MORRO BAY

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Morro Rock or El Morro or simply the Rock is Morro Bay's most prominent landmark.  You simply can't miss it.  The Rock looms large and clear regardless of which way you are headed. 

It's located right in town, by the Embarcadero - formerly a wharf built by Franklin Riley in 1870 to export dairy and ranch products that were once the mainstay of livelihood in Morro Bay.  Today, this is the focal point for visitors to Morro Bay. 

The Rock stands 176 meters tall, a volcanic plug composition right at the entrance to the Harbor and a causeway that connects it with the shore.  Public access to the Rock itself is prohibited as it is a reserve for the locally endangered peregrine falcon.  The Rock is also one of the series of the volcanic plugs that stretch in a line inland call the Nine Sisters.

Located by the Pacific Ocean, half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco (about 4 hours driving distance each way), this seaside village was discovered by Portuguese navigator, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542.  According to Wikipedia, "Cabrillo called the rock El Moro because it resembled the head of a Moor, a people from North Africa known for the turbans they wore. However, the dictionary definition for the Spanish word "morro" is also consistent with the butte-like shape of the rock, and so the term morro is frequently used wherever such a distinctive rock-like mountain is found within the Spanish speaking world."

The Morro Strand Beach, north of Morro Rock is popular with visitors and locals.  The city offers many great outdoor places and activities.  It is also a state and national bird sanctuary.