California Road Trip, September 2022. The Pacific Highway. Big Sur and Morro Bay

 6th September 2022.

Leaving Monterey today, we did not have any plans as to our next stop. We were unsure as to how busy the road would be so just thought we would see how we got on. 

Very soon the amazing views on the Pacific Highway started. The first stop was at Bixby Bridge, we were very lucky with the weather

Then on admiring the scenery through Big Sur stopping at Pfeiffer Beach and Nepenthe restaurant and gift shop. We stopped and hiked to the beach at Andrew Molera State Park. 

Trails in Andrew Molera State Park 

Big Sur River Andrew Molera State Park 

Andrew Molera State Park 

McWay Cove and Falls

We stopped at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, even though it was low season for the Elephant Seals. There were two enormous mals on the beach along with other smaller males, many of who were sparing or just laying in the sun. 

We got to the town of Morro Bay mid afternoon, so looked for a place to stay. 

We chose The Pacific Shores Inn, it was a good choice, in a good position, really large, newly renovated room, great bed and shower with FREE parking! and it was not overpriced. 

Morro Bay was a great place and we like it so much we booked in for two nights. The Moon travel guide says Morro Bay is dominated by the huge Morro Rock, a volcanic plug looming over the harbour. we had a great view of this from our room. 

Morro Bay from Pacific Shores Inn 

The harbour is also overlooked by a power plant built in the 1950s with its three large chimney stacks. I read that this structure is being demolished,  that is a shame as this industrial building gives the town at lot of character. 

Morro bay 

Morro Bay 

As we walked down to and around the harbour to get dinner. we saw loads of Sea Otters, so many I lost count. there were many sea food restaurants lining the Embarcadero and we chose to eat at The Great American Fish Co. Again, it was a great choice. Gorgeous food and plenty of it,  friendly staff,  good wine and all at a reasonable price. We decided Morro Bay felt a bit working class, or blue collar? It felt like a genuine place, we liked it and would recommend it to travellers like us!