alainaflute
Greg
Jody
E.G.D.Morro Bay, California – Sea Stars, Sand Dollars & Surfers
Posted by Jody on October 15, 2013
We just love returning to the beaches of Morro Bay, California. Nestled on the Pacific Ocean about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay is home to one of the most fascinating coastal environments you’ll find anywhere.
Sea Star, Morro Bay, California (Photo by Jody Diehl)
Our family loves exploring the tide pools near “El Morro” (aka: Morro Rock). We’re never disappointed with the rich variety of marine life we find near the rocky breakwater.
Heading out to explore the tide pools in almost any weather is well worth the time and energy. You’ll be so glad you did. Keep your eyes open! You’ll have to look under and around rocks to spot the beautifully colored sea stars and sea anemones. Smaller crabs will scurry into the riprap, waving and drumming their pincers to warn you off. It’s a really cool sound (Don’t worry about embarrassing them, though – they never seem put off that you’re laughing at their bravado)! The larger crabs won’t pay you any mind at all. Years ago, Greg and I even came across a young seal resting on the sand. That was a real bonus!
The Crab Who Didn’t Care, Morro Bay, California (Photo by Jody Diehl)
On the way back toward town, check out the bay side water to see if you can catch a glimpse of the very entertaining otters.
If bird watching is your jive, the Morro Bay area is home to over 250 species of birds (including peregrine falcons), a fact that this quaint fishing village celebrates each year with the Winter Bird Festival weekend.
Beach and coastal activities are numerous in Morro Bay. If you check out the beach to the north of Morro Rock, you’ll inevitably find surfers, even if they’re just hanging out waiting for the next set of waves. This strand is also where a bounty of sand dollars can be found (be careful not to collect the live ones).
If you look to the south of Morro Rock toward the placid waters of the protected bay, you’ll see kayaks gliding amongst the moored sail boats.
Kayak in Morro Bay, California (©Jody Diehl)
It always seems to be a bit misty when we’re visiting Morro Bay, and mornings can be pretty nippy out on the water. You might want to wear layers and bring along rain gear, just in case. Your sturdy beach-trekkers will be perfect for climbing over the uneven rocks around the tide pools.
Where is your favorite tide pooling spot? We’d love to hear about it!
~~~
Our Life In 3D said
Great pictures! And a huge crabby-crab
Jody said
Thanks! Tide pools are such fun. It’s like a treasure hunt every time!
maidstonejewelry said
I was there in August! Coming down route 1 on our motorcycles we saw the rock from far away. Got to go back!
Jody said
It’s soooo worth the trip! Morro Bay’s beaches have it all!
Dustytoes said
I’d love to search the tide pools here. Thanks for sharing your photos!
Jody said
Morro Bay is such a great place. I actually love a misty beach. This one is absolutely on the top of my tide pooling list!
A Very Special Thanks to EVERYONE at The Marine Mammal Center for A muddy two-day rescue to free dolphins! | Sunset Daily said
[…] Morro Bay, California – Sea Stars, Sand Dollars & Surfers (beachtreasuresandtreasurebeaches.com) […]
Jody said
Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Grant Baker Wins Mavericks Surf Competition (PHOTOS) – Huffington Post | surfshopcayucosca said
[…] […]