The Central Coast of our beautiful Golden State is truly something special. The hills become barren - in the best way possible - no houses, roads, not even hiking trails. Earth, plain and simple. Cattle farms are more the norm than cities or towns, and as we drive, my border-collie-mix lets his root nature show. He begins whining every time we pass a herd, grazing on vast grass covered hillsides. I roll down the window just enough for him to stick his head out (he's jumped out of the car before in fits of excitement). The flood of smells only feeds his enthusiasm, and his body literally starts shaking, every muscle ready to round up the lolling beasts. It becomes the norm for every part of the drive for the rest of the trip.
Montana de Oro State Park is a beautiful place near Morro Bay. It is tucked away in a eucalyptus covered headland that separates the Port of San Luis, at the north end of Pismo near Shell Beach, from the San Luis Obispo area. The large sand bluffs lead down to quiet coves and gravel beaches on the north end of the park, and to an immensely vast stretch of sand on the south side, which leads all the way to Morro Bay. Checking the surf requires a short jaunt across grassy sand dunes. If you've got the option, bring a backpack with water and some food, wetsuit and a towel. Surf the sandbars to the south, and when the tide switches, surf the rock-outcrop, directly at the bottom of the Hazard Canyon trail. If there's more than a few guys out, stick to the sandbar. If you choose to surf the peak, do your best to stay under the radar. It won't work, people will recognize you as someone they don't recognize, but at least it'll tone back the vibe you're sure to receive.
The small campground at Montana de Oro is tucked back into a pine shaded canyon, where deer and raccoons visit often. There are bathrooms and fresh water. Campsites have flat spots, cleared of all brush, thankfully including poison oak, and have firepits, tables/benches, and even a little cabinet to store things. A short walk will bring you to Spooner's Cove, a beautifully placid, dog friendly reprieve from both wind and swell.
The city of Morro Bay is itself a gem in the treasure that is the Central Coast. Small, but busy on the main streets, with coffee shops and surf shops everywhere you look. Every road leads to the iconic Morro Rock, where the sand-bar surf is unexpectedly phenomenal.
Montana de Oro State Park is a beautiful place near Morro Bay. It is tucked away in a eucalyptus covered headland that separates the Port of San Luis, at the north end of Pismo near Shell Beach, from the San Luis Obispo area. The large sand bluffs lead down to quiet coves and gravel beaches on the north end of the park, and to an immensely vast stretch of sand on the south side, which leads all the way to Morro Bay. Checking the surf requires a short jaunt across grassy sand dunes. If you've got the option, bring a backpack with water and some food, wetsuit and a towel. Surf the sandbars to the south, and when the tide switches, surf the rock-outcrop, directly at the bottom of the Hazard Canyon trail. If there's more than a few guys out, stick to the sandbar. If you choose to surf the peak, do your best to stay under the radar. It won't work, people will recognize you as someone they don't recognize, but at least it'll tone back the vibe you're sure to receive.
The small campground at Montana de Oro is tucked back into a pine shaded canyon, where deer and raccoons visit often. There are bathrooms and fresh water. Campsites have flat spots, cleared of all brush, thankfully including poison oak, and have firepits, tables/benches, and even a little cabinet to store things. A short walk will bring you to Spooner's Cove, a beautifully placid, dog friendly reprieve from both wind and swell.
The city of Morro Bay is itself a gem in the treasure that is the Central Coast. Small, but busy on the main streets, with coffee shops and surf shops everywhere you look. Every road leads to the iconic Morro Rock, where the sand-bar surf is unexpectedly phenomenal.
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