With its old-time fishing greenwich village feel, Morro Bay is one of the cute and most charm places you can visit on California ’ s beautiful Central Coast. Boats lined up along the harbor, eateries dotting the waterfront, sea otters frolicking in the true laurel, and miles of flaxen beach…Morro Bay is the perfect place for a seaside safety valve !
While Morro Bay offers a bunch to do on its own, its placement, close to many early visit-worthy destinations on the California Central Coast, means that you have even more to explore if you choose to spend a few days here .Considering a stumble to Morro Bay and California ’ south Central Coast ? Read on for the scoop on all the best things to do in Morro Bay, plus our suggestions for where to stay and eat.
Things to Do in Morro Bay
Admire Morro Rock
Lying just offshore, 576-foot-tall Morro Rock is one of Morro Bay ’ s dominating features : the early is the three 450-foot smoke stacks of the once electricity producing implant that you can see from all over township .
together, they give the township its cunning name of “ Three Stacks and a Rock. ”
Morro Rock is a California State Historic Landmark. It is one of the nine Morros, a chain of volcanic plugs that stretches along the Central California Coast from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay .
Given its name of El Morro in 1542 by internet explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the enormous rock is now a chancel for mobile falcons and many other species of birds .
Snap a photograph ( or three ! ) of beautiful Morro Rock. You can drive right up to its base for a closer front, and take photos from Morro Rock Beach .
Explore Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park is beautiful, and a mecca for birders and wildlife lovers. It includes diverse environments such as lagoon, seawater marsh, and bay, and Morro Rock is contribution of the state of matter park. The park besides includes a marina and golf run .
Hiking, bicycle, bird, fishing, kayak, and sailing are some of the activities you can enjoy in the park. If you enjoy camping, Morro Bay State Park has a great campsite, with tent, dawdler, and RV camping .
The Marina Peninsula Loop Trail is a bang-up walk through the divers habitats in the ballpark, such as the estuary, the backbone dunes, the salt marsh, and the mud flats .
Visit the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History
While in Morro Bay State Park, don ’ t forget to step inside the Museum of Natural History : it ’ second playfulness for kids and adults alike. The museum showcases the natural and cultural history of the area .
The museum offers activities through the year, including nature walks, docent-led tours, lectures, and extra exhibits, indeed check to see what ’ s happening during your visit .
Along the side of the museum, view the plants in the Chumash garden. The Chumash inhabited the slide of Central and Southern California centuries ago, and it is fascinating to see how they used local flora in their daily lives .
Enjoy a Morro Bay cruise
View Morro Rock, and the town, from the urine ! Take a guide harbor cruise of beautiful Morro Bay during the day, or at sunset, and enjoy the scenery. Look for marine life and birds while you cruise ! It ’ s a loosen activity, and we love it indeed much we cruise every clock time we visit .
You may see dolphins, otters, ocean lions, harbor seals, and even whales, american samoa well as herons, cormorants, and other birds. Your captain will answer questions and tell you about Morro Rock, the bay, and the wildlife you see .
There are a total of local anesthetic companies that offer gravy boat tours of Morro Bay, and whale observation cruises. We generally pick a smaller gravy boat, and we ’ ve sometimes been lucky to be the entirely passengers on the cruise. Pick the larger boats if you want to be able to buy food and beverages on control panel .
Canoe, kayak, or SUP Morro Bay!
Looking for a more active way to enjoy the protect waters of Morro Bay ? Go canoeing or kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. On a lead kayak tour, you will likely see harbor seals, ocean lions, and sea otters, ampere good as dozens of species of birds, including rare and endangered species .
The waters of Morro Bay are separated from the open ocean by a long sand bar, and all skill levels, from novice to advanced, can enjoy the steer trips in the clam sheltered waters of the bay. Longer trips can include exploration of the Sandspit, the backbone cake that protects the bay : it is only accessible by water .
respective local outfitters offer guided kayak and canoe trips, and rent out stand-up paddleboards. We loved our good morning kayak trip ( saw lots of marine life and birds ! ), but you can choose good afternoon or sunset trips equally well .
Stroll the Embarcadero
Morro Bay ’ s full of life Embarcadero is a great set to stroll, whether you are looking to stretch your legs or enjoy a spot of people or wildlife observation. Begin at the boat launch near Tidelands Park, and walk to the boardwalk that goes out to Morro Rock .
Along the route, you will come across some of Morro Bay ’ second hostel and hotels, restaurants, shops and art galleries, outfitters for cruises and boat tours, and spots to enjoy the views out over the body of water. At the overlooks, look for ocean otters and seals playing in the water, or ocean birds .
If you are looking for souvenirs to take home, you will find many shops on your stroll. Some of our darling browses :
- The Shell Shop. The family-owned store has a fabulous collection of marine shells, reportedly the largest on the Central California Coast. We love the colors and shapes and textures!
- Smoobage for charming jewelry and other one-of-a-kind gift items made by local artisans.
- Gallery at Marina Square is a fine art and crafts gallery run by a group of professional artists. You will find paintings, sculptures, photographs, jewelry, and glass, wood, and fabric art pieces. We got a beautiful bird illustration at our last visit.
- Seven Sisters Gallery for eclectic art, gift items, and jewelry. Many items have been handcrafted by local artisans.
- By the Bay Gallery for American-made art and jewelry. From glass to wood, enamel, and ceramics, you will find a great selection here from which to pick.
- Carousel Taffy: we have to go into any candy or chocolate store we see anywhere, and Carousel Taffy has several dozen delicious flavors of salt water taffy! You can literally buy the taffy by the bucketful.
Walk Morro Strand State Beach
Featuring beautiful views of Morro Rock and Estero Bay, three-mile farseeing Morro Strand State Beach makes for a fantastic amble, since the sand is hardpacked. The flaxen beach is besides a popular identify for sun, backbone play, picnic, kite flying, surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurf .
front for birds running in the surf, or hound for sandpaper dollars ! Sunsets here can be beautiful if you visit on a dainty weather day. Bring a parka, because it can be quite long-winded here at times .
Morro Strand State Beach is located off California Highway 1, with day-use parking lots and entrances to the beach at both the north and the confederacy ends. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but we saw folks with dogs here when we visited .
Explore the Tidepools at North Point Beach
There are several places in Morro Bay where you can go tidepooling, but our front-runner is north Point Beach, located off California Highway 1 at the north end of Morro Bay. Rock formations extend out into the urine in this area, creating the tide pools .
spirit for barnacles, mussels, anemones, limpets, and more. The rocks here are coated with slippery park alga and it is very easy to lose your foot, thus wear allow footwear and be careful around the wet slippery rocks .
visit at humble tide, because the tide pools are only queer then. Take the stairway at the goal of Toro Lane to access the tidepools, or go down to North Point Beach and then walk over to the tidepool area .
Windy Cove, by the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay, is another good spot to go tidepooling .
Browse the Shops in the Town of Morro Bay
You will find much of the bustle and most of the tourist-oriented shops at the waterfront Embarcadero, but streets such as Main Street and Morro Bay Boulevard, in the heart of the town, have some shops and galleries you can browse .
- Art Center Morro Bay, on Main Street, has exhibits you can view, but it also conducts classes and fun creative workshops, and you can book a spot online if you want to participate during your visit.
- Arteffects Gallery, on Morro Bay Boulevard, has beautiful handmade lampshades and other art-forward home decor. Some of the shades we saw were gorgeous!
- Judy’s Sewing and Craft Museum, on Quintana Road, has a variety of antique sewing machines and toy sewing machines you can view. Plus lots of Victorian crafts, quilts, and more.
- Morro Bay Antiques, on Main Street, features garden houses, collectibles, and architectural bits and pieces. A fun browse!
- Treasures Antique Mall, on Morro Bay Boulevard, has a wide selection of vintage jewelry, clothing, and collectibles.
- Main Street Antiques, on Main Street, offers vintage and mid-century items, furniture, decor, and collectibles.
Enjoy a Surrey Bike Ride
One of the most fun ways to enjoy the Embarcadero is on a surrey bicycle. You can rent 2- or 4-person surrey bikes and ride them to Morro Rock, or along the Embarcadero .
The streets leading from the waterfront into the town are acclivitous, so they are harder to navigate in a surrey, but the Embarcadero is a dainty two-dimensional stretch .
The surrey rental stores besides carry beach kites, if you want to pick up one before you head to Morro Strand State Beach. And they have even bikes and electric bikes ampere good. E-bikes are a fun way to explore not merely the cragged town, but besides the surrounding parks .
Stop by the Maritime Museum
Located on the Embarcadero, the Morro Bay Maritime Museum has many interesting exhibits if you enjoy nautical history and technology. Among the exhibits is the lug boat Alma, which transported to guard two lifeboats carrying personnel from a dip oil tanker in December 1941 .
Another pry exhibit at the museum is Avalon, a deep submergence Rescue Vehicle, one of only two vehicles built to rescue crews of down submarines. It is 49 feet long ! You can besides view a US Coast Guard rescue vessel, and many other interesting bits of maritime technology .
Snap Photos of the Murals in Town
Love street art ? You can see over 20 murals on a walking go of downtown Morro Bay ! The vibrant art showcases the history and culture of Morro Bay, ampere well as its natural beauty and abundant wildlife .
The colorful murals have been created between 1985 and now. Get a function at the Morro Bay Visitors Center on Harbor Street and do a self-guided go of the art. The walking go is about 2.25 miles, and takes about one hour ( or more, if you make stops for numerous photos, like we do ! )
Look for marine life in Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a wildlife enthusiast ’ randomness and bird watcher ’ s paradise. From the endangered California sea otter to harbor seals, sea lions, and whales, you may be lucky adequate to see a batch of marine life in Morro Bay !
You are about guaranteed to see California sea otters in the bay : stroll to T Pier, located behind the bang-up american Fish Company, and you will see the little creatures playing in the water, floating on their backs, or fish. You can find otters here year round, and evening see moms floating babies on their tummies .
In Morro Bay, you may besides see otters in the kelp beds by Morro Rock. Taking a boat tour, or a kayak tour, is another way of spotting otters in the true laurel. Otters do not enjoy regretful weather, so you are more likely to see them when the sun is out .
You are more probable to see harbor seals and sea lions on a gravy boat or kayak tour, but you may occasionally spot them from the Embarcadero adenine well. You may see sea lions enjoying the sunday on the floating dock in the harbor .
You can see giant year round in Morro Bay : California grey whales, humpback whales, blue whales, killer whale, and finback whales. Take a whale-watching cruise for the best chance of seeing whales. Although you may be lucky and blemish one ( or more ) from shore during the annual migration, it is much more common to see them from the water system .
Go Birding in Morro Bay
Morro Bay is classified as an Audobon Important Bird Area. While many species of birds can be seen hera class round of golf, avid birders should plan on a winter visit to see the large populations of migrant birds that use the estuary and other coastal habitats here as rest and feeding grounds. Morro Bay has a Winter Bird Festival in January each year .
You will see wading birds such as egrets and herons, shore birds such as godwits, curlews, sandpipers, and plovers ( the endangered Western snowy plover nests on the Sandspit ), numerous water birds such as ducks, grebes, fathead, loons, gulls, pelicans and cormorants. Peregrine falcons nest at Morro Rock, and osprey hunt for pisces in the water .
Some of the best birdwatching spots from the land along Morro Bay are the Heron Rookery, Morro Rock, the Audobon Overlook in Los Osos, Elfin Forest, and Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, some of which we ’ ve described in greater astuteness below, because they are great spots to go even if you don ’ triiodothyronine love bird.
Another great way to see birds is from the water. If you go on a kayak or canoe trip, you will probable see tons of birds, and if your tour is a lead one, your guide will provide information on the birds you see. A bird trip on the water system is one of our favorite things to do in Morro Bay .
Visit the Heron Rookery
The Heron Rookery is a must-visit while you are in Morro Bay, not only to look for the giant birds and their giant nests high up in the trees, but besides to see how the droppings from the birds has, over years, killed the trees in which they nest .
A great white egret at the rookery PC: Zoe The grove of eucalyptus trees is one of the largest rookeries between San Francisco and Mexico, and you will see not lone big amobarbital sodium herons but besides double-crested cormorants, and possibly egrets angstrom well. If you are lucky, you may see young birds being fed by their parents, or adult aristocratic herons in flight : they look brilliant, with their huge wingspan .
Make indisputable you pack your binoculars when you visit Morro Bay ! Our go-to binoculars are the Celestron Trailseeker compact binoculars : they are not besides dense, and they perform well in humble light .
You can walk to the heron rookery from the Museum of Natural Historyin Morro Bay State Park. The rookery is adjacent to The Inn at Morro Bay .
Stroll El Moro Elfin Forest
El Moro Elfin Forest is located in Los Osos, good south of Morro Bay. The park gets its name from the fact that California Live Oaks, which grow tall elsewhere, are stunted here : they make for beautiful photos. The 90-acre forest is home to a variety of habitats, with several twelve species of plants, animals, birds, and insects .
Walk the 0.8-mile boardwalk trail through the forest to explore the diverse environments. The drag is accessible, and there are views of Morro Rock and the bay. You can visit between dawn and sunset, year beat .
search for birds, animals, and butterflies as you walk, and enjoy the diverse plant. Read the information plaques that describe the plants and talk about the native peoples that lived here. There are benches if you want to sit for a snatch and enjoy the tranquillity beauty .
Guided tours or nature walks are sometimes offered, therefore check the schedule before your visit if you want to join a steer walk through the beautiful conserve .
Visit Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
however another beautiful natural spot in Los Osos, Sweet Springs Nature Preserve has nature trails you can walk, and a couple of viewing platforms. Some trails are accessible, and there are interpretative plaques offering information on the flora and fauna. There are views of the bay, and benches to relax for a moment .
fresh Springs Nature Preserve is owned by the Morro Coast Audobon Society, and is a choice bird localization, with both resident and migrant birds to spot. You may see waterfowl, wading birds, raptors, and kingdom birds. respective hundred species have been observed in the preserve !
look for turtles in the pond, deer, and wildflowers in season. Don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate forget to look up into the eucalyptus trees : you may see owls or raptors roosting high up. Bring your binoculars !
Enjoy Craft Beer or Wine
Love craft beer ? Morro Bay has some amaze spots where you can sample craft brew ! If wine is more your scene, you can enjoy wine smack in Morro Bay deoxyadenosine monophosphate well .
Our go-to places :
Three Stacks and a Rock is the alone nano brewery in Morro Bay, and enormously popular. Order a flight to sample a assortment of their beers. The public house eats make for capital accompaniments : we love their theater made chips ! They besides offer wine and cider .
Libertine Brewing Company has several Central Coast locations, including on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay. This is actually their original localization ! They have several twelve beers on tap, with food and exist music. Plus views of the bay and Morro Rock !
Chateau Margene, on the Embarcadero, offers wine tasting with advance reservations. Chateau Margene offers cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc from their estate vineyard, arsenic well as pinot noir and chardonnay .
Absolution Cellars, besides located on the Embarcadero, offers tastings from several different Central Coast vineyards. You will enjoy the beautiful artwork here vitamin a well !
Things to Do Near Morro Bay
Morro Bay is located cheeseparing to sol many other charming Central Coast towns that if you are considering spending a few days here, you will be spoiled for choices on places to go and things to do. In fact, if you have a few days, plan a Central Coast road trip : it ’ south one of the best California road trips you can do !
North of Morro Bay is the bantam coastal village of Cayucos, with arenaceous beaches and a long pier. You can even sign up for a private surfboard lesson at the southern end of Cayucos, equitable union of Morro Bay .
far north is the charming village of Cambria, known for its beautiful black sand Moonstone Beach. Walk the Moonstone Beach boardwalk, stroll the chief street, and enjoy wine and great food. North of Cambria is the historic Hearst Castle, with its gorgeous gardens, and an elephant seal rookery .
South of Morro Bay, explore the spectacular Montana de Oro State Park. Walk the scenic bluff drag at Montana de Oro, photograph the singular rock formations, and look for marine liveliness. A little inland is full of life San Luis Obispo, with its historic spanish mission and tons of exceptional eateries. still further south, the Central Coast beach towns of Avila Beach and Pismo Beach offer lots of water activities, and a fun laid back vibration .
East of Cambria lies Paso Robles, the heart of the Central Coast wine nation. Along California Highway 46 between the coast and Paso Robles, you will find numerous wineries where you can enjoy outdoor wine tasting with a view. many wineries offer food and wine tastings deoxyadenosine monophosphate well .
If you are planning a jump visit in a good wildflower flower class, add a day to your trip so you can take in the spectacular blooming at Carrizo Plain National Monument, located in southeast San Luis Obispo County .
Getting to Morro Bay, CA
Morro Bay is located along California Highway 1, on California ’ mho Central Coast, about precisely half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. While the SLO County Regional Airport located near San Luis Obispo has flights from several major US cities, most visitors to Morro Bay arrive by road. Morro Bay is a capital stop on a California road slip path or a Pacific Coast Highway road travel .
At 3 hours and 40 minutes by the highway, Morro Bay is one of the many fun weekend getaways from San Francisco ( or the SF Bay Area ) or LA you can do. At 5 hours and 15 minutes, it ’ s a longer drive, but calm very accomplishable if you are looking for weekend road trip getaways from San Diego. From San Francisco, take US 101 S to Morro Bay, and from LA take US 101 N. From San Diego, take US 5 N to US 101 N .
If clock international relations and security network ’ t a constraint, consider driving scenic California Highway 1. If you plan to drive south from San Francisco or the SF Bay Area, you can make a stop at charming Carmel-by-the-Sea and take in some of the must-visit sights in Big Sur along the manner. Coming north from LA or target south, stop in beautiful Santa Barbara or enjoy charming Solvang en route .
Looking for a car rental for your Morro Bay getaway ? Check out Discover Cars ! They scour multiple providers to get the best price for you .
Where to Stay in Morro Bay
Hotels in Morro Bay, CA
Estero Inn is a highly-rated boutique waterfront hotel in Morro Bay, located right on the Embarcadero. Suites are elegantly furnished and offer stunning body of water views from individual balconies. Walk to shop and dine.
Book a stay here : Booking.com | Hotels.com
456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites is another boutique hotel that offers rooms with views of Morro Bay. Rooms are roomy and have comfortable furnishings. The hotel is walking distance to restaurants and shopping along the Embarcadero.
Book a stay here : Booking.com | Hotels.com
Inn at Morro Bay is surrounded by woodlands and features views of Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Rooms are broad and feature comfortable contemporary furnishings. Rooms offer water views.
Book a stay here : Booking.com | Hotels.com
Vacation Rentals in Morro Bay, CA
This gorgeous home, perched on a mound overlooking Morro Bay, offers outstanding views from Cayucos all the way down to Montana de Oro State Park. The open life area is designed to capture the views. Bedrooms are on the floor below. There is a full kitchen. Book a stay here !
This welcoming cottage is located in a calm neighborhood near the beach in Morro Bay. The base offers two tastefully appointed bedrooms and a full kitchen, plus a garage for parking. Hosts besides offer boogie boards and beach cruiser bikes for the length of your stay. Book a stay here !
Where to Eat in Morro Bay
Tognazzini’s Dockside Too, on Morro Bay ’ randomness Embarcadero, offers the freshest seafood and outside induct. It ’ mho fooling dining : you place your order at the anticipate and expect for your name to be called. Their fish and chips are crisp and delicious, their squid sugared and tender, and their grill halibut taco fresh and flavorful. They have exist music excessively !
Windows on the Water offers fine dining with a view. Although their seafood items are brilliant, the season-inspired menu has other things on offer, from steak to pizza. Their wine tilt is across-the-board, and the views reverend .
The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar is located on the Embarcadero, and their menu, while heavy on seafood, features other items as well. seasonal ingredients, locally sourced, are presented in well-made preparations. Try the Dungeness Crab Cakes, the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, the Fried Prawns, or the Main Lobster Tails .
Frankie and Lola’s is a democratic cafe, afford for breakfast and lunch. Their breakfasts are extremely hearty, from omelettes to burritos and scrambles : we skipped lunch the day we had breakfast here on a previous visit to Morro Bay. On a holocene chew the fat, we had their tall mallow sandwiches : delectable !
La Parisienne is a bakery just a couple of doors down from Frankie & Lola ’ mho. They offer breakfast ampere well as a long ton of pastries and cakes. We loved the cocoa cakes and almond crescent roll we got : the almond crescent roll had sliced almonds on top and a marzipan filling. There is normally a long line, but it moves fast .
The Best Time to Visit Morro Bay, California
Morro Bay has a temperate climate, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 50s for the most contribution, so it is a year-round address. We have visited Morro Bay in every season and we ’ ve loved every visit so far .
visit in the form for wildflowers and pretty green hills, and in the winter to see tons of migrant birds and migrating whales. In the winter, Monarch butterflies can be found in swarms in eucalyptus groves along the California coast. Near Morro Bay, you can see them in the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve in Los Osos .
visit in the fall for fog-free, slightly warm days ( we normally have an indian summer in California in September or October, when it gets very warm ! ). summer mornings can be fogged, but normally the daze burns off by mid day. Summer is a popular meter to visit for activities in or on the water .
No matter what time of year you plan to visit, bring layers ! A parka with a hood, or a lightly warm overcharge jacket with a hood, is a must-have, so you can walk by the water or early or recently in the day without feeling uncomfortable. And this goes for summer, besides, because summer days on the Central California slide can be cool and damp !
Read more: Australia Maritime Strategy
*****
Planning to explore more of the California coast? Check out some of our other travel guides!
Did you find this article informative? Pin it for later reference!
