12 Amazing Things To Do In Morro Bay, California (And Outdoorsy)

While living in beautiful Santa Barbara for several years, Evan and I found a multitude of charming destinations throughout the Central Coast. Ojai to the south is a quirky, artsy mountain getaway full of retreats and vegan eats. While Ventura and Oxnard feature more big city fun with expansive beaches, a great bar scene, and one of my favorite food festivals, the Salsa Festival. To the north of Santa Barbara you’ll find many mystical and magical towns such as the bustling sand dunes of Pismo Beach, the hot springs of Avila Beach, the quaint and quiet Atascadero, and one of my favorite weekend escapes–Morro Bay. 

Morro Bay is charming small town located about 107 miles from Santa Barbara, and about 14 miles from San Luis Obispo. One thing I love about this beach is, it’s off-the-beaten path and a great destination for those seeking a more intimate getaway. If you’re planning a trip to the Central Coast, I highly recommend adding Morro Bay. It can easily be experienced in a day or two. This post will give you some great options for the best things to do in Morro Bay!

First thing to do in Morro Bay — Visit Morro Rock

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Morro Rock is a giant mound of volcanic remains. In fact, it’s the last evidence of a once mighty volcano that has long since died out. Now it’s a beautiful and inspiring landmark! The rock is also now home to many local birds, lizards, and other wildlife. 

Don’t get any ideas about climbing to the top! This area is protected by the Morro Rock State Preserve. It keeps the nesting sites of thousands of birds (including peregrine falcons!) safe from human intrusion. It’s also a sacred site to the local tribes, so be sure to be respectful of the land. 

There are lengthy boardwalks at the area in front of the rock, giving you plenty of views to enjoy. There are also a multitude of plaques with information about the wildlife and some of the history of the site. I highly recommend stopping here first to connect with the rich history of this beautiful beach-side town. 

Explore Morro Bay State Park

The harbor and bay are dazzling natural spaces, crafted over millions of years by volcanic activity and erosion. The town of Morro Bay sits right in the middle of the Pacific Flyway, a path of seasonal feeding for more than 100 species of migratory birds. To preserve the grasslands, estuary, marsh area, and other natural resources, the Morro Bay State Park was established in 1934. 

This expansive park now boasts 2,700 acres of land. It features a natural history museum, a boardwalk through the marshy land, non-public sand dunes, a golf course, and a popular campground. Here you can experience the more wilder side of Morro Bay, stroll the boardwalk or a have a picnic by the water! If you’re planning a picnic read this post for some easy lunch ideas and snacks to enjoy out.

In fact, the views from here are incredible!

The park itself could be an entire day trip based on the hiking trails alone! One of the best hikes is venturing to the top of Black Hill for an stunning view of the park, the estuary, and the town of Los Ossos. Be sure to check the state park website to best plan your hikes.

Go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding

While the Morro Bay State Park is gorgeous, kayaking or paddle boarding are excellent ways to experience the state park from a different perspective. The waters of Morro Bay are teeming with life, showing the true potential for fun water adventures. You can explore the channels, harbor and get close to the magnificent bay which make Morro Bay so unique.

We love kayaking, and think it’s personally one of the best ways to see the aquatic life up close. Because you never know what you’ll see! We’ve seen elephant seals before and tons of fish. Plus, it’s also a great way to relax and connect with nature.

Kayak Shack located on the harbor and great place to rent kayaks or paddle boards.

Watch the ocean wildlife

The estuary of Morro Bay offers the opportunity to view the natural and alluring wildlife along the coast. Here you’ll find a plethora of otters, sea lions, seals, and a vast diversity of bird species that visit the area. Bring your snacks, relax and enjoy watching the wildlife! There, we’ve witnessed otters tending to their young and giant pelicans diving from the blue skies.

If you want to see more wildlife head north up the coast to Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery — the location of the largest gathering of mating elephant seals in the world. You can often hear the elephant seals before you can see them as the males make large trumpeting noises in competition for female attention.

Get there early, as the afternoon brings swarms of crowds! Also, the prime birthing season for the mothers is in January, so … if you want to see drool and awwwwww worthy “puppy” seals or baby seals, consider visiting during this time.

Ramble along Embarcadero

Embarcadero is the hot spot in town. It’s filled with wonderul local businesses, refreshing ice cream, and a multitude of gift shops filled with unique trinkets perfect for any souvenirs. Lesiurely stroll through and say hello (aka grab a bag and fill it up) to delicious salt water taffy. Then sit down and grab a meal at one of the many resturants on the main street.

I still remember the first time I visited with family. I was awestruck by the bright colors, sounds, and artistry of the downtown shops in Morro Bay.

What makes Morro Bay unique, however, is how inventive and homely these small businesses are. The family-owned atmosphere really shines through, and there are so many wonderful gems along the walkways of this main street. Below is a list of some special and unique places to visit.

Things to do in Morro Bay’s Embarcadero:

Visit Garden Gallery

This local nursery is the embodiment of whimsy, magic, and color. Garden Gallery has been serving the community all their garden art needs since 1974. Inside the garden explore the fascinating art made from local materials, sculptures and waterfalls. There’s also numerous indoor pieces as well. 

This is an excellent spot to pick up a unique souvenir. You’ll be supporting a small business and they also have a gift shop alongside the functional garden center. From plants to sculptures, from furniture to pottery, there is something for almost everyone to enjoy. 

Buy fresh fish at Giovanni’s Fish Market

The bustling heart of Morro Bay, this lively fish market is an absolute must-see during your time on the Embarcadero. Giovanni’s is a great source to purchase locally sourced and sustainably harvested seafood. It also sells well non-local (but from nearby) fresh seafood as well. 

Having served hungry seafood lovers for 35 years, Giovanni’s not only offers to sell you fresh seafood, but also offers a great dining option to try that seafood in their attached restaurant. Crab, abalone, oysters, shrimp, and even sushi is all at play here! It’s prepared wonderfully and cooked for maximum flavor. With a commitment to freshness and sustainability, Giovanni’s is a popular spot for good reason. 

Take in a sunset dinner at Tognazzinis

Tognazzinis Dockside Restuarant is a family owned and operated restaurant and a local favorite. The mermaid on the storefront beckons hungry travelers inside to an enthralling menu of local catches. As stated on the website, “we offer locally caught seafood whenever possible, in support of Morro Bay’s historic commercial fishing fleet. As part of that fleet, Captain Mark knows seafood well and insists on the highest quality for YOU, his customer. Our facilities allow us to receive and process seafood directly from the boat, ensuring quality control from the time of landing to the time of your purchase.”

If that isn’t commitment to quality, then it doesn’t exist! In fact, the restaurant is directly connected with a 38 foot fishing vessel that will provide the seafood directly to your plate. 

Having eaten at Toganazzinis several times, I can confirm that the kitchen serves up amazing food that does not disappoint. You can taste the freshness, quality, and attention to detail in every bite to the very last.

Run wild at Tidelands Playground (things to do in Morro Bay for big kids)

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This spot is for those with kids (or for those big kiddos) looking for a place to let off some steam. Tidelands Playground is a charming public park that is most notable for having several concrete sculptures of whale tails, and having a great view of the harbor. It even has a model galleon ship for kids to explore.

If you’re searching for a spot to watch the sunset, Tidelands Playground is difficult to beat — as the sunset is stunning here!

Other great spots on the Embarcadero:

• Giant Chessboard
• Anchor Memorial Park
• Morro Bay Maritime Museum
• Morro Bay T pier (best place to view the otters)

Picnic at Morro Strand State Beach

Morro Strand State Beach — established in 1937 and in 1988 it consolidated two parks — offers unparalled views of Morro rock and the pristine surrounding coastline. Inside the State Beach you’ll find picnic benches, campgrounds, and miles of beach hosting a variety of coastal environments. This includes unqiue dunes, and dune wetland communities.

Lounge in the sun, or have some active downtime (yoga, running, swimming, etc.) soaking in the atmosphere.

Due to its location near Morro Rock and the local wind patterns, Morro Strand State Beach is a popular spot to enjoy surfing, windsurfing, kiting and other activities including fishing. It’s common to find the beach littered with active beachgoers seeking to make the most of this public beach.

Also, the Morro Strand State Beach is another amazing spot to watch the sunset in Morro Bay! 

Explore Montaña de Oro State Park

Considered by many to be one of the finest state parks, Montaña De Oro is a special place on the central coast. Featuring over 8,000 acres and 7 miles of shoreline, this stunning park is one of the largest state parks in California. Spectacular views, fresh breezes, and the sound of the pounding surf add up to invigorating, memorable visits and exhilarating hikes. A historical, cultural, geological, and ecological wonder, Montaña de Oro is a must visit while in Morro Bay. 

Montaña de Oro State Park is an outdoor activities paradise. Visitors come year round for hiking, jogging, cycling, horse back riding, camping, and surfing. Families love to visit to explore the tide pools, watch for birds and other wildlife, and enjoying a picnic at the picturesque Spooner’s Cove.

Also, the park is also full of diversity. Starting from Spooner’s Cove — a beach surrounded by entrancing rock formations — there are trails that stretch all the way up to the highest point in the park, Alan Peak, which stands at 1649 feet in elevation! The park has beaches, canyons, grasslands, wetlands, and massive sand dunes.

In fact, the park is one of the best places to see a massive wildflower bloom in the spring months. Montaña de Oro is a park full of wonder and adventure, and making it one of the best things to do while in Morro Bay. 

Take a tour of Hearst Castle

William Randolph Hearst named this site “La Cuesta Encantada,” Spanish for The Enchanted Hill. Hands down, Hearst Castle lives up to its name. This mansion on top of a hill was once the home of one of the wealthiest and most opulent men in America, a getaway magnet for the rich and famous alike. The parties and happenings within these grounds inspired several scenes in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the magic of those times still permeates the mansion. 

Today preserved by the state parks association, the massive abode is part tourist attraction, part art museum. Hearst Castle will draw you in with stunning Spanish Gothic and Baroque architecture, a swimming pool inlaid with gold (seriously, Hearst was really rich), and Prohibition Era wine cellar, with classic European art displayed throughout.

Hearst purchased thousands of pieces to decorate his castle, and many of the pieces originally came from Europe. The collection still has amazing Spanish, Italian, French, and even ancient Egyptian pieces. The art and architecture of Hearst Castle only add to the magical and surreal atmosphere of the mansion. 

During the tour guests are guided through the private airport Hearst built to fly in guests from around the world, his former zoo that had a menagerie of exotic animals, the stunning Neptune Pool, and given access to the incredible views that lead Hearst to select this site. 

We absolutely loved our visit, and it was the perfect day trip from Morro Bay. We spent the day exploring the castle, then grabbed dinner at romantic and tasty restuarant in San Luis Obispo.

You can find more info about tours, the history of the site, and more here. 

More fun things to do in Morro Bay

• Morro Bay Aquarium
• Explore the tide pools
• Go hiking
• Relax at the beach
• Visit the Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History

More thoughts about things to do in Morro Bay

Morro Bay is a surprising little beach town, offering an abundance of activities. With numerous state parks and hiking trails, this town is a special place within the wildlife of the Californian ecosystem. In fact, the Audubon Society lists Morro Bay as one of the best locations for bird watching in the world!

From fresh seafood fish markets and restaurants, fun souvenir shops, kayak rentals, and so much more draw crowds to the Embarcadero.

When is the best time to visit Morro Bay

The coolness of the ocean keeps the summer temperatures down, making it an attractive escape from the regular California heat. Honestly, anytime of year is a great time to visit as the temperature here is mild. Plan to pack a jacket as temperatures do drop in the evening from the ocean breeze.

Morro Bay may be small, but it is jammed packed with adventure filled weekend. Be sure to add this amazing beach town to your summer road trip itinerary and enjoy!

Photo credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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Resources for staying healthy and well during travel

• How to Stay Healthy While Traveling
• Simple Tips for a Wellness Inspired Holiday
• My Favorite Go-To Self-Care Travel Essentials
• Easy Lunch Ideas for Travelers Staying in Airbnbs

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