A Windy Day in Morro Bay: Sea Otters, Storms & Local Life
Join us for wildlife stories, field notes, and plenty of coastal surprises - from sea lions at the marina to hidden tide pools and a shop full of nature-inspired art.
Morro Bay, California // October 29th, 2025
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Locations
📍 Giovanni’s Take-Out Express — 1001 Front St, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Classic seafood restaurant right on the Embarcadero, famous for clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and fresh seafood to-go. Outdoor picnic tables with umbrellas for shade. Public restrooms available just down Embarcadero. Parking can be tight on weekends, paid lots and some street parking nearby.
📍The Shirt Shop — 1001 Front St, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Quirky local shop for Morro Bay hoodies, hats, stickers, and coastal gifts. No restroom inside, but public facilities are a short walk away on the Embarcadero. Metered street parking and paid lots nearby.
📍 Sea Otter Heaven — Morro Rock, Morro Bay, CA 93442 (see location on map)
Prime spot for viewing sea otters in the wild. Look for them floating in the kelp. Wide, paved walking paths and benches along the waterfront. Accessible parking and restrooms at Tidelands Park. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens for the best view.
📍 Morro Rock Beach — Morro Rock, Morro Bay, CA 93442 (see location on map)
Iconic beach at the base of Morro Rock - great for walks and birdwatching. Large, flat parking lot (free) with several accessible spaces. Restrooms available near the parking area. Paved paths lead toward the sand.
📍 Estero Inn — 501 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Waterfront boutique hotel with beautiful bay views and private balconies. Step-free lobby and several accessible rooms available (call ahead to confirm). Onsite parking lot with accessible spaces. Guest-only restrooms. Electric boat rentals available for guests to rent for an additional fee, ask at the front desk for details about Estero Adventures.
📍 Taqueria San Miguel — 5 Santa Rosa St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Fast, authentic Mexican food. Don’t miss the California burrito. Casual, counter-service spot with outdoor seating. Free parking lot out front.
Coastal Charms & Scenic Drives
I’ve made several trips to Morro Bay recently, but the day we spent there on October 11th was especially memorable. The weather shifted a lot throughout the day - starting calm and sunny, then turning to strong winds and rough surf by afternoon.
The drive from Oxnard to Morro Bay via Highway 154 passes through changing landscapes, including views of Lake Cachuma and the surrounding hills. As you near the coast, you cross wetlands that are home to a variety of birds and wildlife.
Morro Bay itself is a working harbor town with a unique blend of natural beauty and local culture. The Embarcadero waterfront is lively with shops, restaurants, and plenty of spots to watch wildlife, making it a favorite for both visitors and locals alike.
From left to right: A sea otter resting in the harbor, me capturing moments with my camera, and a refreshing drink from Giovanni’s Fish Market.
Lunch at Giovanni’s: Classic Comfort Food
After our otter encounter, we made our way to the Embarcadero, the heart of Morro Bay’s waterfront and the place to be if you want to experience the town’s energy. The Embarcadero is always buzzing, especially on weekends. It’s lined with seafood restaurants, clam chowder stands, taffy shops, art galleries, boutiques, and more. Parking can be a challenge, but the people-watching and ocean views make up for it.
Giovanni’s Fish Market is a local staple right on the water. Their clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl is basically a rite of passage for visitors and locals alike. After a chilly morning by the bay, that chowder hit the spot. If you’re looking for classic coastal comfort food, Giovanni’s is the move.
Shopping Sprees and Shell Treasures
After lunch, we wandered further down the Embarcadero. This stretch is packed with quirky souvenir shops, local apparel stores, and specialty boutiques - there’s something for everyone, whether you want saltwater taffy, a Morro Bay hoodie, or ocean-themed jewelry.
I always make a point to hit The Shirt Shop near Giovanni’s for their clearance rack. Their hoodies, stickers, and other knick-knacks are a fun way to bring a tiny piece of the coast home. The staff is always friendly, which makes browsing even better.
No trip is complete without a stop at the Shell Shop, a Morro Bay fixture for decades. They offer a wide variety of shells, decor, and unique gifts. On previous visits, I’ve picked up shell chandeliers, woven shell mats, and even an Abalone shell Christmas tree. While they state that everything is legally sourced and follows US and international regulations, I’m becoming more mindful about the impact of shell collecting on marine ecosystems. Responsible shelling matters to me, and I’m committed to learning more about sourcing and sustainability so I can make choices that truly align with my conservation values.
From left to right: The vibrant wetlands near Morro Bay, a reflective moment inside the Shell Shop, and a colorful display of shells and coastal crafts.
Photographing Otters in the Storm
Back at the harbor, I settled into our Kia Sportage and opened the hatch to photograph the otters from a respectful distance. This was my first time using my new 1.4x teleconverter, allowing me to capture close-ups without disturbing the animals. While resting in the hatch, I was able to stealthily capture an otter snacking on a clam.
Capturing the intimate lives of Morro Bay’s sea otters means blending into the landscape and letting nature unfold on its own terms. My field setup is built for flexibility and long range capability: I use a Sony α6700 camera paired with the 200–600mm lens and a 1.4x teleconverter, all stabilized on a SIRUI P-325FS monopod topped with a SIRUI VA-5X fluid video head. This lightweight, agile setup allows me to move quietly along the shore, adjust quickly to changing scenes, and, most importantly, keep a respectful distance from the otters.
Working with a telephoto lens in adverse conditions demands constant attention and finesse. The wind gusts can jostle the lens, and every bump is magnified at long focal lengths, especially when shooting video. Still, it’s the only way to capture authentic, undisturbed wildlife behavior while upholding my “Admire from Afar” philosophy. Out here, with sand stinging my face and the ocean’s roar in my ears, every shot is a testament to patience and a respect for nature.
From left to right: My camera setup ready to capture the moment, a sign from Sea Otter Savvy reminding visitors how to share space with sea otters, and a curious otter pup in the water resting atop its mother.
The Storm Moves In: Weather, Waves, and Wild Energy
By midday, the calm was gone. The weather shifted fast. What started as a sunny, gentle morning turned into a full-on wind event as a classic Pacific storm system approached.
According to the National Weather Service marine forecast for that day, wind gusts at Morro Rock reached up to 46 mph, with sustained winds of 35 mph. The harbor and beach didn’t just look different, they felt different. Waves smashed into the rocks, sending spray high into the air. The water wasn’t just moving; it was alive with energy, forming chop patterns in the harbor and whitecaps all along the beach.
Standing there, I could literally feel the ocean pounding in my chest. The sound was relentless - wind howling, surf crashing - a constant roar.
And the sand (there’s no poetic way to put it) hurt. Every gust whipped sand into my eyes and mouth, even with big sunglasses on. It got everywhere: in my camera bag, my pockets, my hair. I always wear a full jacket and pants for days like this, but it was still a battle.
Shooting in these conditions was a challenge, especially with the teleconverter on my 200–600mm lens. Any bump or shake from the wind throws you off, and video is even harder. But these are the days that make the photos mean more.
Watching Mother Otters and Pups: A Vulnerable Bond
Among the chaos of wind and waves, my favorite moments were spent observing the sea otter mothers and their pups. Their behavior is deeply vulnerable and tender, and I often feel a protective instinct while watching them, especially when sharing the space with other visitors.
This is why I feel compelled to educate others about respecting these animals: they need rest, space, and freedom from disturbance to thrive. My “Admire from Afar” philosophy guides every interaction, reminding me (and hopefully others) that true connection comes through respect and care.
Unexpected Detour: California Burritos
On the drive home we passed through San Luis Obispo, stopping for gas. Taqueria San Miguel immediately caught our attention. The smell of the food was irresistible, so we changed plans and tried their California burritos. It was Mike’s first time trying one, and we both loved it. A quick detour will now become our new ritual, and I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area.
Planning Your Own Morro Bay Visit?
Don’t miss Giovanni’s clam chowder in a bread bowl.
Explore local shops like The Shirt Shop and Shell Shop.
Staying overnight? While this was a day trip for us, we adore the Estero Inn and their electric boat rentals - a perfect way to explore Morro Bay from the water and enjoy a relaxing stay.
Sea otters are the heart of the bay. Learn about responsible sea otter viewing from our friends at Sea Otter Savvy.
Reflections on the Day
A full gallery from this Morro Bay adventure is below. If you’ve enjoyed this story, stay tuned: I’m currently working on an in-depth update from the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery, featuring a full gallery. I’ll also be sharing a detailed trip report and photo highlights from San Miguel Island in Channel Islands National Park - one of the wildest, most remote places on the California coast. Finally, I’ll be pausing my shop soon for a full relaunch, with new art, coastal essentials coming your way. Check back for new stories, or sign up for my newsletter to get the latest updates straight to your inbox.
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