Morro Bay

One of the most--if not the most--recognizable landmarks of the central coast is Morro Rock, a volcanic formation that lends its name to the surrounding town of Morro Bay. This natural formation contrasts with the man-made structure that Morro Bay is also known for, the Dynegy Power Plant, with its 400-plus foot tall smokestacks.

 

From San Luis, it's a straight shot up Hwy 1 to arrive in Morro Bay. A quick detour that I like to take as I arrive in town is to immediately turn right after exiting at Morro Bay Blvd. This road, Quintana, follows the path of the highway before running into Main St. A right at Main St will dip under the highway, and then another immediate right and then left will lead to Radcliffe Ave, which is an incredibly steep residential street that dead ends near the top of a hill. It offers a wonderful view of the rock, power plant, and bay.

Heading back down Main St toward the rock, a right at Beach St will dead end at Embarcadero, which is the main waterfront street of the downtown area. To the right, the road continues half a mile or so before terminating in a small parking lot on the south side of the rock.

Climbing the rock is prohibited, but there's plenty of opportunity to walk around it and take pictures. There's a small beach with clear, flat waters as a result of the breakwater that's been constructed off the south side of the rock. The water is usually particularly rough on the opposite site, but when it's calm, it's possible to walk the length of the sea wall.

Beach squirrel!

Placard describing the formation of the rock

The rock is incredibly steep and would be a difficult climb even if it was permitted

 

Looking south from the breakwater

Birdwatching is common at the rock, and the first one or two parking spaces at the end of the parking lot are usually occupied by birdwatchers patiently waiting to catch a glimpse of the elusive Peregrine Falcon, which nests on the rock.

 

A larger beach and parking lot can be found on the opposite side of the rock, serving swimmers, surfers, and other beachgoers.

Cayucos can be seen in the distance

Following Embarcadero from the rock will lead downtown, where there's a number of bars, restaurants (most with a seafood-focused menu), and gift shops. Though there's no continuous pedestrian boardwalk, a number of paths lead to short ones that offer ample views of the harbor. Sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboarders are commonly seen making their way in and out of the harbor.

The dock in the distance on the left was occupied by a group of noisy sea lions

There's also a number of interesting public displays of art.

The inscription dedicates the anchor as a memorial to fishermen lost at sea

 

This bronze casting of a worn classic Ford seat and other miscellaneous parts and tools nearly fooled me

About twice a year, Morro Bay is visited by tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftan. These replicas of late 1700s merchant ships sail up and down the Pacific coast, porting at various cities to educate the public about sailing and US maritime history. The ships can be toured while docked and there's also a two hour sailing tour available. I got a chance to explore the Lady Washington while it was in port, but unfortunately the sea tour was sold out.

Bow

The canons are functioning and are used for demonstrations

 

Stern

Sleeping quarters

 

Stern

The tiller, located at the stern. Crew members push and pull on this to manipulate the rudder and steer the ship. Crowds kept me from getting my own picture, this one was taken from http://2toomanycats.blogspot.com/2010/04/rough-start-to-leaving-westport_25.html

Bow

Looking closely, you can see the crewmembers on the masts rigging the sails. A diesel engine guides the ship in and out of port; sails provide the locomotion otherwise

In short, Morro Bay is a great place for photographers. There are so many photo-ops between the rock, the power plant, the harbor, the bay, and the views of the surrounding coastline. In addition, there's also a number of outdoor activities. Bikes, pedal carts, kayaks, and paddleboards are available to rent. Fishing and sailboat tours leave regularly from the harbor, and there's also an aquarium where you can feed sea lions. It's a great place to spend a day.

Downtown San Luis Obispo

Like all downtowns, San Luis offers its own variety of bars, restaurants, and local- and nationally-owned shopping destinations. In addition to these usual staples, it also offers its own unique landmarks.

Though the downtown area includes the adjacent blocks, Higuera is the main drag and is a ficus tree-lined street of red brick and Spanish-style buildings with only a few that are more than a few stories tall. Warping from tree roots gives the the sidewalks character and they are often spotted with leaves.

 

The traditional center of downtown and the most famous landmark of San Luis, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, can be found at Monterey and Chorro, just a block north of Higuera. At this intersection, Monterey is blocked off to westbound traffic for a block and forms Mission Plaza, serving as both a venue for community events as well as a respite from the busy downtown.

Mission Plaza

The Mission was strategically constructed on the banks of the San Luis Obispo Creek, which in the past served as an important water source, but presently has a much more limited flow. There are walkways on both sides of the creek which are joined by two separate bridges.

Directly across from the Mission Plaza is the History Center of San Luis Obispo. Originally constructed as a Carnegie Library, it now serves as a tribute to both the Native American settlement of the region as well as the early pioneers. It was established as a result of a gift from the last surviving Dallidet family member (see below).

696 Monterey St

 

A few blocks east on Monterey is the Fremont Theater, a World War II-era building whose Streamline Moderne style makes it one of the most unique structures downtown. It now serves as part of a larger theater complex as well as a live music and film festival venue.

1035 Monterey St

 

About a fifteen minute walk from the downtown core is the Dallidet Adobe, a historic homestead that's over 150 years old. Constructed by French immigrant Pierre Dallidet, it was originally part of a much larger property that included the first commercial winery in the region. It's open seasonally from March to November, and you can walk to the gardens and even tour the inside of the adobe that retains most of its original furnishings.

1185 Pacific St

 

 

 

Within the same block on Pacific St is also located a peculiar looking office building known as the Kundert Medical Building. It owes its design to Frank Lloyd Wright and is one of only a handful of commercial buildings he created.

1106 Pacific St

 

The residential neighborhoods surrounding the commercial district downtown display a great deal of character with the styles varying from Spanish to Craftsman to Victorian.

Other notable curiosities downtown include Bubblegum Alley, the colorful hand-painted utility boxes, and the Ah Louis store.

733.5 Higuera St (Higuera between Broad and Garden)

 

800 Palm St

There's an abundance of points of interest in downtown San Luis, and the best part is that they are all within walking distance of each other.