Since we’ve found out we were expecting, it feels as though we’ve been “babymooning” non-stop. We made a list of all of the spots we wanted to be sure to visit pre-baby, and did our best to make it happen. With the exception of the Maldives (one day!!), we hit up nearly every place on our list!
As we’ve neared the impending due date, we’ve followed our doctor’s advice and kept the trips closer and closer to home. We decided to make our last and final hurrah before baby a scenic road trip up the coast of California to the coastal town of Morro Bay. We loaded up our car seat (just in case), and headed four hours north of our home in Orange County… and it was the perfect ending to the most special season.
Below are some of the trip highlights that we highly suggest y’all do - we share about where we stayed here, and where we ate here. (Two very important details, that clearly demanded their own blog post.) ;)
KAYAK WITH CENTRAL COAST OUTDOORS
The friendly husband and wife duo that run Central Coast Outdoors offer all kinds of adventurous and scenic tours - from biking, to hiking, to kayaking! We went on a half-day private kayaking tour to the dunes, where John (our knowledgeable and witty guide) set up a picture-perfect picnic lunch. And the lunch was as good as it looks!
We saw sea lions, sea otters, and harbor seals, several types of rare birds, learned about the incredible National Estuary, and thoroughly enjoyed our time out on the water. I (Alli) expected to have a harder time sitting in a kayak at eight months pregnant, but it was actually quite comfy! (Just make sure you go to the bathroom beforehand.)
Calm, crisp, and colorful. The best!
John prepped our lunch while we explored the dunes!
Such pretty views!
Tasty lunch spread!
EXPLORE THE MORRO BAY EMBARCADERO
During our three days in Morro Bay, we basically lived on the Embarcadero. Our vacation rental was steps away, most of the restaurants we visited were there, and the shops and views kept us entertained for hours. This iconic stretch is a must-see, as it’s home to some of the best scenic overlooks and many of Morro Bay’s finest attractions. Some not-to-miss spots include Crills 2 (the best saltwater taffy in town), The Shell Shop (a famous seashell sanctuary), The Garden Gallery (a jaw-dropping plant and home shop), and The Morro Bay House of Jerky (for a delicious salty snack).
So many shells!
Alli with her treasures from Crills II
We wanted everything at The Garden Gallery
ENJOY A COUPLES MASSAGE AT THE BLOOMING ROSE DAY SPA
We’ll take any excuse for a couples massage, and when we heard about Blooming Rose Day Spa, we immediately booked an appointment! This waterfront day spa (located conveniently on the Embarcadero) is warm and inviting, and the owner Alexis and her team couldn’t be nicer. Our massages were excellent (Alexis gave me an incredible prenatal massage) - and we both said we’d drive back to Morro Bay just for this! They’re mobile as well, and will happily come to your hotel/vacation rental for a more personalized experience.
SEE THE SEA OTTERS
Hands down the cutest, most playful and photogenic friends in Morro Bay are their resident sea otters. This small, sheltered bay is a perfect habitat for these adorable furry creatures, and seeing them bob and play in the water is absolutely magical. We couldn’t get enough of them! Our favorite spot to watch the otters was near the T-shaped dock by the Great American Fish Company, where there’s a giant kelp bed for them to feast on. Don’t forget your cameras!
HIKE ALONG BLACK HILL TRAIL
For the best views of Morro Rock and the surrounding area, spend an afternoon hiking along the stunning Black Hill Trail. This is the perfect hike for a babymoon, as from the parking lot, it’s an easy .6 mile round-trip trail… yes please! (For those looking for a longer hike, you can start further down Black Hill.) The sights from this 661 foot volcanic peak left us breathless, and the best part is, it’s free to the public!
TOUR THE MORRO BAY MARITIME MUSEUM
Open Thursdays-Mondays, the small but mighty Morro Bay Maritime Museum is well worth a visit. Guests can learn about California’s fascinating maritime history, walk around a rescue submarine - and if you’re lucky, you may even get to go inside! (We did, and it was SO cool.) And just like the Black Hill Trail, this beautifully executed museum is free! Win/win!
TAKE A SUNSET CRUISE WITH ESTERO ADVENTURES
One of our favorite memories from our time in Morro Bay was the sunset cruise we did on a pontoon we rented from Estero Adventures. Starting at $90 for a one-hour rental, it’s a fun and leisurely way to take in the sights of Morro Bay - and see the sea otters up close! We had the boat to ourselves, but they seat up to 8 people, so be sure to invite your friends!
Golden hour on the water!
Such a beautiful end to a perfect day!
WALK ALONG THE MORRO STRAND STATE BEACH
On our last day in Morro Bay we went for a morning beach walk along the Morro Strand State Beach, and it was the perfect way to close out our trip. This gorgeous coastline is absolutely spellbinding, and the views of Morro Rock are unparalleled. We didn’t want to leave! (Depending on how much time you have, we recommend bringing some blankets and a picnic, and making a day out of it!)
Nothing like long walks on the beach at 8 months pregnant :)
We really feel like we ended our babymoon adventures in the best possible location… and we’re already dreaming about the day that we get to bring our baby back to Morro Bay! Until then, we’re hunkering down and getting our home (and ourselves) ready for the baby. Any day now!!