Morro Bay, California

On the Central Coast of California, a large, rounded rock rises majestically out of the Pacific Ocean. When Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo saw it in 1542, he named it El Morro because of the crown shape. However, this site had been significant to the Salinan and Chumash people long before that. In 1870 Franklin Riley founded the settlement of Morro Bay as a prime trade location for dairy goods, fresh produce, and commercial fishing. The iconic rock complemented with three 450-foot smokestacks give the appearance of Poseidon’s crown and trident rising from the ocean. Morro Bay is a hidden gem beloved by all who know it, and it attracts new visitors every year. We are grateful to Morro Bay Beautiful for commissioning this new Dowdle painting and introducing us to their wonderful city. Come with us to Morro Bay.