Morro Bay: The Rock, the otters, and the slow hours in-between
Sitting at the water’s edge and holding the whole bay in stillness, Morro Rock is that quintessential image of Morro Bay. Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named it “El Morro” in 1542 for its rounded and crown-shaped headland, and the name has stuck since.
Today, it’s a place where fishing boats still come in daily with fresh catch, and the harbor doubles as an informal sea otter nursery. Here, you will find mothers and pups gathering in the calm water near South T-Pier, teaching the little ones to swim and forage.
Spend an afternoon here to relax. As you walk the Embarcadero, keep your eyes peeled on the water. You’ll most likely find sea otters turning up all along the waterfront, either foraging or catching a nap in kelp. Half the fun is not knowing where they’ll pop up next.
Watch long enough, and you stop checking the time.
Tips
- South T-Pier will be your best odds for spotting sea otters. Be sure to stay quiet as you spot them so as not to cause disturbance.
- Morro Grill has second-story seating with a straight-on view of the Rock, a great spot to enjoy the view and also the seafood.
