Give Me Morro!

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. 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 Bayside Café, a locals' favorite, 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.

The sunset kayak tours are year-round and are $85 per person. Call in advance to book.