California Dreaming on the Central Coast

Cory Plowman

Instagram: @cplowmanphotog

coryplowmanphotography.com

Growing up on California’s Central Coast meant countless days, particularly during the summer, traveling to Morro Bay via Highway 41. Despite growing up near several coastal towns, I was never far from one of my favorite spots. 

With its volcanic mound (known as Morro Rock), waves for surfing, bays for sea otters or kayaking, hiking trails, and marshlands for bird watching, Morro Bay is a popular destination. 

Morro Bay is generally at the top of my list of locations to visit while I’m visiting home. 

Los Osos, Cambria, Pismo Beach, Cayucos, Avila Beach, Montaña de Oro, and even strolling through the charming streets of San Luis Obispo are some additional stunning locations. 

On my most recent adventure to the coast, I drove up from the California desert, making stops in some of the places I used to call home. We passed through the quaint town of Santa Margarita, the old Western-style town of Templeton, and into the luscious vineyard-filled city of Paso Robles. 

If you love being at the beach as much as I do, they are all pretty close and easily accessible. As I got older, I didn’t get out in the water as much, but I would sit in a chair or on a bench and watch the waves crash over the rocks all day long. Especially at Morro Rock, I would not only discover the seagulls flying around looking for their next meal, but I also enjoyed watching the surfers riding their next wave. Occasionally, you may even spot a kite surfer soaring across the sky. 

For the past few years, if you walk across the dirt road from Morro Rock to the bay, you will most likely find groups of sea otters floating around, some with their babies. The bay is also the perfect spot to go kayaking. One year when I was visiting some friends, we took a ride out in the bay and ended up mooring our kayaks at the sand dunes and exploring the area. There are plenty of hikes in the vicinity as well. The Black Hill Trail is a lovely climb that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Morro Bay from its summit. 

A stroll along the Embarcadero is filled with local boutiques, delicious seafood eateries, shell shops, and art galleries. Additionally, you can frequently venture out on one of the smaller piers and see a colony of sea lions swimming around, eager to chat and pose for pictures. 

Harmony is one of the smallest settlements you will encounter if you are going a bit further up the coast, past Cayucos. It doesn’t take long to walk around the area, but it’s filled with beauty. 

Enjoy a glass of wine, a cup of coffee, or some ice cream from the creamery while you observe the pottery studio or the glassblowers in action. 

You won’t get bored when exploring the Central Coast, whether you choose to eat a delectable dinner, stroll through the streets, or simply unwind on one of the breathtaking beaches.