One Day in Morro Bay

It's the forgotten beach destination between Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara to the south and Big Sur and Monterey to the north but this quiet little beach town is charming and pretty. You'll have to ignore the large power plant at the north end of town, but its presence here helps keep the prices low.

1
Best Western San Marcos Inn
A block from the water, this nice hotel with big atrium has good sized rooms with a king or two queen size beds and spectacular views of the bay. Continental breakfast and evening wine & cheese mixer each night is included. A swimming pool size hot tub with large windows offering great ocean views is the inn's signature feature. Rates often dip below $100 so call for specials.
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Dorn's Original Breakers Cafe
For breakfast, I'm heading to this place perched on a hill overlooking the water. Go for great omelets and fluffy pancakes served by a friendly staff. Aroun $10 per person.
Heck, even the guest houses are bigger than most people's homes.
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Morro Bay State Park
Go to the visitor's center and climb to the top of Black Hill, one of the Nine Sisters of morros here . Morros are volcanic plugs that are left behind as the hillside around them erodes, the most famous one being Morro Rock in the bay. At the top are more gorgeous views of the bay. The trail up also offers some great birdwatching op... More >
Go to the visitor's center and climb to the top of Black Hill, one of the Nine Sisters of morros here . Morros are volcanic plugs that are left behind as the hillside around them erodes, the most famous one being Morro Rock in the bay. At the top are more gorgeous views of the bay. The trail up also offers some great birdwatching opportunities. Free.
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Hofbrau
Head down to the waterfront for a delicious, carved-to-order roast beef sandwich from this budget-friendly sandwich shop. Have an ice-cold glass of German brew to go with it, find a table along the water and enjoy a delicious lunch watching the sea lions and otters frolic in the water in front of Morro Rock. Aournd $10 per person.
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Hearst San Simeon SHM
An hour north on the world-famous Highway 1 is an even more famous edifice, the giant mansion built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst on top of a hill overlooking San Simeon. Giant medieval rooms looking like a king's castle. Heck, even the guest houses are bigger than most people's homes. The two pools are spectacular a... More >
An hour north on the world-famous Highway 1 is an even more famous edifice, the giant mansion built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst on top of a hill overlooking San Simeon. Giant medieval rooms looking like a king's castle. Heck, even the guest houses are bigger than most people's homes. The two pools are spectacular as well. Watch for the remnants of a herd of zebras Mr. Hearst had at the ranch roaming the hills. Tours start at $24 for daytime and $30 for night. Kids are half price. Call ahead or you won't get tickets.
A swimming pool size hot tub with large windows offering great ocean views is the inn's signature feature.
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Tognazzini's Dockside Restaurant
At the north end of town among the docks of the working fishing fleet is this great seafood restaurant. Fresh fish that comes off the boat less than twenty feet from the dining room. They also have a great selection of Italian and pasta dishes for the landlubbers. Around $20 per person.
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Rose's Landing Restaurant
We like to finish our day in Morro Bay at this great little waterfront bar. Large windows let you face the sunset, having a refreshing cocktail before you walk back to the hotel. Wheelchair users should also note that the entire bar is built low and they can roll right up to it. Drinks around $5 and up.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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