Alli Talley

March 23, 2020

VACATION RENTAL GOALS :: MORRO BAY

Alli Talley

March 23, 2020

Maybe it’s because we’re getting older, or maybe it’s because we’ll soon be a “traveling family”, but whatever it is, we’ve recently been really intrigued by vacation rentals. Don’t get us wrong, we still love a good hotel… but there’s something to be said for having an actual home-away-from-home. Having space to spread out, a kitchen to cook in, a cozy living room… it really makes such a difference!

On our last trip before baby, we headed up the California coast to Morro Bay, where there is an amazing variety of unique, picturesque, and surprisingly affordable vacation rentals. We stayed at the Salty Sisters Boutique Hotel, a vacation rental under The Seven Sisters (which we LOVED), and we toured a few others too! Depending on the kind of getaway you’re looking for, and how big your group is, here’s 3 phenomenal vacation rental options in the quaint seaside town of Morro Bay:

THE SALTY SISTERS BOUTIQUE HOTEL

This pristine (and brand new!) vacation rental property sits just steps from the many shops and restaurants along the Morro Bay Embarcadero, and features panoramic views of Morro Rock. There are 6 individual units on the property, that can be combined depending on how many people are joining in the adventures. All of them have kitchens/kitchenettes, and each has its own bright, coastal character.

The location couldn’t have been more ideal, as it’s walking distance to the beach, all of the best Morro Bay shops and restaurants, and there were sea otters basically right outside our door! (Cutest EVER.) We loved every minute of our time there - and are already planning a trip back with our family!

The views from the upper deck at the Seven Sisters was the best part!

Stunning kitchen layout! Love the light and bright living space!

Best time of day - wine time on the roof!

THE PELICAN HOUSE

This luxury four-bedroom beachfront home is perfect for a large group, as there’s plenty of space… and it sleeps eight! Plus, the ocean views and patio are nothing short of dreamy. We enjoyed a sunset happy hour by their firepit, and the setting couldn’t have been more idyllic!

The Pelican House is about a five minute drive from downtown Morro Bay, and a quick and easy walk to the beach. They even have the home stocked with surfboards, boogie boards, beach chairs, and more! It’s the perfect oceanfront getaway!

We were obsessed with the patio at The Pelican House!

THE FISHERMAN’S HOUSE

For a more quirky, cozy, and distinctly “Morro Bay” experience - the vibrant Fisherman’s House is a must! Located steps from the Embarcadero, this one-bedroom bungalow is hands-down one of the most special and unique vacation rentals in town… and the spacious dock is its crowning feature! We ate breakfast one morning there, and it felt like we were in a movie. We have plans to return someday soon and when we do, we’ll most definitely spend most of our time on the dock. (There’s even a spot to clean your fish, if you’re the fishing type!) The decor inside is quaint and welcoming, with a fully-stocked kitchen and a snug little living room area. We know you’ll be as obsessed with it as we are!

It goes without saying that there are countless other vacation rentals in Morro Bay (you can find more here), but these are three that really stood out to us. (And that we will most definitely be returning to for years to come! If you visit one, be sure to leave a comment and let us know! (And can we join you?!) ;)

No matter where you stay, be prepared for the cutest otters!

Alli Talley

March 23, 2020

California, Babymoon, Weekenders

AN ADVENTUROUS (AND ROMANTIC) BABY MOON IN MORRO BAY

Alli Talley

March 23, 2020

California, Babymoon, Weekenders

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.)

John prepped our lunch while we explored the dunes!

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).

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!

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!!

Alli Talley

March 23, 2020

California, Weekenders, Foodies

WHERE TO EAT (AND DRINK) IN MORRO BAY IN 2020

Alli Talley

March 23, 2020

California, Weekenders, Foodies

You know that “seafood diet” joke? The one you probably grew up hearing your dad say - that he’s on the seafood diet - he sees food, and he eats it? (Enter a laugh track here.) Well during our babymoon in Morro Bay, we were literally on a seafood diet - nearly all of our meals involved seafood… and it was AMAZING. You wouldn’t believe the amount of oysters Bobby consumed in a 72-hour period.

Anyway, this quaint seaside town is bursting with cozy restaurants and fabulous fresh fish, and if you’re on a “seafood diet” - it’s a definite must. (And even if you’re not a seafood fan, there’s plenty of spots for you too!)

Here’s our list of where you should eat (and drink) in Morro Bay:

BREAKFAST SPOTS:

BUTTERCUP BAKERY AND CAFE :: If a warm latte and a light breakfast is your jam in the morning, then Buttercup Bakery and Cafe is the spot for you. This homey and welcoming cafe has everything from breakfast bowls to avocado toast, and their baked goods are out-of-this-world delicious. It’s a casual, order-at-the-counter type place, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a favorite among locals. We’d hands-down be regulars here if we lived in MB!

FRANKIE AND LOLA’S :: For a more hearty, full-service breakfast experience, there’s no place better in town than Frankie and Lola’s! From their specialty omelettes to their famous iron skillet potatoes, to their hearty breakfast burritos, this is the kind of place you come hungry. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, try one of their delectable brioche cinnamon rolls!

Delicious breakfast bowls at Buttercup Bakery!

Breakfast sandwich goals at Frankie & Lola’s

SEAFOOD SPOTS:

TOGNAZZINI’S DOCKSIDE TOO :: Ask any Morro Bay local where to get to go for lunch, and chances are they’ll send you to the family-owned Tognazzini’s Dockside Too! This fish market sells some of the freshest, most delicious fish in town, and their spacious patio nearly always has live music. AND, it’s dog-friendly… so bring your pooch!

THE GALLEY SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR :: We’re big fans of this cozy seafood restaurant for two reasons - the unparalleled ocean views, and their dedication to fresh, local seafood and ingredients! Most of their fish is supplied from local fishermen, and their produce comes directly from their head chef’s farm! Oh, and if that’s not enough, The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar has a really impressive wine list, too!

DUTCHMAN’S SEAFOOD HOUSE :: You can’t go to Morro Bay without popping into Dutchman’s Seafood House and having a bowl of their famous clam chowder. It’s absolutely delicious, as is the rest of their extensive and affordable menu. (If you’re looking for a break from all of the seafood options, try their burger!)

WINDOWS ON THE WATER :: Our pick for a classy date night, Windows On The Water serves some of the finest, highest quality seafood in town, and boasts picture-perfect views of Morro Rock! They also have some incredible steak and woodfired pizzas on the menu (we opted for those), and the ambiance couldn’t be more romantic. Make a reservation in advance!

Do you think we have enough food at Tognazzini’s?

Had to try the steak at Windows on the Water!

SPOTS TO HAVE A DRINK:

TOP DOG COFFEE BAR :: We love stumbling upon local spots, and this fun and welcoming coffee shop is definitely one of them. Top Dog Coffee Bar serves some of the best micro-roasted coffee in Morro Bay, and every purchase aids local dog shelters! Talk about a win/win! (They specialize in some pretty delicious hot dogs too, if you’re hungry!)

LIBERTINE BREWING COMPANY :: We knew we loved this bar from the moment we walked in and saw they were playing reruns of The Office on their TV’s. Known for their Double IPA’s, Barrel-Aged Stouts, and Belgian Sours, Libertine Brewing Company is a must-stop for beer drinkers. And Wednesdays-Saturdays they have live music!

And his favorite beer at Libertine Brewing