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Top Things to Do in Morro Bay California

Top Things to Do in Morro Bay California

Are you looking for the best things to do in Morro Bay California? Morro Bay is a beautiful city that is popular for its wildlife you can see up close and beautiful nature scenes. If you are looking to go on a trip where you can get outside and explore nature, marine life, and enjoy beautiful beaches, you definitely need to visit Morro Bay, California!  

Where is Morro Bay?

Morro Bay is located on the coast of Southern California. It got its name from the Morro Rock landmark which is a huge volcanic rock that sits off the coast in Morro State Park and is roughly 580 feet tall. Morro Bay attracts a variety of wildlife and is a beautiful place to visit all year long. It is also about 3 and a half hours north of Los Angeles by car. 

Things To Do In Morro Bay 

Visit the Beach 

Morro Bay has a number of beautiful beaches that are worth checking out during your vacation! Here are a few of the top ones you definitely need to see:

Morro Rock Beach

Morro Rock Beach is the beach that is between the famous Morro Rock and Morro Strand State Beach. This beach has a comfortable sandy shore with a gorgeous view of Morro Rock. At this beach, if you don’t want to spend the day sunbathing you can also surf, birdwatch, fish, and picnic. 

Morro Strand State Beach

This state beach has two parts, the main southern portion of the beach is located in the city of Morro Bay and the other area is technically in another city called Cayucos. The beach is sandy and comfortable enough to lay on with a towel and it is backed with shallow dunes. At this beach you can fish, windsurf, birdwatch, swim, and even camp! 

Morro Rock Jetty Beach

Morro Rock Jetty Beach is on the south side of Morro Rock and is opposite Morro Rock Beach on the inside of the jetty. The beaches are wide, sandy, and comfortable to lay on to sunbathe on all day. Since it’s inside a jetty the waves are pretty calm and relaxed. You can snorkel, swim, and enjoy the sun.

See Sea Life 

Whale Watching 

You see sea life by going whale watching off of the coast all year-round. Sometimes you can even see whales from the beach. If you want to ensure you get to see these friendly ocean giants, definitely schedule a tour, and depending on the time of year you visit will determine which type of whale you see, such as grey whales, blue whales, or humpback whales. 

Otters

Morro Bay has an active sea otter population that you can view year-round. Some of the best places to see these cuties are next to Target Rock, along the Harbor Walk, and around South T-Pier. If you visit during March-April or October-January during the pupping season you will likely be able to see otters along with their pups! 

Morro Bay National Estuary 

Another place to see sea life is by visiting the Morro Bay National Estuary. The estuary is 2,300 acres and spans from Morro Bay to Los Osos. It has a large sandpit that protects it from powerful ocean waves and is a place where over 250 species thrive in and out of the water.

You can rent a kayak and go kayaking in this area and be able to see nature up close. You also can have a picnic, hike, visit two working oyster farms, and spend the day at the beach. 

See Montaña de Oro State Park 

The Montaña de Oro State Park is a wonderful place to visit while in Morro Bay. It boasts beautiful views and a gorgeous natural landscape. Here you can hike, mountain bike, picnic, birdwatch, camp, relax on the beach, etc.

The park is huge, about 8,000 acres, and has different types of terrain. Such as sandy beaches, canyons, hills, and streams that are all excellent for hiking and enjoying nature. 

Take a Stroll on the Harbor Walk

The Morro Bay Harbor Walk is a scenic walking trail that starts along the bay where you can see otters and sea lions around Morro Rock and walk along the coast.

The Harbor Walk passes through Coleman Park and it takes you in towards the city. Eventually, the trail will end at the Embarcadero where you can eat, shop, and explore the city. 

Morro Bay Maritime Museum 

The Morro Bay Maritime Museum is another fun thing to see in Morro Bay. The museum features exhibits that share maritime history, technology, and science. It is a unique type of museum and one worth checking out! It is located across from the South T-Pier on Morro Bay. Click here to read more about the museum and their story on their website!

Visit the Los Osos Elfin Forest

The Los Osos Elfin Forest is adjacent to the Morro Bay Estuary and is 90 acres of two national parks. The Elfin Forest is home to more than 200 species of plants, 110 types of birds, 22 types of mamals, 13 reptiles, and more!

You’ll be able to see beautiful nature, rare plants, and a variety of animals in this preserved area. It’s an excellent spot to stop at too if you are already visiting the Morro Bay Estuary since it’s very close by. 

Hazard Peak Trail 

Hazard Peak Trail is a beautiful trail located near Los Osos. It’s a 11.2 mile loop that has an elevation gain of 1,811 feet. It has moderate foot traffic and is rated moderate difficulty. It also has a variety of beautiful features that you can see on your hike. Such as wildflowers, birds, and other pretty views and wildlife. You can run, walk hike, go bird watching, and bask in nature. 

Wrapping Up

Morro Bay is a gorgeous city in Southern California that we encourage everyone to check out next time they’re in California! It’s brimming with wildlife and nature scenes that are enjoyable all year long.

It’s a great place to visit if you are looking for somewhere you’ll be able to explore and be mostly outdoors. We hope you enjoyed our article on the top things to do in Morro Bay California! Happy Traveling!