MORRO BAY, Calif. — The fog began to roll in thick, completely covering Morro Rock. It was an eerie scene — Morro Rock completely obscured on a sunny California day.

Sometimes called “The Gibraltar of the Pacific,” Morro Rock has a long history. The 576-foot-tall volcanic plug was named by Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who “discovered” Morro Rock in 1542. The Rock’s name is derived from El Morro, which means the pebble in Spanish.

Standing a ways off and feverishly snapping photographs as the fog rolled in, I never once thought of this as a pebble. Even from hundreds of feet away, Morro Rock is an impressive sight to see.

Long before Cabrillo arrived on the scene and before Pedro de Unamuno claimed the Rock in 1587 as part of the Spanish territory in the New World, the Chumash Indians called Morro Rock home. Interestingly, while it is illegal to climb Morro Rock (not to mention dangerous), the Chumash Indians are exempt from that law.

California’s Highway 1 is a scenic drive, often providing travelers with glorious views of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way are small towns, each with a story to tell. But, there’s something about Morro Bay and its unique “pebble.” Honestly, it probably doesn’t top the agendas of many of the folks who drive along this stretch of highway, but it’s a nice respite from the road, a unique landmark that has no doubt attracted passersby from centuries.