Weekend in ... Morro Bay, Calif.

By Clara Bosonetto

For the AJC

Budget

Getting there: During nationwide sale periods, USAirways offers one-way rates from $140 to San Luis Obispo (10 miles to Morro Bay; service via Phoenix).

Stay: The Back Bay Inn, located in the nature preserve community of Baywood Park, offers romantic guest rooms with water views. The inn is within walking distance of bird sanctuaries located on the Morro Bay estuary and is a perfect base camp for hiking, biking and Edna Valley wine tasting. Garden rooms from $95-$120; upstairs rooms from $130 and the cottage or loft from $150. Included is breakfast and wine and cheese evening reception; 1391 Second St., Los Osos, 1-877-330-2225, www.backbayinn.com.

Eat: Shawn's on Main is a treat for foodies on a budget. Elegant American fare can be complemented by one of more than 80 different wines and over a dozen different sakes. Starters $9-$12; entrees $13-$15; 912 Main St., 805-772-1059, www.shawnsonmain.com.

Experience: Bring your binoculars to the shores of Morro Bay at sunset and focus on the falcons that come to nest on the "Gibraltar of the Pacific," monolithic Morro Rock sitting just off shore. Six miles southwest of Morro Bay is the 8,000-acre Montana De Oro (Mountain of Gold) State Park, highlighted by the 1,347-foot Valencia Peak and picturesque cliffs, streams, canyons and hiking trails. The park's best beach is Spooner's Cove; www.parks.ca.gov. Slip over to charming San Luis Obispo (10 miles) to visit the Old Mission, one of the most beautiful in the state. Established in 1772, the mission opens for mass on weekends; 751 Palm St., 805-781-8220; www.missionsanluisobispo.org.

Moderate

Getting there: Santa Barbara is 90 miles south of Morro Bay. One-way rates, during nationwide sales, start at $139 on various carriers (flight connection required).

Stay: Over-the-water bay-front suites at the Estero Inn start from $129 per night. The special Marine Suite has a fireplace and extras from $259 per night, including continental breakfast; 501 Embarcadero, 805-772-1500; www.esteroinn.com.

Eat: Organic, locally farmed produce and seafood (wild-caught, when available) are the menu highlights at Windows on the Water. This award-winning restaurant offers top water views, service and cuisine. Starters $9-$15; entrees $19-$25; 699 Embarcadero, 805-772-0677, www.windowsmb.com.

Experience: The Hearst Castle is the area's most popular attraction. The estate is situated five miles inland in the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, yet has dramatic sea views. The castle, with over 90,000 square feet, has 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms and 127 acres of gardens. One of the most stunning settings is at the outdoor Neptune Pool, with vistas of mountains, the ocean and the main estate house. Adult tickets from $24-$30; San Simeon (35 miles north of Morro Bay); 1-800-444-4445, www.hearstcastle.com.

Splurge

Getting there: During sale periods, economy class flights to Los Angeles (170 miles south of Morro Bay) start from $129; from $570 each way for walk-up Business Class; nonstop AirTran or Delta.

Stay: The contemporary Anderson Inn features sophisticated and elegant guest accommodations (queen beds only) with a private deck overlooking the harbor. Rooms have vaulted ceilings, granite bathrooms, posh linens and robes; from $259-$349; 897 Embarcadero, 866-950-3434; www.andersoninnmorrobay.com.

Eat: Since 1966, fresh, premium seafood has been the star at The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar. This waterfront favorite has island decor and a full menu including meat, poultry and vegetarian selections. Starters $11-$16; naked fish $23-$25; entrees $25-$28; 899 Embarcadero, 805-772-7777; www.galleymorrobay.com.

Experience: A full-day, family-friendly hike and kayak tour takes in the waters along an oyster farm and offers a chance to see harbor seals, a heron rookery and otters. After an easy walk on dunes and on the Estero Bluffs, the tour concludes on the isolated Pacific beach. The 6- to 7-hour trip includes a gourmet picnic lunch; $119 per person; Morro Bay State Park Marina, 1-888-873-5610, www.centralcoastoutdoors.com.