Travel DreamScapes: California: Morro Bay/ Cambria/ Cayucos (*)

Thursday, June 6, 2013

California: Morro Bay/ Cambria/ Cayucos (*)

Morro Bay located about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco near Hearst Castle and the Big Sur Coast, is considered to be the "Gibraltar of the Pacific!"

It is a working fishing village and its famous landmark, Morro Rock, was named by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo when he first charted the coast during the 16th century.

A pleasant tourist destination, Morro Bay offers miles of unspoiled beaches, nature trails and an estuary.

Located just 6 miles south of Hearst Castle is the seaside village of Cambria. The town received its name in 1869 after previously going by the names of Slabtown, Rosaville, San Simeon and Santa Rosa.

It offers charming bed & breakfasts, gourmet foods, unique shopping and numerous art galleries. Cambria is also home to the California Historical Landmark, Nitt Witt Ridge.

Nitt Witt Ridge was conceived by the artist and recluse, Arthur Harold Beal who purchased the two-and-a-half acre property in 1928. He spent the next 50 years building terraces with only a pick and shovel creating his own "castle on a hill."

Beal was a garbage collector for Cambria in the 40s and 50s and made good use of what was discarded by utilizing these items in the building of Nitt Witt Ridge. It is also reported that he used remnants from Hearst Castle where he worked for some time.

He died in 1992 and in 1999 Michael and Stacey O'Malley became the new owners. Michael offers guided tours of the property which are available only by reservation.

Cayucos is one of California's "last original beach towns." Just twenty minutes north of San Luis Obispo, it is a convenient stopover for visitors traveling to Hearst Castle or touring the San Louis Obispo County wineries.