The first time we explored Morro Bay was when Peter and Esther were little and we came to the Kite Festival that is held annually on the last weekend in April. We fell in love with the beaches, trails, lagoon, estuary, and the wildlife that Morro Bay has to offer. Last Thanksgiving, we visited Morro Bay for the second time and enjoyed our Thanksgiving dinner on the beach. This was our third time exploring Morro Bay and we still have so much more to see and do here.
You know what they say…Once a Morro Bay lover, always a Morro Bay lover !!! Okay, maybe they don’t say that but we sure think this saying is true.
I have always loved taking pictures. I took pictures because I wanted to remember what I did or looked liked when I got older. I was the only one in my family who owned a camera and it seemed like every Saturday or Sunday I’d ask my mom to take me to Walmart so I could develop the film. I had no photography skills and was never interested in photography class before. I took pictures of everything. To this day my parents still do not own a camera and I still take pictures every day. I married a man who enjoys taking pictures as well. He is more interested in capturing the place while I’m more interested in capturing the people so we now capture both in one when we travel. Recently I started watching youtube videos and actually messed with the standard camera setting making the ISO number too high which made the wild flower pictures below look grainy. Half of our pictures from this trip were taken by our 12 year old daughter Esther. She is such an amazing photographer.
Do you like taking pictures? Do you like pictures taken of you? When did you get your very own camera? What do you like taking pictures of? Why do you take pictures?
On the Way to Morro Bay
Take a detour to Shell Creek Road to see wild flowers
It might just be me but the sight of thousands of goldfields or tidytips covering the ground always makes my day. Nothing screams spring like a carpet full of wildflowers. We were very thankful that we don’t have allergies and that we were able spend some time playing among these flowers. Bring an extra pair of shoes with you because your shoes will be covered in pollen.
Located at Shell Creek Road in Santa Margarita. 5525 Shell Creek Road Shandon, CA 93461.
Do some olive tasting at Olivas de Oro Olive Company
We love olive oil and our children love tasting the variety of olive oils. We really appreciated that we were given a little spoon instead of a cup because tasting olive oil is fun but drinking it isn’t as enjoyable. We really enjoyed their black truffle olive oil and mandarin orange olive oil.
Located 4625 La Panza Rd, Creston, CA 93432.
Visit Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden
This winery is so beautiful. There is so much beautiful detail throughout the entire winery. Outside there are large sculptures surrounding the wine tasting room. If your into art or sculptures then you’ll love everything you see here. This winery is very kid friendly. They even have a Central Park West where kids can play foosball, chess, and tennis.
They also grow pistachio here. We really enjoyed the Primitivo Dessert Wine and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Located at 5015 Linne Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
Los Osos
El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area
We love that this trail has a 1 mile boardwalk because even during rainy and muddy days we can enjoy being outside without getting our shoes muddy. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes we love hiking in the mud but not when we did not plan for it. The views of the Morro Bay estuary and state parks are breathtaking. If you want to see a forest that has around 200 different species of plants then you’ll love it here.
Located at 1103 Santa Lucia Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402.
Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve
We were the only ones on this trail. When we spoke to a local we were surprised that not everyone knew about this Reserve. The pathway is so green with tall overgrown oak trees. You can cover the entire place by walking on a flat path for 1 1/2 miles. This trail is perfect for beginners. There is poison oak throughout the hike so you’ll want to stay on the path.
Located at Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos, CA 93402.
Los Osos Farmers Market
This farmers market is pretty popular. It was packed even on a Monday. They sell some wonderful organic unique fruits and vegetables. As soon as you get out of your car you’ll be able to smell the sweet smell of buttery popcorn. When we travel we love to stop by local farmers market and try new things. Supporting local farmers or growers is so rewarding.
Located at 668 Santa Maria Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402.
Montana de Oros State Park
Hazard Reef Trail
This is such a fun trail. You will not get easy access to the beach on this trail. We did see a couple at the beach but it did not look safe. The rugged cliffs and hills always give me a desire to explore more. Our little ones slid down the sandy dunes. Hiking up a sandy hill is interesting in it self. We definitely felt like we were getting our workout in for the day. However, the benefit to that is that we had a blast running down.
Located at 3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402.
Spooners Cove from Bluff Trail
This hike is an easier hike than the previous one because it is not as narrow and your not walking on an uphill sandy trail. The views from here are beautiful as well.
Picnic
There are so many different picnic tables to choose from at this state park. We usually like picnic tables that are located to a parking lot for easy access. We love having picnics surrounded by nature. The great thing is that here the view is free. After a few hours of hiking and exploring it is so nice to sit and connect with those we love over food.
Morro Bay
Morro Rock State Preserve
This is such a great place to get close to the rock that we have been seeing through out our trip. You can see lots of wildlife here. With a lagoon and natural bay habitat you can spot sea otters, fish, and a variety of different birds.
Museum of Natural History
This museum is perfect for those with children. There are so many hands on ecology exhibits. Here you will learn about what shapes an estuary and why estuary are so important.
Located at 20 State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442.
Picnic
There are picnic tables right next to the parking lot to Museum of Natural History. The great thing is that you can see Morro Rock from here.
La Serena Inn
After staying in La Serena Inn, I’m dreaming of a home with walls covered in beautiful wall paper. How dreamy is this wallpaper? We spend majority of our time outdoors when we travel and we are used to being out in the cold and even in the rain so it is important for us to have a comfortable place to stay at in the evenings. We really appreciate places that have a sense of style and warmth to them.
We stayed in a romantic suite that had a fireplace and a balcony with the view of Morro Rock. We also had a joining room where our children slept. This inn is great for those with a small family or large family because the rooms are spacious.
Breakfast is complimentary.
Located at 990 Morro Ave Morro Bay, California 93442.
Thank you La Serena Inn for hosting our stay.
Thank you for reading our post. We share a new post every Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm.
Valdas
Great article, with really beautiful photos, so many beautiful places visited. I’ll go there too.
Stephanie
My family was the opposite, we have all had cameras in our hands as long as I can remember! My grandpa was a photographer for Michigan State when he was getting his Master’s Degree. My mom has close to 100 family scrapbooks. I’ve had a camera since high school. Now my boys, at ages 3 and 5, have their own kids cameras. And your daughter’s photos are amazing! She really has an eye for it, and the way she frames some of the photos is gorgeous!
Michelle
What a lovely looking place to visit. I have never heard of this place, but am now very interested in visiting sometime.
Holly
Oh how fun…it looks like you had a blast. This is definitely a place worth visiting.
April
Your pictures are gorgeous! The field photos are my favorite. Hope you frame them!
April
Sneha Lodha
It’s been years since I visited any place with my family. After reading your post, I am surely planning to make a trip soon.
Trần Quốc Hưng
It is such an incredible adventure for all your family members to Morro Bay! I’ll travel to this place in a nearest time! Thanks for sharing!!
Stephanie
What a fun time this must have been for the family! And yes, your room at the Inn is so dreamy! There’s a vintage vibe to it 🙂
Kristi Ann
What a neat place to visit! So fun the whole family went! I really enjoyed all the pictures!
Stephanie
What great photos! It looks like a fun place to visit! Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie
Your pictures are so cute! It looks like you guys had a lot of fun. I would love to visit the Morro Rock State Preserve 🙂
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo
Your photos are stunning! I would love to go shopping at the Farmers Market, too. Looks like they have a great selection of fresh produce. 🙂
Megan
Woooow, this looks like such a magical place! My favorite was the field of flowers, it’s so beautiful and summery 🙂
Elizabeth O
It always look like you and your lovely family have the best adventures with lots of learning and exploring. I hope you had the best time here.
Kelly Edgar
Your photos are truly divine! I love these captures, they really tell the story of the locations and those beach and coastline shots are amazing!
Carol Cassara
Can’t deny how beautiful it really is out there! I think it’s awesome that you’re sharing this experience and the pictures are just so lovely!
Pat
The views from the trail you hiked on sound really beautiful even though it sometimes gets muddy.
Explorethe6
I love this! Your family pics are amazing and those views are stunning!
Ashley
Beautiful!!! It seems like you had a wonderful time.
Gladys Parker
I’d love to visit Southern Winery and Sculpture Garden. Oh and the Museum of Natural History and the beautiful beach! I love all the pictures they are beautiful and the flower background looks like it was placed there just for you. I have a Canon Rebel T3, although, I haven’t really learned how to take good pictures.
Lyosha
Looks like you had tons of fun! the photos are so beautiful and happy! Love your outfits as well. great spot!
Trisha
You have such a beautiful family (can you adopt me maybe – hahah) I appreciate the generous dose of pictures in this post, totally makes me want to visit this beautiful locale!
Sayantan Chakraborty
Incredible pictures! especially the lake view! I wish we get such a family outing!
Karlyn Cruz
Oh this is lovely! We were actually just at Carmel last weekend. So I do really appreciate all your lovely pics! Beautifully put together!
eliza
Your shots are amazing, showing how beautiful your family are. Its always great to capture those moments clearly as they are precious.
pankaj
What a treat to be there at this beautiful place and moreover, kids can enjoy too.