Baywood Park

It's a little chilly outside, but nice. It's actually just a little break between two storms. And that's just enough for me to take a little trip to Baywood Park to see if the local guys have brought the hot rods over to the coffee shop. Happily, there are a handful of cars in the parking lot when I pull in.


The guys are sitting on the patio sipping hot drinks, and as far as I can tell this is the routine: Every Saturday a small group of locals (mostly) bring their cars over to the parking lot that's shared by the Back Bay Inn and the Good Tides Coffee Shop. It's located at the south end of 2nd Street, alongside the Baywood City Pier. They like to show up around 2PM, and as one of them told me "we stay until 4 O'clock. 5 O'clock if the weather's good!"

This is special. It's no big city, hamburger stand, show off your stuff kind of atmosphere. No, this is just a small group of car enthusiasts, doing what they love. hanging out with like minded folks and talking shop. I might have to make this a "regular" Saturday thing in the future!

And besides, Baywood Park is not a bad place to kill a leisurely afternoon any day of the week. Within 2 blocks are 2 B&B type hotels, A pair of great mexican resturants, a pizza joint, a Thai Resturant, and a couple of art galleries. All in a picturesque setting, surrounded by water on 3 sides. This is one of the most well kept secrets on the central coast! The lifestyle is decidedly "small town" and definitely coastal. But not touristy. If you want crashing waves and lines at resturants this isn't the place. But if you prefer a casual getaway, on the tranquil waters of the back bay, this is for you. If you haven't experienced the simple beauty of Morro Bay's southernmost reaches, you're really missing out. This is where relaxation goes for a vacation!