what to do and see in morro bay, ca
Morro Bay is a small boondocks, but don't let its size fool you! There are plenty of things to do in Morro Bay, especially if you enjoy exploring the outdoors, love looking for wildlife and birds, and want to relish corking food and wine.
With its quaint line-fishing hamlet feel, Morro Bay is one of the cutest and well-nigh charming places you tin can visit on California'due south cute Primal Coast. Boats lined up forth the harbor, eateries dotting the waterfront, body of water otters frolicking in the bay, and miles of sandy beach…Morro Bay is the perfect place for a seaside escape!
While Morro Bay offers a lot to do on its own, its location, close to many other visit-worthy destinations on the California Central Coast, means that y'all have even more to explore if you choose to spend a few days here.
Considering a trip to Morro Bay and California's Cardinal Declension? Read on for the scoop on all the best things to exercise in Morro Bay, plus our suggestions for where to stay and swallow.
Things to Exercise in Morro Bay
Adore Morro Rock
Lying simply offshore, 576-foot-tall Morro Rock is one of Morro Bay's dominating features: the other is the iii 450-foot smoke stacks of the sometime electricity producing institute that you tin see from all over town.
Together, they give the town its cute proper noun of "3 Stacks and a Stone."
Morro Rock is a California State Historic Landmark. Information technology is one of the ix Morros, a chain of volcanic plugs that stretches along the Cardinal California Coast from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay.
Given its name of El Morro in 1542 by explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the enormous rock is at present a sanctuary for peregrine falcons and many other species of birds.
Snap a photo (or 3!) of beautiful Morro Rock. You can bulldoze right up to its base of operations for a closer await, and take photos from Morro Stone Beach.
Explore Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay Land Park is beautiful, and a mecca for birders and wildlife lovers. It includes diverse environments such as lagoon, saltwater marsh, and bay, and Morro Rock is part of the state park. The park too includes a marina and golf course.
Hiking, biking, birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, and sailing are some of the activities you lot tin savor in the park. If you lot enjoy camping, Morro Bay Land Park has a slap-up campground, with tent, trailer, and RV camping.
The Marina Peninsula Loop Trail is a great walk through the diverse habitats in the park, such as the estuary, the sand 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 pace inside the Museum of Natural History: it'south fun for kids and adults alike. The museum showcases the natural and cultural history of the region.
The museum offers activities through the twelvemonth, including nature walks, docent-led tours, lectures, and special exhibits, and so bank check to encounter what's happening during your visit.
Forth the side of the museum, view the plants in the Chumash garden. The Chumash inhabited the coast of Cardinal and Southern California centuries agone, and information technology is fascinating to see how they used local flora in their twenty-four hour period-to-twenty-four hours lives.
Enjoy a Morro Bay cruise
View Morro Stone, and the town, from the water! Take a guided harbor cruise of beautiful Morro Bay during the day, or at dusk, and enjoy the scenery. Look for marine life and birds while yous cruise! It'due south a relaxing activity, and we love it and so much nosotros cruise every time we visit.
You may run across dolphins, otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and even whales, as well as herons, cormorants, and other birds. Your captain will respond questions and tell you about Morro Rock, the bay, and the wildlife you see.
There are a number of local companies that offer gunkhole tours of Morro Bay, and whale watching cruises. We more often than not choice a smaller boat, and we've sometimes been lucky to be the only passengers on the cruise. Choice the larger boats if you lot want to be able to buy food and beverages on board.
Canoe, kayak, or SUP Morro Bay!
Looking for a more agile way to enjoy the protected waters of Morro Bay? Go canoeing or kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. On a guided kayaking tour, you will probable see harbor seals, ocean lions, and ocean otters, equally well as dozens of species of birds, including rare and endangered species.
The waters of Morro Bay are separated from the open sea past a long sand bar, and all skill levels, from beginner to avant-garde, can enjoy the guided trips in the clam sheltered waters of the bay. Longer trips tin include exploration of the Sandspit, the sand bar that protects the bay:it is only accessible by water.
Several local outfitters offer guided kayak and canoe trips, and rent out stand-upwardly paddleboards. We loved our morning kayaking trip (saw lots of marine life and birds!), but y'all can choose afternoon or sunset trips too.
Stroll the Embarcadero
Morro Bay'south lively Embarcadero is a great place to stroll, whether you are looking to stretch your legs or savor a spot of people or wild animals watching. Begin at the boat launch near Tidelands Park, and walk to the boardwalk that goes out to Morro Rock.
Forth the road, you volition come across some of Morro Bay's inns and hotels, restaurants, shops and art galleries, outfitters for cruises and boat tours, and spots to savor the views out over the water. At the overlooks, wait for sea otters and seals playing in the h2o, or ocean birds.
If you are looking for souvenirs to take dwelling house, you will find many shops on your stroll. Some of our favorite browses:
- The Shell Shop. The family-endemic 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 past a group of professional artists. You lot will find paintings, sculptures, photographs, jewelry, and glass, forest, and material 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 fine art and jewelry. From glass to woods, enamel, and ceramics, you will detect a great selection here from which to option.
- Carousel Taffy: we take to go into whatsoever processed or chocolate store nosotros come across anywhere, and Carousel Taffy has several dozen succulent flavors of table salt water taffy! You can literally purchase the taffy by the bucketful.
Walk Morro Strand Land Beach
Featuring beautiful views of Morro Rock and Estero Bay, iii-mile long Morro Strand Country Beach makes for a wonderful stroll, since the sand is hardpacked. The sandy beach is also a popular place for sunbathing, sand play, picnicking, kite flight, surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
Look for birds running in the surf, or hunt for sand dollars! Sunsets hither can be beautiful if y'all visit on a nice conditions solar day. Bring a windcheater, because it tin exist quite windy here at times.
Morro Strand Country Beach is located off California Highway i, with day-use parking lots and entrances to the beach at both the north and the due south ends. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but nosotros saw folks with dogs here when we visited.
Explore the Tidepools at North Bespeak Beach
In that location are several places in Morro Bay where you can go tidepooling, but our favorite is North Point Beach, located off California Highway 1 at the n cease of Morro Bay. Rock formations extend out into the h2o in this area, creating the tide pools.
Look for barnacles, mussels, anemones, limpets, and more. The rocks here are coated with slippery dark-green algae and information technology is very easy to lose your footing, and so wear appropriate footwear and be conscientious around the wet slippery rocks.
Visit at low tide, because the tide pools are only exposed then. Take the staircase at the end of Toro Lane to access the tidepools, or go down to North Point Beach and so walk over to the tidepool area.
Windy Cove, by the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay, is some other skilful spot to go tidepooling.
Browse the Shops in the Town of Morro Bay
You lot will detect much of the hurry and almost of the tourist-oriented shops at the waterfront Embarcadero, but streets such as Principal Street and Morro Bay Boulevard, in the heart of the boondocks, have some shops and galleries you lot can browse.
- Art Heart Morro Bay, on Main Street, has exhibits you can view, but information technology also conducts classes and fun creative workshops, and you can book a spot online if y'all want to participate during your visit.
- Arteffects Gallery, on Morro Bay Boulevard, has beautiful handmade lampshades and other art-forward abode 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 yous can view. Plus lots of Victorian crafts, quilts, and more than.
- Morro Bay Antiques, on Principal Street, features garden houses, collectibles, and architectural $.25 and pieces. A fun browse!
- Treasures Antique Mall, on Morro Bay Boulevard, has a broad selection of vintage jewelry, clothing, and collectibles.
- Principal Street Antiques, on Master Street, offers vintage and mid-century items, furniture, decor, and collectibles.
Enjoy a Surrey Bike Ride
One of the most fun ways to savour the Embarcadero is on a surrey wheel. Yous can hire ii- or 4-person surrey bikes and ride them to Morro Rock, or forth the Embarcadero.
The streets leading from the waterfront into the town are uphill, so they are harder to navigate in a surrey, just the Embarcadero is a nice flat stretch.
The surrey rental stores also carry embankment kites, if you want to pick up one before you head to Morro Strand State Embankment. And they have regular bikes and electric bikes as well. E-bikes are a fun way to explore not simply the hilly town, only as well the surrounding parks.
Terminate by the Maritime Museum
Located on the Embarcadero, the Morro Bay Maritime Museum has many interesting exhibits if yous savor maritime history and technology. Amidst the exhibits is the tug gunkhole Alma, which transported to safety two lifeboats conveying personnel from a sunk tanker in December 1941.
Some other prized exhibit at the museum is Avalon, a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, ane of only ii vehicles built to rescue crews of downed submarines. Information technology is 49 feet long! You tin can also view a United states Declension Guard rescue vessel, and many other interesting bits of maritime engineering science.
Snap Photos of the Murals in Boondocks
Love street fine art? You can encounter over 20 murals on a walking tour of downtown Morro Bay! The vibrant fine art showcases the history and culture of Morro Bay, as well as its natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
The colorful murals have been created between 1985 and now. Become a map at the Morro Bay Visitors Middle on Harbor Street and do a self-guided tour of the art. The walking tour is about 2.25 miles, and takes nearly 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's and birder'southward paradise. From the endangered California ocean otter to harbor seals, ocean lions, and whales, yous may be lucky enough to encounter a lot of marine life in Morro Bay!
Y'all are most guaranteed to encounter California sea otters in the bay: stroll to T Pier, located behind the Peachy American Fish Visitor, and you volition see the little creatures playing in the h2o, floating on their backs, or fishing. You can find otters hither year circular, and even see moms floating babies on their tummies.
In Morro Bay, you may as well see otters in the kelp beds past Morro Rock. Taking a boat tour, or a kayak bout, is another fashion of spotting otters in the bay. Otters do not enjoy bad weather condition, then you are more than likely to see them when the lord's day is out.
Y'all are more likely to see harbor seals and bounding main lions on a boat or kayak tour, merely you may occasionally spot them from the Embarcadero besides. Y'all may see body of water lions enjoying the lord's day on the floating dock in the harbor.
You tin see whales year round in Morro Bay: California gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and finback whales. Take a whale-watching cruise for the best take a chance of seeing whales. Although yous may be lucky and spot one (or more) from shore during the annual migration, information technology is much more than common to come across them from the water.
Become Birding in Morro Bay
Morro Bay is classified as an Audobon Of import Bird Area. While many species of birds tin can be seen here year circular, gorging birders should program on a winter visit to see the big populations of migratory birds that use the estuary and other coastal habitats here as resting 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 every bit godwits, curlews, sandpipers, and plovers (the endangered Western snowy plover nests on the Sandspit), numerous water birds such equally ducks, grebes, geese, loons, gulls, pelicans and cormorants. Peregrine falcons nest at Morro Rock, and osprey hunt for fish in the h2o.
Some of the best birdwatching spots from the shore forth Morro Bay are the Heron Rookery, Morro Stone, the Audobon Overlook in Los Osos, Elfin Forest, and Sugariness Springs Nature Preserve, some of which we've described in greater depth below, considering they are nifty spots to get even if y'all don't love birding.
Another great style to see birds is from the h2o. If you keep a kayak or canoe trip, you will likely come across tons of birds, and if your bout is a guided one, your guide will provide information on the birds you see. A birdwatching trip on the h2o is one of our favorite things to exercise in Morro Bay.
Visit the Heron Rookery
The Heron Rookery is a must-visit while you are in Morro Bay, not simply to wait for the giant birds and their giant nests high upward in the copse, but also to see how the droppings from the birds has, over years, killed the trees in which they nest.
The grove of eucalyptus trees is i of the largest rookeries between San Francisco and United mexican states, and you volition run across not only great blue herons but besides double-crested cormorants, and maybe egrets as well. If y'all are lucky, you may see young birds being fed past their parents, or adult blue herons in flight: they look magnificent, with their huge wingspan.
Make sure you pack your binoculars when you visit Morro Bay! Our go-to binoculars are the Celestron Trailseeker compact binoculars: they are not too heavy, and they perform well in low calorie-free.
Yous can walk to the heron rookery from the Museum of Natural Historyin Morro Bay State Park. The rookery is next to The Inn at Morro Bay.
Stroll El Moro Elfin Forest
El Moro Elfin Forest is located in Los Osos, just south of Morro Bay. The park gets its proper name from the fact that California Alive Oaks, which grow tall elsewhere, are stunted here: they brand for beautiful photos. The xc-acre forest is home to a variety of habitats, with several dozen species of plants, animals, birds, and insects.
Walk the 0.eight-mile boardwalk trail through the forest to explore the diverse environments. The trail is accessible, and in that location are views of Morro Rock and the bay. Y'all can visit between sunrise and sunset, year round.
Expect for birds, animals, and butterflies as yous walk, and enjoy the various flora. Read the information plaques that describe the plants and talk about the native peoples that lived here. There are benches if you desire to sit down for a bit and enjoy the quiet beauty.
Guided tours or nature walks are sometimes offered, and then check the schedule before your visit if you want to join a guided walk through the beautiful preserve.
Visit Sugariness Springs Nature Preserve
All the same another cute 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 interpretive plaques offer data on the flora and fauna. There are views of the bay, and benches to relax for a bit.
Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is owned by the Morro Coast Audobon Society, and is a prime birding location, with both resident and migrant birds to spot. You may see waterfowl, wading birds, raptors, and country birds. Several hundred species accept been observed in the preserve!
Await for turtles in the pond, deer, and wildflowers in flavour. Don't forget to look up into the eucalyptus trees: y'all may see owls or raptors roosting high up. Bring your binoculars!
Enjoy Craft Beer or Wine
Love craft beer? Morro Bay has some amazing spots where you can sample arts and crafts brews! If vino is more your scene, yous can enjoy wine tasting in Morro Bay equally well.
Our go-to places:
Three Stacks and a Rock is the but nano brewery in Morro Bay, and hugely popular. Order a flight to sample a variety of their beers. The pub eats make for not bad accompaniments: we love their house made chips! They too offer wine and cider.
Libertine Brewing Company has several Central Coast locations, including on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay. This is actually their original location! They have several dozen beers on tap, with food and live music. Plus views of the bay and Morro Stone!
Chateau Margene, on the Embarcadero, offers wine tasting with advance reservations. Chateau Margene offers cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc from their estate vineyard, as well as pinot noir and chardonnay.
Absolution Cellars, also located on the Embarcadero, offers tastings from several different Primal Coast vineyards. You will enjoy the beautiful art hither as well!
Things to Do Near Morro Bay
Morro Bay is located close to so many other charming Central Coast towns that if you are because spending a few days here, you volition be spoiled for choices on places to become and things to do. In fact, if you have a few days, program a Central Coast route trip: it'southward one of the best California road trips y'all can practise!
N of Morro Bay is the tiny littoral village of Cayucos, with sandy beaches and a long pier. Yous can even sign upwardly for a private surfing lesson at the southern finish of Cayucos, just north of Morro Bay.
Further north is Harmony, a tiny town with wine tasting, excellent water ice foam, and hiking at nearby Harmony Headlands Land Park.
And fifty-fifty farther n is the charming hamlet of Cambria, known for its beautiful black sand Moonstone Beach. Walk the Moonstone Beach boardwalk, stroll the main street, and savour vino and not bad food. North of Cambria is the historic Hearst Castle, with its gorgeous gardens, and an elephant seal rookery.
Due south of Morro Bay, explore the spectacular Montana de Oro State Park. Walk the scenic barefaced trail at Montana de Oro, photograph the unique rock formations, and await for marine life. A lilliputian inland is lively San Luis Obispo, with its historic Spanish mission and tons of exceptional eateries. Nevertheless further s, the Central Coast beach towns of Avila Beach and Pismo Beach offer lots of h2o activities, and a fun laid back vibe.
Eastward of Cambria lies Paso Robles, the heart of the Primal Coast wine land. Along California Highway 46 between the coast and Paso Robles, you lot will find numerous wineries where yous can enjoy outdoor wine tasting with a view. Many wineries offer nutrient and vino tastings as well.
If y'all are planning a spring visit in a good wildflower blossom twelvemonth, add together a day to your trip so you tin can take in the spectacular blossom at Carrizo Plain National Monument, located in southeastern San Luis Obispo County.
Getting to Morro Bay, CA
Morro Bay is located along California Highway 1, on California's Central Coast, almost exactly half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. While the SLO County Regional Airport located virtually San Luis Obispo has flights from several major US cities, most visitors to Morro Bay arrive by road. Morro Bay is a neat stop on a California route trip itinerary or a Pacific Coast Highway route trip.
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'due south a longer drive, but nonetheless very doable if you are looking for weekend route trip getaways from San Diego. From San Francisco, take U.s.a. 101 S to Morro Bay, and from LA take Us 101 N. From San Diego, take US 5 N to The states 101 N.
If time isn't a constraint, consider driving breathtaking California Highway 1. If you lot programme to drive south from San Francisco or the SF Bay Area, you can brand a stop at charming Carmel-by-the-Sea and have in some of the must-visit sights in Big Sur along the manner. Coming north from LA or point south, terminate in beautiful Santa Barbara or enjoy charming Solvang en route.
Looking for a car rental for your Morro Bay getaway? Cheque 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 bazaar waterfront hotel in Morro Bay, located right on the Embarcadero. Suites are elegantly furnished and offer stunning water views from private balconies. Walk to shopping and dining.
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 spacious and feature comfortable furnishings. The hotel is walking distance to restaurants and shopping along the Embarcadero.
Volume a stay here: Booking.com | Hotels.com
Inn at Morro Bay is surrounded past woodlands and features views of Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Rooms are spacious and characteristic comfortable contemporary furnishings. Rooms offering h2o views.
Book a stay here: Booking.com | Hotels.com
Vacation Rentals in Morro Bay, CA
This gorgeous habitation, perched on a hill overlooking Morro Bay, offers spectacular views from Cayucos all the way downwardly to Montana de Oro State Park. The open up living area is designed to capture the views. Bedrooms are on the flooring beneath. In that location is a full kitchen. Volume a stay here!
This welcoming cottage is located in a quiet neighborhood nearly the beach in Morro Bay. The home offers two tastefully appointed bedrooms and a total kitchen, plus a garage for parking. Hosts too offering boogie boards and embankment cruiser bikes for the length of your stay. Book a stay here!
Where to Eat in Morro Bay
Tognazzini'southward Dockside Too, on Morro Bay's Embarcadero, offers the freshest seafood and exterior seating. It's coincidental dining: yous identify your social club at the counter and await for your proper noun to be chosen. Their fish and chips are crisp and delicious, their calamari sweet and tender, and their grilled halibut tacos fresh and flavorful. They accept live music as well!
Windows on the Water offers fine dining with a view. Although their seafood items are superb, the season-inspired menu has other things on offer, from steak to pizza. Their wine list is extensive, and the views sublime.
The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar is located on the Embarcadero, and their card, 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 Basin, the Fried Prawns, or the Master Lobster Tails.
Frankie and Lola's is a popular buffet, open up for breakfast and lunch. Their breakfasts are super 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 recent visit, nosotros had their cheese sandwiches: delicious!
La Parisienne is a bakery but a couple of doors down from Frankie & Lola's. They offer breakfast as well every bit a ton of pastries and cakes. We loved the chocolate cakes and almond croissant we got: the almond croissant had sliced almonds on top and a marzipan filling. There is usually a long line, simply 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 role, so it is a yr-round destination. We accept visited Morro Bay in every flavor and nosotros've loved every visit so far.
Visit in the spring for wildflowers and pretty green hills, and in the winter to see tons of migratory birds and migrating whales. In the wintertime, Monarch collywobbles tin can be establish in swarms in eucalyptus groves forth the California coast. Near Morro Bay, yous can run across them in the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve in Los Osos.
Visit in the fall for fog-gratis, slightly warmer days (we unremarkably have an Indian summer in California in September or October, when it gets really warm!). Summer mornings tin can be foggy, simply usually the fog burns off by mid twenty-four hour period. Summertime is a popular time to visit for activities in or on the water.
No affair what time of yr y'all programme to visit, bring layers! A windcheater with a hood, or a light warm fleece jacket with a hood, is a must-have, so you tin walk by the h2o or early on or late in the day without feeling uncomfortable. And this goes for summertime, too, because summertime days on the Central California declension can be cool and moist!
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Planning to explore more of the California coast? Check out some of our other travel guides!
- The Best Things to Do in Mendocino, CA
- Visiting Point Lobos State Park
- Things to Do in Monterey Bay, CA
- Why You Must Visit Pfeiffer Embankment, Large Sur!
- The All-time Things to Exercise in Fort Bragg, California
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Source: https://roadtrippingcalifornia.com/things-to-do-in-morro-bay/
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