Tourism
The seaside village of Morro Bay is a picture-perfect getaway for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and a gorgeous natural setting. Located along scenic Highway 1 midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Morro Bay is easy to reach and hard to leave. Once you experience the beauty and charm – not to mention the fun you’ll have kayaking, biking, fishing, beachcombing and just plain relaxing – you’ll wonder why you’d ever go anyplace else.
Mission Statement
The Templeton Chamber of Commerce promotes economic vitality, improves quality of life and encourages cooperation within our community.
Templeton Chamber of Commerce History
The original Templeton Board of Trade was formed in 1913 to promote trade and commerce, for the promotion of work, and for advertising to encourage growth in the community.
In May of 1979, a town meeting was held to determine whether or not to revitalize the Board of Trade. It was overwhelmingly accepted and a new organization known as the Templeton Chamber of Commerce – Board of Trade was formed. This was in keeping with the original historical name, but also realizing the need to be a member of a nationally recognized organization such as the Chamber of Commerce.
The organization consists of local businesses, professionals and individual members who are committed to promoting economic vitality, improving quality of life and encouraging cooperation within our community.
Templeton History
Templeton was founded in 1886, when C.H. Phillips of the West Coast Land Company ,sent R.R. Harris to survey 160 acres south of Paso Robles. This acreage was to be laid out in business and residential lots and 5-12 acre parcels for a town named “Crocker” after the famous San Francisco financier. When it was discovered there was already a town by that name, this settlement became “Templeton,” named after Crocker’s son. This is the only town along the El Camino Real named for a person, rather than a saint.
Templeton was fathered by the railroad, built on the main highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and, in its heyday, had a reputation for its saloon brawls and wild ‘n’ rough street scenes. The town was the end of the line for passengers coming from the north. Tourists disembarked here and took a stagecoach south to San Luis Obispo.
In 1891, the railroad continued south and the town was reduced to a flag stop and is now a bypass. In 1897, there was a great fire which burned most of the business district. The town was rebuilt, but not to its former glory.
In 1965, Josephine Gilfillan wrote for the Paso Robles Press a series of pieces on Templeton. Newcomers kept asking, “Why was Templeton was built so close to Paso Robles and Atascadero?” She said, “I wanted to tell them that Templeton came first.”
Today, Templeton is a small, quiet town, with a strong community spirit and a vision to preserve its colorful past.
The Gallery has become a hub for fine art. They offer many opportunities to purchase beautiful, local drawings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, cards and more through an array of venues, as well as networking and educational opportunities for artists to further their craft. artcentermorrobay.org, Morro Bay Art Center 835 Main St., (805) 772-2504
Morro Bay State Park, located at 60 State Park Rd. Morro Bay, features lagoon and bay habitat, all in view of Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking and bird watching and features a marina and an 18-hole golf course. The Morro Bay Golf Course is located at 201 State Park Rd. Call (805) 772-1923 for hours and tee times.
The park is a California state park, visit parks.ca.gov for information about parking, hours and other attractions.
Light at Sensorio features two walk-through installations by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. The 15 acre Field of Light. comprised of more than 58,800 stemmed spheres & Light Towers celebrating Paso Robles’ wine country, composed of more than 17,000 wine bottles, both illuminated by glowing optic fibers. 4380 HWY 46 East, Paso Robles, sensoriopaso.com, (805) 226-4287
The World’s First and Only Tandem Sidecar Experience. We combine the freedom of the open road with a one-of-a-kind thrilling adventure. 6238 Orcutt Rd., San Luis Obispo, sidecartoursinc.com, 951-840-0931
Ride-On Transportation has been transporting guests to weddings, wine tours, corporate outings, and to San Luis Obispo Airport and Amtrak stations on the Central Coast for over 30 years. Call for a free quote today and ride with them to your next event. Ride-on.org, (805) 541-8747