"Start a few miles south of Morro Bay with what’s referred to as the “Back Bay - Baywood - Los Osos” area. In Los Osos, Spooner Ranch is lined with tall, twisted and fanning picturesque trees, opening to Spooner Cove below. Tour guides Sue and Al Pawlowski will tell you all about how life once was in the 1800s there, transporting you back to when it was a working dairy farm with the chief product of butter."

"Heading a bit further north along Route 1 and checking out the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History will provide you with a perfect view of what some call “the Rock of Gibraltar of the West.” The massive rock that rises from the sea is what makes Morro Bay distinctive. It’s the final jewel of “the nine sisters,” or the “mountains of fire,” a set of ancient volcanoes."

"The main attraction is Morro Rock Beach where you can watch sea otters and their pups routinely swimming on one side, and collect sand dollars across the road, where you can also catch some waves. Climb atop the sand dunes to get a better view of the famous “Three Stacks” that were once a power plant. Look around you and see kayakers, surfers, paddle board enthusiasts, sailboaters, fisherpeople and bird watchers."

"After you’ve taken in all that Morro Bay has to offer, venture to higher grounds for an unforgettable sight. Paso Robles is a neighboring town of wineries about half an hour up the hill, a few exits north on the 101. Tucked away in a valley dotted by mature California oaks, on a large piece of land called Hunter Ranch, is a well-hidden artistic display called Sensorio by Bruce Munro. It’s an awe-inspiring installation featuring thousands of white bulbs that become a rainbow of glowing and color changing beacons. Munro has had installations before in various locations with his towers, which have been now moved to join the bulbs of Sensorio. There are 69 seven-foot-tall towers of various colors comprised of light strands inside 18,000 bottles."

"Late October marks the appearance of the wondrous Western Monarch butterflies in the Central Coast, as they begin their migration. It also brings the Central Coast’s Butterfly Ball-Monarch Masquerade, held this year in the historic Octagon Barn."

"Morro Bay is no stranger to healthy food selections, with an abundance of places to nourish your body. When in need of vegan and vegetarian fare, go to Shine Cafe on Morro Bay Boulevard for classic California healthy hippy bites. Make sure to try their monster-sized giant clear rice paper shell wraps filled with purple cabbage, orange carrots, and seasoned tempe. Get a “Blue Heaven” smoothie for a guilt-free kick start."

"Down the hill a few blocks is Morro Bay’s “Embarcadero.” Take a stroll there for an offering of waterfront restaurants to choose from. Nourish yourself with a bowl of Cioppino soup (bright tomato base, lobster, shrimp, mussels, fish, clams, octopus and more) from Dutchman’s..."

"...or the impossibly creamy piping hot clam chowder from Dorn’s, with some crab cocktail."

"Have some drinks or get bottles to-go at The Libertine Pub; they offer wild ales with flavors like honeysuckle, local white peach, black pepper and blackberry."

"Top off your time with hot chocolate and sweets at Suns and Buns across the way—such as a signature “Snuggle,” reminiscent of a cinnamon roll with glazed arms extended."

"If you need more seafood, head down to Front Street to the family owned Giovanni’s for an assortment of what your heart desires—fried or boiled with some chips/fries."

"Each Saturday, Morro Bay hosts a weekly arts and farmers’ market that turns the thoroughfares around the intersection of Main Street and Morro Bay Boulevard into a pedestrian fun zone that smells of kettle corn and other locally made treats. There, you’ll also find no less than half a dozen vintage and secondhand stores, a musical instrument shop, record shops and an old timey movie theater called the Bay."

"There’s art everywhere. A few doors down on Main Street, you’ll have fun at The Ugly Mug Ceramics, opened a year ago by Shell Vorhees and Aimee Brantley. There you can make your own pottery or find fun pieces to take home with you."

"Walk down Pacific Street to the Garden Gallery where you’ll see world-class metal sculptures and well-curated home decor items in a gorgeous space that was originally a shipyard."

"And if you need extra good-smelling things, drop by the Babylonian Soap Company for items like in-house hand made rosemary mint shampoo."

"For talismans from the sea, go to the Morro Bay landmark called the Shell Shop."

"After all the nature, dining, and shopping, there are relaxing spots at which to stay and unwind. In Morro Bay, the Anderson Inn puts you in the Embarcadero and right at the water, with views of Morro Rock, in-room fireplaces, and deep soaking tubs."

"If you want to be next to the ocean and have views of the waves, grab a room at the White Water Hotel a few miles north in Cambria. Its moody dark paint, fireplaces, and hot tubs with sea views will ease your mind."

"If kitsch is more your thing, the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo is a classic. It features campy, colorful jewel-toned theme rooms with names like Whispering Hills, The Fabulous Fifties, Sugar and Spice, Merry and a whole lot more to choose from."

"Further into San Luis Obispo, the San Luis Creek Lodge also offers clean design alongside creature comforts like personal fireplaces and Erewhon snacks."