MORRO BAY FACT SHEET

General Info
Morro Bay is a waterfront city in San Luis Obispo County, California. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay is known as one of the most visually spectacular communities in America. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of year round activities including ocean-side golf, kayaking, sailing, hiking, fishing, surfing, biking, bird watching, kite flying, shopping, fine dining and miles of unspoiled beaches. The town's breathtaking natural beauty, along with its close proximity to California's preeminent wine region and extraordinary choices for accommodations make Morro Bay the perfect choice for anyone seeking a natural escape. With its busy harbor and active fishing industry, Morro Bay is known as the place in San Luis Obispo County to savor local seafood, including local oysters and fresh salmon. Surrounding farms and vineyards yield a bounty of outstanding food and wines served with flair at Morro Bay's renowned harbor-view restaurants. For many, it's the antiquing, shopping and browsing the art galleries that pulls them in. Of course, capping it off is Morro Bay's friendly, laid-back style - a warm and welcoming backdrop to the perfect vacation.

History

The town of Morro Bay was founded by Franklin Riley in 1870 as a port for the export of dairy and ranch products. He was instrumental in the building of a wharf that has now become the bustling Embarcadero filled with restaurants, shops, commercial fishing fleets and public boating activities. During the 1870s, schooners could often be seen at the Embarcadero picking up wool, potatoes, barley, and dairy products.

Things to do

For many, it's the antiquing, shopping and browsing the art galleries on the Embarcadero that pulls them in. Others are drawn to adventures like whale watching, horse-back riding on the beach, kayaking or hiking. Whether your adventurous spirit is extreme or serene, you can discover the best of the outdoor life in Morro Bay. From kayaking, sailing or surfing to hiking, biking or golfing. Stand-up paddle boarding, bird watching, kite flying, world class surfing… Morro Bay offers truly unique experiences on and off the water.

Climate
Morro Bay experiences a mild Mediterranean climate averaging daytime highs between 65 and 75 degrees throughout the year. Due to the remarkable ocean influence, the warmest months are between September and November and the coolest months are December and January. With the average daytime high at 65 degrees even in the coolest months, anytime of year is the best time to visit Morro Bay.  

Morro Bay National Estuary
The Morro Bay National Estuary is an exceptional place to experience wildlife. This 2,300 acre expanse of sheltered waters, tidal marshes, mudflats and sea grass beds is rich with natural resources at a time when many coastal wetlands have been lost or severely damaged. Visitors can kayak and paddle board through the Back Bay mudflats at high tide and personally experience the amazing variety of birds in their own habitat. Otters and seals are abundant and often seen eating crabs and fish as they float through the bay.  

Morro Rock
The town's most striking feature is Morro Rock, a 576 foot high volcanic plug. Morro Rock stands at the entrance to the harbor, and a causeway connects it with the shore. Previously, it was surrounded by water, but the northern channel was filled in to make the harbor. The Rock, as locals call it, was quarried from 1889 to 1969. There is no public access to the rock itself because it is a reserve for the locally endangered peregrine falcon.

Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area and Morro Bay State Marine Reserve 

These marine protected areas are located offshore from Morro Bay. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.

The Harbor
Morro Bay is a natural embayment that includes a 4 mile stretch of sand dune that is known as the “sand spit” by locals, and has an artificial harbor mouth constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is the only all-weather small craft commercial and recreational harbor between Santa Barbara and Monterey.

Economy
Morro Bay's economy is based on small businesses, tourism, and retirees. A number of tourist attractions are found along the shoreline and the streets closest to it, especially the Embarcadero, including restaurants, shops and parks.

Lodging
Morro Bay offers a wide variety of lodging options, from elegant waterfront suites to tidy, budget-friendly motor lodges. Those travelers who want a more home-like atmosphere, where they can meet other visitors and be treated to home-cooked meals can stay at one of the town's cozy bed and breakfasts. Others might want to just lose the road and explore their adventurous side by camping or RVing. There are also vacation rentals where visitors can spend quality time together.

Dining
Besides offering visitors some of the most breathtaking views of the Central California Coastline, Morro Bay is also known for its superb eateries and award-winning chefs. Morro Bay is known as the place in San Luis Obispo County to savor local seafood, including local oysters and fresh salmon. Surrounding farms and vineyards yield a bounty of outstanding food and wines served with flair at Morro Bay's renowned harbor-view restaurants.

Famous Residents *

• George Ramos, born in East Los Angeles in 1948, died in Morro Bay in July 2011 at age 63. Ramos earned a Purple Heart during the Vietnam War and won three Pulitzers for the Los Angeles Times, before he returned to his alma mater Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as the head of the journalism department in 2003. At the time of his death, Ramos was a tenured professor of journalism at Cal Poly and editor of Cal Coast News.
• Jack LaLanne was an American fitness, exercise, nutritional expert and motivational speaker.
• Bill Thomas was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
• Mel Queen was a professional baseball player, coach, scout and executive.
• John Konrad is an American author and journalist.
• Gladys Walton, who starred in silent films at Universal Studios during the 1920s. Her home was locally known as "Glad's Castle."
• Kent Nagano, conductor of the Montreal Symphony who has worked with Vienna, Berlin and New York Philharmonics and the Chicago Symphony.

About Morro Bay

This seaside fishing village with bustling waterfront offers a picture perfect getaway for travelers who seek food, wine and outdoor adventures found in a gorgeous natural setting. Located along coastal Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County just south of Big Sur, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay offers year round activities in an unspoiled slice of California. Recently named as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, outdoor activities are a way of life. From ocean-side golf, kayaking, sailing, hiking, fishing, surfing, biking, and bird watching, to kite flying, shopping, dining, wine bars, local craft brews and miles of unspoiled beaches, there is something for everyone. 

Sitting majestically between the beach and the harbor lays the iconic and historic landmark Morro Rock, welcoming travelers from miles away as they approach Morro Bay. Located just minutes from world-renowned Hearst Castle, historic missions, breathtaking Montana de Oro State Park, and surrounded by vineyards from Paso Robles to Edna Valley, Morro Bay is a destination designed to fit any style and budget for families, couples or groups. Morro Bay also offers a myriad of year-round events including food, wine and music festivals, art fairs and car shows unique to the town. For more travel information visit http://www.morrobay.org or follow Morro Bay on its Facebook, twitter or Pinterest pages.