Oct 2026
The Morro Bay Experience
Positioned between its more provocative coastal neighbors, San Francisco and Los Angeles, lives a quiet natural beauty known as the California Central Coast.
Sparsely populated coastal communities, reminiscent of a freer, unencumbered California era, are interspersed among the scenic, accessible stretches of beaches, coves, sand dunes, and coastal woodlands of the region. A swift exit from the congested inland hwy 101, leads the curious traveler a short distance through a fairytale stretch of scenery; craggy, dormant volcanic mountains and rolling green hillsides and farmland to an awaiting, awesome view of the sparkling Pacific Ocean. This fairytale drive is often augmented by a dramatic crossover from bright sunlight to a sudden mystical shroud of wispy fog. T-shirt to hoodie in the blink of an eye.
Morro Bay, with its landmark beacon, Morro Rock, the last of those dormant volcanoes, greets the wandering traveler on that first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. The town Morro Bay is one of those coastal small communities that I chose to live in for awhile.
Morro Bay, the natural bay, is a unique ecosystem where the ocean’s salt waters coexist and co-mingle with the fresh waters of the inland estuary.
Morro Bay, the town, has a long storied history as a fishing port, still to this day.
Time to get to know this beautiful area more intimately I thought rather than the mere passing glimpses from past travels, road-tripping my way up the coast to Big Sur and Monterey.
Yes, time to begin the Morro Bay Experience…
Let’s begin with the wildlife.
Natures’ observations here will of course include the many magical sounds throughout this coastal environment; the seashore, the estuaries, the grassy hillsides and ancient volcanic mountain trails.
Observations that include looking at life’s fractal moments, also known as self-similarity patterns; studying the migration and seasonal patterns of wildlife along the coast, from marine life to birds, can keep a person quite busy and wholly satisfied.
These nature studies were often augmented by the nuanced, complex interrelationships among flora and fauna species located in the area.
As part of these daily observations, I’d watch the Original Fishermen, egrets and herons, patiently wait to catch fish, aligning themselves along the estuary’s marshy creek, in similar fashion to their human counterparts. Dusk and dawn were these dedicated birds’ optimum moments for fishing.
Other egrets would demonstrate similar patient restraint while in the low tide shallows of the bay or in the coastal bluff’s grassy fields. They quietly stared downward as if in a trance. Were they merely contemplating life, I thought, my binoculars steadily poised on my eyes.
Then, in a moment’s instance, the intent was clear. A snap of their beak and out came their sought after prey; a small fish in the shallows and a small mouse in the grass. A victorious catch of the day!
Sorry small fish, small mouse. “Phew!,” said the worried looking ground squirrel, who stood petrified mere meters behind the egret. “That could have been me!”
That same grassy bluff along the wild Montano De Oro state park coastline proved a treasure trove for hidden wildlife. A composed grass snake sat sunning along the dirt trail. Several mule deer grazed in the orange poppies’ grasses, crystalline blue ocean in the background. And, quite unexpectedly stumbling upon rattlesnakes, on two separate occasions, both along the trail’s dirt path; the snakes calmly moving from grass to grass in a zen-like manner. No rattle, no fear. Namaste…
The road to the bluff passed through an enchanting grove of eucalyptus trees, a shaded respite from the abnormally hot days in the open when the fog was not present.
After numerous daily trips, I knew when to look for the family of wild turkeys that also appreciated this coveted strand of tall trees that carried the morning wind in their thin leaves. Wildlife patterns and daily rituals can be found everywhere when you’re aware.
From sight to sound, inspirational experiences are found listening to the perpetual roar from the ocean waves that roll onshore; a mantra-driven soothing tempo of sound that guides your senses while you explore the beaches, the tidepools, and surrounding bluffs.
Wandering the rugged coastline either at Montana de Oro or Estero Bay, often offers a thrilling chance encounter with the local marine life. You may spot sea otters drifting in the wild ocean surf or sea lions sunning on the rocks or playing in the calm ocean shallows. In Morro Bay’s sheltered harbor, a blissful contentment arises seeing mother sea otters tending to their newborns.
The greatest thrill during those chance coastline sightings came watching a Humpback whale breach the ocean waters; a swift vertical ascent then falling downward, splashing white spray high into the sky. This particular Humpback appeared in a celebratory mood, leaping four times in total. His neighboring friends cheered on, sending misty plumes from their spouts in joyous approval.
This particular season many sections of the beach were inundated with what appeared to be a translucent purplish blue hue coating, that sparkled in the sun. Closer inspection revealed this to be an abnormally high body count of washed upon the shore jellyfish. They were called Vellela jellyfish, or more romantically as By-The-Wind Sailors that sailed the Seven Seas.
The original Windsurfers, the Vellela jellyfish’s translucent body resembles a windsurfer, complete with sail. They had traveled an ocean’s length to arrive onshore, here along California’s Central Coast, for their final resting place. Their numbers in the millions, their corpses create sparkling purple-blue swirls and other delicate patterns along the sandy shoreline. This oceanic phenomenon is caused by several contributing factors: Climate change influences and normal Springtime patterns alter ocean temperatures and wind intensities. Warmer ocean temps bring more nutrients, which breeds larger Vellela populations. Storms and strong winds carry the Vellela great distances across sea. At least it can be said their final journey was a seafaring adventure.
Sea otters in Morro Bay are the original Zen Masters. They recline on their backs in the water in such a harmonious repose, a transcendental posture reminiscent of the Reclining Buddha’s pose. Some otters will suddenly perform an aquatic log roll, for practical purposes like wrapping in kelp for warmth, or simply for the pure act of joy.
Kayaking on the bay is a sweet way to see marine life, like otters, up close. Lunch time, right at noon, I’ll see a reclining otter about to open up his crab meat lunch on his furry tummy, a very fresh catch from the waters directly below him.
Pelicans are the original Aerial Squadron. Constructing a perfect “V” shaped formation, they fly with determined precision, hugging the coastal shoreline with ease and confidence; sometimes for the purpose to land or to fish, but often for the simple pleasure of gliding over the coastline, to and fro like the ocean waves.
The coastal environment makes you conscious of the affects and interrelationships the moon and the earth have upon the natural cycles.
Life’s daily habits must adjust to the ebb and flow of tidal and air mass changes throughout the day and night. Not checking the tidal charts, I thought I’d go kayaking one day only to be surprisingly turned away by a near empty bay!
Often, as evening approached, like a recurring invited guest, a fog bank from shore would come rolling in.
By nightfall the ghostly fog flows quietly inland, ever advancing, pervasive, enshrouding the coastal towns in a world of mystical silence; this silence only briefly penetrated by the sharpened seagulls calls or the barking of harbor sea lions.
The ease of visual interactions here allowed me many opportunities to study the personality habits of the local wildlife, herons in particular. Very territorial, especially over abandoned sailboats.
At night, in that same darkened silence, I’d quietly observe this particular grey heron who, like a ship’s captain, would slowly pace the docks, hunched over, feathery arms behind back, walking the brow of his ship. The heron is sometimes accompanied by his short, stout, feathery friend, a duo similar to the likes of Captain Hook and Mr. Sneed.
With the creeping chill of the fog settling in, I inhaled one last breathe of that invigorating maritime air, then tipped my hat and bid them both a fond goodnight.
Man’s Interaction with Nature along the Coast
My interaction with Nature would often begin early morning, down by the harbor. I’d gotten a hot ham, egg and cheese breakfast croissant from the local cafe and, with coffee in hand, would walk over to the main pier to visit the otters, pelicans, sea lions or whoever else was frolicking in the bay. An ideal beginning.
However, not all man’s interactions with Nature are so harmonious.
Red Tide’s latest intrusion into California’s southern coastline has yielded a more toxic form of algae, reeking havoc on poor dolphins and sea lions. Could there be a causal relationship between these two phenomenons.
Fortunately, the red tide chaotic influence on these poor mammals doesn’t seem to have affected the behavior of Morro Bay’s marine life. Happy and mellow creatures basking in the sun. So far, so good.
At the established protected beaches along the San Simeon coastal region, elephant seals have found comfort and safety for their breeding season. For over twenty years these designated protected area have existed, an admirable tribute to the people who accomplished this caring act for past, present, and future generations.
As I learn more about the region, I discover California’s Central Coast was not immune from one of man’s perpetual battles; land preservation vs. short term avaricious pursuits by wealthy land owners.
One perfect example: Dairyman Adram Muscio intended to develop a resort on the Estero Bluffs three decades back. The local community opposed, pushed back and purchased land through the Trust for Public Land in 2000. 2 years later, this land was deeded to the California State Parks.
A second example: The Harmony Headlands farm closed in the late 1960s. Land was purchased for future condo development but was stopped in 2003, through a consortium of land conservancy and state park organizations to create the Harmony Headlands State Park.
The acreage is a picturesque country setting that climaxes at the rising headland above the coast. A protected region for man and wildlife alike to enjoy for generations. Hopefully at least seven generations!
Montano De Oro is another pristine protected coastal zone, with dramatic coastline, Goonie style sea caves, and rolling mystical grassland hills and mountains. Oro, translated in Spanish meaning gold, actually references the golden flowers of the bluffs when Spanish first saw the region.
The original caretakers of this land for many centuries were the indigenous Chumash people. In more recent times, the Spanish invasion from Mexico created two Mexican land grants. By the early 1900s a private ranch, two owners, the Spooners and Irene McAllister. By 1965, California purchased from the McAllister estate and designated Montano De Oro a state park, the name given by Irene.
Point Buchon’s origin: Chumash people, first seen by Spanish in the 1500s, later 1700s. The Spanish captain was so taken by the Chumash chief’s large goiter he named the land Buchon, meaning goiter in Spanish. Names always sounds more poetic in Spanish.
In recent times, P G & E purchased the property, and established Diabo Canyon Nuclear plant. In 2007, a shared responsibility for coastal preservation was established with state, environmental agencies and utility company.
Point Buchon was where I first saw a whale’s spout far on the horizon.
A red buoy that marks this coastal point for passing boats, projects a low frequency humming sound in periodic intervals. Perhaps this frequency attracts the whales whom I would see on other occasions passing close to the buoy.
I spoke with and listened to a young surfer dude who explained his surfing philosophy. No daily surf workout and he would be disgruntled, less productive at work. Too much surfing and too tired at work. A decent surf workout would maximize his workday performance, striking for him the perfect harmonious balance.
Best surfing spots at Sandspit and Morro Rock beach. One weekday morning, 40-50 people were out surfing at Morro Rock beach. Did I mention weekday… truly surfing is a locals’ priority. What’s that Spicoli? All I need is a good buzz and some gnarly waves…
This fondness for surfing and its cultural credo was evident during the town theater’s jam-packed turnout for the locally made independent surfing movie 3000 Waves. Half the town showed up, lining the theater entrance sidewalk, animated chatting, when on most Monday nights, you can hear only your thoughts while walking the same sidewalk..
Another uplifting sign of humanity were the resident turnouts for the group Hands Off, Indivisible, and No Kings organized protests against Trump in Los Osos and other local communities.
The April 19th protest in Los Osos coincided with the 250 anniversary of our Revolutionary War, the battle of Lexington-Concord, the birth of The Minuteman.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote the famous Shot Heard Round the World poem to commemorate this revolutionary event; This beautiful symmetry was not lost on yours truly for I’m proud to say, Ralph’s ancestral bloodline flows through my veins.
The Human Characters
Nature is the saving grace for Morro Bay. It’s beauty and close proximity to these small towns provides sanctuary and sanity from the human world.
That said, the human world of the coastal towns of Morro Bay and Los Osos / Baywood is better than most.
I tend to gravitate toward the local characters n a community, the color on an otherwise blank canvas, wherever I’m calling home at that moment, and Morro Bay / Los Osos was no exception.
Some of these new colorful characters…. The man from Arkansas, a peculiar fella, who called himself the Gopher Hunter, who hired himself out for such a task. His primary, if not only, customer was the Morro bay cemetery. You can’t have pesky gophers eating the poor deceased’ flowers. Some time later, the Gopher Hunter mysteriously vanished.
The funky, clunky baby boomer oldtimers of Los Osos. True fans of rock n roll, they danced a merry dance to the Lavender Train band, at the Merrimakers bar, with dance moves that would make Seinfeld’s Elaine proud.
Also in attendance, a slender old black man with 30s/40s attire; black hat vest and black slacks shifted gingerly to the music. He goes by the title “shoe shine caddie”, his two professions. A younger large black gentleman with flowing dreadlocks also stood nearby. He’s a local saxophone player.
Another bar character was a semi-trans man with mustache and woman’s attire. A young guy from the Bay area, who worked for High Times magazine online, was doing an article about the Central Coast, and digging this scene.
Back in Morro Bay, there’s the young guy in the neighborhood who walks around town carrying, and sometimes playing, his guitar.
An old gent who dresses up for the tourist as a rapscallion pirate, lives in a van down the street.
There’s the elderly white-haired woman who sits inside her 60’s Mustang in a Storage Space, grinning ear to ear; obviously her prized possession.
A neighbor, an older woman who regularly walks her dog past my house, always maintains an eloquent well-dressed appearance.
And, my neighbor Rick takes aim with his BB gun at the arrogant seagull on the roof.
Thank goodness I’m not alone!
As a writer I would add a “fictional character”, an older man known as the Seagull Whisperer. He can instruct seagulls to do his bidding, dutifully performing aerial poopy assaults on those he seeks vengeance upon.
In truth, I think such a person does exist, judging by the indiscriminate victims of seagull angst.
A broader observation revealed here, along this coastal stretch, the concept of forever young still lives in the hearts and minds of many local residents. The incongruous appearance of a middle aged gentleman balding, expanded waistline, crossing PCH with a boogie board at evenings end to catch some cool waves. Same with a big older fellow gliding along on his motorized skateboard.
A few more characters: Another hopeful Renaissance man, Cheevo dabbled in poetry and really enjoyed his job selling solar panels.
Jarod at Los Osos, was my kind of interesting. While each of us enjoyed the biggest, juiciest burgers in town at Sylvesters Burgers, he described his 32 year residence in Los Osos, since his awkward teenage years. Amiable, talkative I learned the local lore, unique marine life activity, fishing adventures and shark encounters, rock hounding secret jade along the inner coast, good ol’ days of fun long gone, etc.
And, while looking for the Los Osos Chamber of Commerce, I discovered it’s former location was now the apt. of the mayor of Los Osos, laughed Eric the self-dubbed mayor. I said “hey, it’s Los Osos, it’s possible!” He works the greens over at the golf course.
Then There Was the Music
The Spring and Summer season brought forth some amazing music to the local scene, an evening highlight to augment my daily daytime adventures.
I attended musical events in Morro Bay, Baywood, Pismo Beach, and SLO. At Sirens, good reggae bands, Phish Tribute, Cars Tribute, raucous Green Day Tribute, Led Zeppelin Tribute band (Legend Zeppelin), Rachel Santa Cruz band at Harry’s Pismo Beach, karoake and local rock n roll bands at Merrimakers and Sirens. In SLO, the Liquid Gravity Brewery had in their nice courtyard the sci-fi rock opera band, Surface Walkers.
As my summer stay entered it’s second month, or perhaps its third, I continued to focus my primary attention to the local wildlife, music, and the occasional interesting human beings.
More people could be interesting; they just choose not to be. Animals tend to be much more interesting, demonstrating a great deal of character if you take the time to observe them.
Many transplants here in Morro Bay from the hot, boring California valley cities… Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield. The Morro Bay experience offered them a way to fulfill that California Coastal dream, the life reward for years of dedicated living in the heat.
The wealthier set in the region tended to tie their identity to the valuation of the property they own, or more likely, inherited. Not wealth measured by work salaries or what they’ve achieved in life. Simply the buying, selling, and renting of livable property and land.
Asset wealth begat an air of superiority, not overtly rude mind you, simply a no eye contact dismissal of others outside their tribe; an attitude reinforced by insulating themselves through safe tribal community associations. No mingling with others allowed. How sad to be so insecure. Still, they did manage to procreate cute blonde specimens.
Fortunately, colorful characters and joyful music ambiance transcended the less pleasant human experiences. Good music is quite therapeutic.
The Central Cal summer music scene continued, with performances by Big Wheel Cobra, Moonshiner Collective, One Love Bomb, American Mile, and Lavender Train.
I even experienced a Caddyshack-inspired moment, with a sunny Sunday afternoon reggae band at the Los Osos golf club. Wouldn’t Bill and Chevy be proud.
Other bands at Morro Bay’s Sirens including Prom King, Tracorum, a New Orleans band. Siren slow? Go to SLO, San Luis Obispo for you out of towners.
SLO held jam packed Friday evening concerts on their plaza, Vince Cimo’s Hot Fire band and more, kept the relatively youthful and very white crowd happy.
Independence Day arrived in good cheer. Between Morro Bay and Cayucos, people gathered in the evening to watch the fireworks on the beach. Several hundred locals sat up along the beach head to watch the show below. Several beach bonfires glowed bright orange in the darkened night while locals set the sky ablaze with rapid firing fireworks to the delight of the crowd. One sourpuss female cop in a dune buggy tried to snuff out the unsanctioned fireworks, to many booing responses and chants of Tyranny from me. Undeterred, after she left, our rebel firework shooters continued, much to the approval of the crowd. An appropriate Freedom Day response!
July summertime events keep popping up including baseball games, Renaissance festivals, classical music festivals and Mid State county fairs. Even a free dockside brass quintet concert with people in boats in the bay attending. Patio music at the new Taproom in Los Osos while weekends people also enjoy the Barefoot on the Green music at the Sea Pines golf course.
I learned that a Japanese sub sank a merchant freighter off the Morro Bay coast soon after Pearl Harbor. Also, bootleggers roamed this coastline, supplying the residents their much desired firewater during the Depression years. On my next visit, I will learn more about this colorful past.
My departure date came much too soon. One last stop for that prized cuisine of the California Central Coast; a bowl of clam chowder, before I headed out of town. A harbor dock filled with barking sea lions gave a loud bon voyage shout out to me, as I turned my car inland.
“I’ll be back my dear friends, I’ll be back!”
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