all scrap and toxins. The ship
ultimately becomes an artificial reef attractive for various species. If all goes according to plan, the ship will be sunk
between Morro Bay and Cayucos. More information about the Ships to Reefs programs is at www.cs2r.org.
