Give Me Morro!

Kayak Morro Bay at Sunset to the Dunes

Like a Half Dome of the Central Coast, Morro Rock is an iconic fixture of San Luis Obispo County's shoreline. It's especially beautiful to see at sunset, from secluded sand dunes that are accessed by kayak. The good folks at Central Coast Outdoors lead a magical kayak tour at sunset, with a payoff of watching the sun dip below the horizon from the sand dunes overlooking Morro Rock in Morro Bay State Park.

Kayaking Morro Bay

Oh yeah, and with beer, wine, and cheese set up on the dunes for you to indulge in too! During the easygoing paddle to the dunes, see egrets, cormorants, loons, and maybe even a sea otter. The water here is a hotbed for all kinds of bird and sea life, as well as a bounty of sand dollars, visible below the surface in shallow parts. The 30-minute paddle takes you to the dunes, where your guide will set up cheese, crackers, wine, and beer for watching the sunset show. You get to venture off and explore the dunes as the sky paints shades of pink and marigold across the horizon, and Morro Rock looks imperious in the sea. Savor the snacks and refreshments in this sublime setting, and snap some pics. The return paddle at dusk is absolutely sublime as great herons linger in the water, and Morro Bay's skyline is twilight perfection.

BONUS: Post kayak, grab dinner or at least a drink at Baysid Cafe right on the water. Patio seating is the way to go on a warm night, but inside is cozy too. Calamari, chowders, hamburgers, tri-tip, fish, and pasta feature into the locally sourced menu.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

    View
  2. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View
  2. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

    View
  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View