Tuesday, February 11, 2025
50.1 F
Santa Ana

Morro Bay is a nature lover's paradise during wintertime

Morro Rock in Morro Bay

Morro Bay, Calif.- Morro Bay is a nature lover's paradise. Wintertime is the perfect setting to spot wildlife in Morro Bay, whether you are interested in the hundreds of different bird species that migrate through during colder months, or seeing cute sea otter pups during whelping season.

When visiting, it's crucial to enjoy the natural assets while also joining in the effort to protect them. This sustainable travel helps to keep the wildlife wild, and keep their habitats preserved for all future generations.

Morro Bay's Unique Nature:

Birding

A designated National Audubon Society's Important Bird Area, Morro Bay is a vital stop over for many sea and shore birds during their migrations. Although prevalent all year, winter affords the greatest variety of bird species to our area. 

Sea Otters

Morro Bay has an active sea otter population year-round. They tend to stick close to shore, making for excellent, and safe, viewing. Near South T-Pier, along the Harbor Walk, and next to Target Rock are some of the most popular spots to catch these Morro Bay sea'lebrities. You can help to keep the population healthy by not creating any disturbances – if the otters change their behavior or swim away, you're too close. Pupping occurs throughout the year, with a peak period of pupping October through January, and a secondary peak in March and April.

Under the surface

Lots of creatures call the bay home, and the majority of them reside just under the surface. The tide pools in North Morro Bay are a great place to observe these aquatic creatures up close without causing them any harm. For a more active experience, take a paddleboard or kayak nature tour with one of the rental companies. Local guides will show you exactly where to look and what you're looking at. You can also see and learn more about all the most common species online with this web guide.

Whale Watching

Throughout the year a variety of whales swim off the coast of Morro Bay. Although sometimes visible from our beaches, a whale watching tour is the best way to experience these giants. Tours depart from the Embarcadero daily.  

Monarch Butterfly Migration

Flying thousands of miles during their migration, Monarchs cluster together in the Morro Bay State Park Eucalyptus groves to stay warm and roost/rest. Usually visiting between December and March, it's a sight not to be missed!

Learn more about the natural environment and the animals that call Morro Bay home at the Museum of Natural History and the Morro Bay Estuary Nature Center.

Hot this week

Santa Ana appoints Minh Thai and Kathryn Downs to Assistant City Manager

Santa Ana, Calif.- City Manager Alvaro Nuñez is pleased to announce the appointments of Minh Thai and Kathryn "Kat" Downs to the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Santa Ana, effective February 3, 2025.

New California Laws 2025: Part 5 includes estates, health care coverage, substance abuse and more

Sacramento, Calif.- Part 4 in New California Laws for 2025 includes laws currently chaptered in Sacramento during the 2023-24 legislative session. This installment includes laws on estates, health care coverage, substance abuse and more.

New California Laws 2025: Part 4 includes disorderly conduct, AI, state prisons, and more

Sacramento, Calif.- Part 4 in New California Laws for 2025 includes laws currently chaptered in Sacramento during the 2023-24 legislative session. This installment includes laws on disorderly conduct, AI, state prisons, and more.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts entertainment Schedule

Costa Mesa, Calif.- Check out the upcoming scheduled performances and entertainment at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. An intimate 500-seat multi-use venue

Pacific Amphitheatre Schedule in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa, Calif. – The Pacific Amphitheater features classic music acts and comedy performances for a belly full of laughs. In addition, The Hangar will host a fun lineup of popular tribute acts.

Topics

Santa Ana appoints Minh Thai and Kathryn Downs to Assistant City Manager

Santa Ana, Calif.- City Manager Alvaro Nuñez is pleased to announce the appointments of Minh Thai and Kathryn "Kat" Downs to the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Santa Ana, effective February 3, 2025.

New California Laws 2025: Part 5 includes estates, health care coverage, substance abuse and more

Sacramento, Calif.- Part 4 in New California Laws for 2025 includes laws currently chaptered in Sacramento during the 2023-24 legislative session. This installment includes laws on estates, health care coverage, substance abuse and more.

New California Laws 2025: Part 4 includes disorderly conduct, AI, state prisons, and more

Sacramento, Calif.- Part 4 in New California Laws for 2025 includes laws currently chaptered in Sacramento during the 2023-24 legislative session. This installment includes laws on disorderly conduct, AI, state prisons, and more.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts entertainment Schedule

Costa Mesa, Calif.- Check out the upcoming scheduled performances and entertainment at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. An intimate 500-seat multi-use venue

Pacific Amphitheatre Schedule in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa, Calif. – The Pacific Amphitheater features classic music acts and comedy performances for a belly full of laughs. In addition, The Hangar will host a fun lineup of popular tribute acts.

Northern California: Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, a flawless dining and travel experience

Palo Alto, Calif.- Keeping one foot always firmly planted in the future, Palo Alto offers a fitting location for Nobu Hotels which offers a unique local experience at each of its select properties around the world.

Placer County a Northern California Winter Wonderland getaway

Western shores of Lake Tahoe to Sacramento Valley Roseville, Calif....

San Juan Creek Trail segment to re-open January 16th

San Juan Capistrano, Calif.- The segment of the San Juan Creek Trail depicted in red on the site map is currently closed and will re-open January 16, as the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) continues construction activities

Related Articles

Popular Categories