38 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: VISIT SLO CAL / VISIT MORRO BAY ers skims silently through the placid water. Nearby, a sleek sea otter floats on its back. Breaking a shell with a rock and gulping down the critter inside, it executes a neat barrel roll and dives in search of more tasty morsels. We got into town 10 minutes ago and already we’re entranced. One of a string of Central California beach towns in San Luis Obispo County, Morro Bay’s laidback, small-town charm might be best experienced during the off-season. While summertime vacationers can crowd the stretch of shops, eateries and small hotels along the Embarcadero, on a warm winter day there’s plenty of activity but also plenty of elbow room. The scenic harbor, bookended by Morro Rock on one side and a meandering estuary on the other, is so full of life that it’s hard to look away. Thanks to the long wooden walkway punctuated by benches and piers that overlook it, you seldom have to. Our spotless second-floor room at the boutique Anderson Inn boasts beachy chic decor and two balconies, one with a view of the harbor and another with a table and chairs overlooking the sidewalks of the Embarcadero. We grab binoculars from the desk and zero in on the dizzying array of sea birds and water fowl, spotting even more otters bobbing in the bay. EXPLORE While the view from the shore is lovely, we aim to experience Morro Bay from the water with a kayaking and hiking tour led by the vivacious Mandy Davidson of Wildheart Coastal Adventures. The affable expert on local flora and fauna is a longtime resident who fields all our questions with ease. We start out with a short, steep hike to a rocky promontory for an overview of the entire estuRolling into Morro Bay shortly before sunset, we get our first glimpse of the lively harbor. Squadrons of pelicans swoop along the shore and boisterous sea lions bark on a floating dock. Strolling out to a small viewing pier, we take in the scene. A novice sailor in a twoman boat struggles with the sails, an animated group floats by on a party boat and a group of kayak- {due west} ABOVE: Morro Bay is a popular spot for kayakers. TOP: Morro Rock overlooks both Morro Rock Beach and Morro Bay Harbor.
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