Get Three Vacations in One: Morro Bay, California

Want to go to Napa Valley for the wine, Maryland for the seafood, and Florida for a beach getaway, but can only take one vacation this year? Then head to Morro Bay, California!

Morro Bay is a scenic locale in California’s Central Coast, about four hours south of Napa Valley, off U.S. Highway 1. It’s a one-stop vacation that offers a variety of experiences. Rivaling the wine production industry and wine quality of California’s famous Napa Valley, Morro Bay is a premier destination for wine lovers. The Morro Bay Adventure Pass (starting at $30 for individuals, $60 for couples, $90 for families) boasts three days of food, wine, and outdoor activity you won’t want to miss!

Be sure to visit Chateau Margene, one of 10 wineries along the Pacific Coast Wine Trail. This boutique micro-winery produces only about 3,000 cases of award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends each year, including Pinot Noir. Cabernet aficionados will not be disappointed!

[Related: How to Combine Business and Personal Travel–And Save]

At Stax Wine Bar, you can sample more than 100 wines from the Central Coast and Grassy Bar oysters. Also, taste some of the best Petite Sirah in the area at MCV Winery. The dark, rich Petite Sirah grape is smooth, elegant, and versatile enough to be made into several varieties wine.

Bayside Cafe

Last, but not least, be sure to tour Hearst Castle, a property built and owned by Hearst Publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. The northern-most point of the Pacific Coast Wine Trail begins at the Hearst Ranch Winery, which hand-harvests grapes to produce delicious Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, and Late Harvest Zinfandel.

Stax Wine Bar

Morro Bay is also for lovers–seafood lovers, that is. Once a remote fishing village, Morro Bay remains a busy harbor with an active commercial fishing fleet. A thriving fishing community, visitors will find feel-good seafood at its finest at Morro Bay.

Nearly every restaurant and eatery in the area

serves the freshest sea-to-table fare available. The romantic Windows on the Water restaurant serves fresh seafood and organically grown produce. At the newly reopened 60 State Park Restaurant, Chef Steve Smeets’ menu features local fresh seafood. Additionally, Linn’s Restaurant, which began as a farm fruit stand, serves up ocean-to-table seafood and olallieberry pie. Be sure to try the albacore skewers and specialty California chowder at the Bayside Café, too. The majestic front door of the Hearst Castle

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, check into the Inn at Morro Bay, where you’ll find gorgeous views of Morro Bay and amenities like a heated pool and massage center.

Visitors come to enjoy Morro Strand State Beach and the beautiful blue waters of Morro Bay Harbor. With miles of beaches, there are tons of water adventures and activities, including kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, boat cruises, and more. At Moonstone Beach and Boardwalk, you can be the ultimate beach comber and search for beautiful moonstone gems. And you’ll experience Morro Bay’s natural sandspit and fine, powdery sand.

The entrance to The Inn at Morro Bay

Touring the area in a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, I discovered other sightseeing and cultural attractions, too. So consider California’s Morro Bay and get three vacations in one!