If you are looking for gifts outside the big-name box shopping centers for the loved ones on your holiday list, discover Morro Bay’s artisan makers. From handmade glass beads, craft olive oils, and locally caught Dungeness crab, to custom leather goods and fresh saltwater taffy, Morro Bay has a distinct #craftculture and is filled with unique products that make great gifts for the holidays.
Morro Bay offers three shopping districts where you are sure to find something for everyone on your list. Enjoy the walkable downtown full of original boutiques, artisan galleries and intimate dining options. Wander the Embarcadero located right on the waterfront, stroll along the wide-ranging storefronts and watch the local fishermen pull in the catch of the day. Discover laid back North Morro Bay, home to several shopping favorites as well as local eateries.
Renowned for the signature 576-foot tall volcanic rock sitting majestic between the Pacific Ocean and the peaceful bay, the bustling seaside village of Morro Bay offers mild winter weather, making it a great year-round destination for outdoor adventurers, boating enthusiasts, and holiday shoppers who want to make merry during this special time of year. Check out these #morrobaymakers gift ideas:
- Paula Radke
701 Embarcadero Morro Bay, CA 93442; (805) 459-3329
Mothers, sisters, wife’s, lovers and friends will appreciate the handmade glass jewelry and beads found at the Paula Radke Gallery. The owner and artist Paula Radke uses the ancient techniques of the Italian masters with Dichroic Glass and has many of her original designs for sale at the galley. Crafty? Pick up some of her amazing beads and create something special for that someone special in your life. Paula also teaches classes in glass making in Morro Bay – just another reason to visit Morro Bay with friends.
- Buttercup Bakery & Cafe
430 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay, CA 93442; (805) 226-6678
This bakery is owned by Carrie Raya, a young mother who decided to turn her love of baking into a business venture, or as she called it, “a business adventure.” Grab a seat and enjoy breakfast at the popular café and pick up some gifts for your family and friends, and, of course, some scrumptious cookies for the man in red. Ho-Ho-Ho!
- Rancho Olivos Olive Oil
699 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442; (818) 426-2512
Who wouldn’t love a bottle of local artisan olive oil in their stocking this year? The distinctively fresh Estate Artisan Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Rancho Olivos make exceptional gifts for the foodie or chef in your life. They grow both Spanish and Italian varieties of olives and make delicious blends and flavored extra virgin olive oils including basil, Meyer lemon and garlic flavored. Stop for a complimentary tasting, join the olive oil club or buy this great gift for your best foodie friend!
- The Leather Shop
880 Morro Bay Blvd, Morro Bay, CA 93442; (805) 772-0255
Finn Hansen began working with leather after finding an old bag of tools in his grandparents’ basement when he was 13 and thus began a creative and fulfilling career. Finn can custom make the perfect gift for your loved one this holiday season from wallets, belts and book covers to custom leather motorcycle jackets and boots. They also have a wide selection of leather goods ready for purchase and they offer leather supplies and repair.
- Sweet & Salty Sea Glass Jewelry in Junque Love
699 Embarcadero #1, Morro Bay, CA 93442
The handcrafted Sweet & Salty line of jewelry, featured at Junque Love in Morro Bay, offers locally made, one-of-a-kind wearable art created from treasures from the sea. These unique pieces mix organic fibers with hand-collected sea glass, shells, vintage pearls and old world beads. Shop for amazing handmade artisan sea glass and sterling silver jewelry at one of Morro Bay’s most unique stores.
- Crill’s ll Homemade Saltwater Taffy!
903 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442; (805) 772-1679
Anyone with a sweet tooth on your list? Then be sure to shop at Crill’s ll where candy is their business. Conveniently located in the center of the Embarcadero action, this classic beach town candy store is known for their delicious salt-water taffy, peanut brittle and chocolate goodies. You won't want to leave town without tasting one of their mouth-watering cinnamon rolls. They also serve cookies, ice cream, cotton candy and much more. Yum!
- It's Dungeness Crab Season in Morro Bay – A Great Holiday Gift!
Dungeness Crab season opens November 2, 2019, making this the season to find sweet, fresh and local crab caught by multi-generational Morro Bay crabbing families. Morro Bay was founded as a family fishing village and there are many great places to eat and drink that feature ocean-to-table cuisine including local seasonal crab. The family-owned Great American Fish Company has been voted best seafood in San Luis Obispo County for 12 years, and Rose's Landing Bar & Grille, a family-friendly restaurant and sports bar, is a classic waterfront destination. Dutchman’s Seafood House owns and operates its own dock ensuring the freshest crab and seafood. Want to take some home? Visit the family owned and operated Giovanni’s Fish Market where you can purchase fresh Dungeness crab to go. You can also shop Giovanni’s online and have Morro Bay’s delicious fresh crab shipped anywhere in the world from this website.
There are also many fine antique and thrift stores in town that hold hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered. For more information on holiday shopping and all the exciting things to do and see in Morro Bay, visit www.morrobay.org.
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About Morro Bay
A true #outdoorgoals destination, this active seaside fishing village with bustling waterfront offers a fun and funky getaway for travelers who seek great wine, seafood and outdoor adventures filled with wildlife. Located along coastal Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County just south of Big Sur, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay offers year-round activities in an unspoiled slice of California. From ocean-side golf, kayaking, sailing, hiking, fishing, surfing, biking, and bird watching, to kite flying, shopping, dining, wine bars, local craft brews and miles of unspoiled beaches, there is something for everyone.
Sitting majestically between the beach and the harbor lays the iconic and historic landmark Morro Rock, welcoming travelers from miles away as they approach Morro Bay. Located just minutes from world-renowned Hearst Castle, historic missions, breathtaking Montana de Oro State Park, and surrounded by vineyards from Paso Robles to Edna Valley, Morro Bay is a destination designed to fit any style and budget for families, couples or groups. Morro Bay also offers a myriad of year-round events including food, wine and music festivals, art fairs and car shows unique to the town. For more travel information visit www.morrobay.org or follow Morro Bay on Facebook, Instagram, twitter and Pinterest.