Morro Bay is alive with family-friendly activities, enhanced by the sun and sand. At a distance, you will definitely spot Morro Rock, a landmark jutting from the water. Find an abundance of sea life, such as dolphins, seals and otters, swimming in the bay. Explore the Embarcadero, filled with shops and art galleries. From oceanfront dining to the oyster farm, the catch-of-the-day is always a good option. Fishermen haul in their bounty daily, ensuring you’ll never be left without fresh seafood. Morro Bay is a colorful picture of modern-day life in a true working fishing town. This city is also about playing, and you can enjoy kayaking, sailing, kite-flying, biking, stand-up paddle boarding and surfing… all in a day’s fun. Plenty of outdoor adventures await you, such as an ice-cold glass of barrel-aged sour beer. From excursions, like whale-watching tours, sunset dinner cruises and fishing charters, to annual festivals, such as the Surfboard Art Festival, Bird Festival and Kite Festival. There’s something for everyone with Morro Bay Vacations. Come enjoy the wonder! For a list of all the area beaches << Click Here >>.
Morro Bay Weather (When to Visit)
Morro Bay experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate characteristic of coastal California featuring dry, warm summers and wet, mild winters. The city is located next to the Pacific Ocean, which helps moderate temperatures and create an overall pleasant mild year-round climate, resulting in warmer winters and cooler summers. Every day is a beach day and very seldom are chilly temperatures experienced – even in winter! So anytime you can have a holiday experience.
The best time to visit Morro Bay is in September when temperatures are still warm but room rates are cheaper. During this time, expect to pay approximately $135/night for a 1-bedroom vacation rental. That’s 25% cheaper compared to July. Temperatures are in the low 70s, just a bit cooler than the average 75°F you could experience during high season. The busiest season in Morro Bay is during the summer so expect hotel and rental rates to surge during this period. Try avoiding the Cal Poly Graduation week (June 10th – 18th), the Holiday week (June 29th to July 9th) as well as the Memorial Day week (May 24th – 29th) if you’re on a budget; accommodation rates surge the most during these weeks. When visiting Morro Bay in the winter, don’t forget to pack an umbrella since rain is quite common.
Morro Bay Area Beaches
Morro Rock Beach
Morro Rock BeachMorro Rock Beach is popular for its dramatic setting with Morro Rock looming overhead. Swimming, surfing, sandcastle building, sun bathing, and picnicking are all favorite activities there. Fires are not allowed on the beach and dogs must be on leash. The beach is open from dawn to dusk.
Coleman Park Beach
Coleman Park BeachColeman Park extends along the waterfront at the northern end of the Embarcadero, just east of Morro Rock. The park includes a picnic area, BBQ pits, restrooms, and a children’s play area. Visitors enjoy watching ocean wildlife and birds there.
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Morro Strand Beach
Morro Strand BeachMorro Strand Beach is a favorite for walking and jogging. Other attractions include fishing, surfing, wind and kite surfing, kite flying, sunbathing, and bird watching. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
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Cayucos State Beach
Cayucos State BeachIn the charming coastal town of Cayucos is the popular Cayucos State Beach. The beach area includes a fishing pier and a nice sandy beach. Visitors enjoy swimming and surfing, tide pooling, and picnicking. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer months.
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Sandspit
SandspitSandspit extends nearly 4 miles along the coast from the mouth of Morro Bay to Monta?a de Oro State Park. This dune barrier separates Morro Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Some of the dunes rise to 100 feet. The ocean side of Sandspit is too dangerous for swimming, with sudden drop-offs and dangerous rip-currents.
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Morro Bay Tours & Activities
Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tasting Tour from Morro and Cayucos
Take a half-day hop-on hop-off wine tasting tour in Paso Robles wine country that allows you to set your own pace and choose which wineries to visit. Your semi-private shuttle services more than 70 wineries, and you’ll have time to visit up to five places during your tour. Hotel pickup and drop-off is provided from Morro Bay or Cayucos, with an upgrade option to include lunch and wine tastings. Learn more about this Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tasting Tour.
California Big Sur (Monterey to Pismo Beach) GPS Self Guided Audio Drive
Welcome to Big Sur! This stunning drive in California is the most scenic stretch of the famous Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) road trip. Get ready to turn your phone into your personal tour guide. Our GPS-enabled app offers a fully-guided experience – just like a local giving you a personalized, fully-guided tour. Learn more about this GPS Self Guided Audio Drive.
Paso Robles Wine Adventure from Morro Bay
This Wrangler Adventure Tour is a social tour and our most popular. You can expect to meet other wine enthusiasts and get to know them over the course of the day. You’ll share the day with a small group and visit between 4-6 wineries. Learn more about the Paso Robles Wine Adventure.
Hearst Castle & Paso Robles Wine Country Tour from Paso Robles
On this full-day, small-group day trip, you’ll head along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to luxurious Hearst Castle, beating the crowds with an early arrival. Enjoy a tour of the main house before hitting the coastal town of Cambria for a lunch break, followed by optional wine tastings at three different wineries. Tours include snacks and water, the Grand Rooms tour ticket, and comfortable transfers on a private bus. Learn more about the Hearst Castle & Paso Robles Wine Country Tour.
Toast Together Wine Tour of Paso Robles Wine Country
Focus on Paso Robles’ smaller, less-visited wineries during this small-group tour. Traveling with a group of just 13 people means you’ll get personalized attention from your guide and plenty of chances to ask questions. Explore the renowned wine region’s smaller vineyards, where you’ll enjoy intimate experiences wine tasting and sit down for a picnic lunch at one. Learn more about the Toast Together Wine Tour.
Best Morro Bay Restaurants
Bayside Cafe $11 – 30
Bayside Cafe in Morro Bay was established in 1986 by Cal Poly graduate Dawn Borst who originally opened the café as a walk-up, creating the menu from her own personal recipes. The spot quickly became so popular among the locals and visitors alike that it became necessary to expand. Diners can also enjoy a leashed-dog- friendly patio dining area with umbrellas and heaters. Telephone: 805-772-1465 Web: Bayside Cafe.
Beach Burger $11 – 30
If you are looking for the best burger on the Central Coast Come to Beach Burger on the Embarcadero. You may dine indoors or enjoy your meal on the sun drenched pet friendly patio that provides a magnificent view of Morro Rock. Telephone: 805-225-1900 Web: Beach Burger.
Blue Sky Bistro on the Bay $11 – 30
The Blue Sky Bistro on the Bay offers a distinctive palate of fresh seafood, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast. At Blue Sky Bistro on the Bay, you’ll enjoy a relaxed dining experience where the upbeat decor is designed to compliment the beautiful views. Telephone: 805-772-8988 Web: Blue Sky Bistro on the Bay.
Candy Fish Sushi $11 – 30
Open daily 11am – 9pm. Good, inexpensive sushi. Good miso soup, great sashimi and casual walk-up window make it a fun lunchtime stop. The walk-up window is on Harbor Street. Telephone: 805-776-5058 Web: Candy Fish Sushi.
DiStasio’s On The Bay $11 – 30
Come and enjoy a fantastic meal and the best view in Morro Bay. For more than a 19 years DiStasio’s has provided a unique dining experince featuring delicious traditional Italian food that is rated among the best on the Central Coast. Telephone: 805-771-8760 Web: DiStasio’s On The Bay.
Best Morro Bay Bars
Chateau Margene
Open daily 12pm – 7pm (Except on major holidays) Chateau Margene is a boutique, micro-winery producing luxury Cabernet Savignons and Bordeaux blends. Average lot sizes range from 100 to 500 cases with a total annual production of 2,500 cases. The first wine produced was their 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon. Telephone: 805-225-1235 Web: Chateau Margene.
Libertine Pub
The Libertine is a brew pub that focuses on brewing barrel aged wild ales. In addition, they also have an extensive beer catalog with 48 draft handles. Even the seasoned beer “geek” can find something to satisfy their palate. Bar fans will enjoy their full bar with specialty cocktails, small batch hand crafted spirits, and a large wine list. The food menu includes most bar favorites, plus local favorites like fish and chips and fresh clam chowder. Telephone: 805-772-0700 Web: Libertine Pub.
The Buoy Tavern
Experience an authentic Morro Bay dive bar. This bar is the perfect place to dance to juke box music, play a game of pool, or chat with locals. Upon entering, visitors will notice vintage seaside collections, corrugated metal, and a warm, friendly, neighborhood vibe. While enjoying your cocktail, enjoy peanuts and discard the shell on the floor to contribute to the ambiance. Telephone: 805-772-7000 Web: The Buoy Tavern.
The Siren Rhythym & Booze
The Siren is Morro Bay’s hottest new bar and live music venue supporting the central coast’s local talent, as well as national touring acts. Over 25 beer selections and kitchen serving food until 11pm coming. Check the live music schedule on their website. Telephone: 805-772-8478 Web: The Siren Rhythym & Booze.
Stax Wine Bar & Bistro
The hottest new wine bar on the Central Coast is in Morro Bay. Choose from over 100 local and international wines. Daily tastings and wine by the glass can be paired with their light but flavorful menu. Telephone: 805-772-5055 Web: Stax Wine Bar & Bistro.
Best Morro Bay Hotels
456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites
Pleasure, Serenity and Relaxation await you at the newly redesigned and renovated 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites. Enjoy the tranquility of one of their 29 stylish boutique guestrooms and 4 luxury suites with vistas of Morro Bay Estuary, Morro Rock, the Sandspit and the Pacific Ocean. The Family owned and operated inn is uniquely located on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay, California and is pleased to provide pet friendly accommodations.
Beach Bungalow Inn & Suites
This property is 2 minutes walk from the beach. Free WiFi and a flat-screen cable TV are featured in each room at the Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites, just 5 minutes’ walk away from the Morro Bay Aquarium. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is 12 mi away. A gas fireplace, refrigerator, and a coffee machine are provided in all guest rooms. An private bathroom with Turkish cotton bathrobes are included. Select rooms offer a full kitchen. A fire pit is available in the courtyard and guests can relax in the central garden area, furnished with outdoor lounge furniture.
Pleasant Inn
Located 2 mi from Morro Bay State Park and a golf course, Pleasant Inn features free WiFi. Sub Sea Tours and Kayaks is 5 minutes’ walk away. Each room offers a flat-screen TV with cable and premium movie channels. Quality coastal theme furnishings are featured throughout. A seating area, microwave, and a refrigerator are included in all guest rooms.
Ascot Inn at the Rock
This property is a 20-minute walk from the beach. In charming Morro Bay, one block from the waterfront, this hotel offers close proximity to the area’s restaurants and galleries as well as luxurious accommodations and services. Ascot Suites features traditional English inspired decor and elegant suite-style lodging. Suites boast romantic amenities such as fireplaces, spa bathtubs and mini-fridges. Guests at the Ascot will enjoy a free hot breakfast every morning.
Estero Inn
This is an intimate boutique hotel located on the Bay & Embarcadero in beautiful Morro Bay. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a revitalizing stop on your coastal journey, the Estero Inn is awaiting you. Relax on their seaside landing, enjoying panoramic ocean views, amazing sunsets and inspiring wildlife including sea otters, sea lions and seals. They are gently removed from highway 1 on the Morro Bay Embarcadero, just steps away from exceptional shopping, dining and wine tasting.
Hi Leahrae. Wow! Wonderful destination. There are a lot of interesting places to visit in Morro Bay. I love the beach and area, so beautiful. I’m thinking to visit some place in California with my guy, and found this wonderful information on your website! Looks like we have a few great choices.
It is definitely a wonderful place to visit. If you love the beach, you will love it here. And you are right, there is so much to see and do. Thanks for stopping by and visiting Morro Bay Vacations.
This is very useful information for the travelers. I didn’t know Morro Bay till I read your article. Thank you very much for introducing this beautiful place, after read your article, I am thinking to make a plan to Morro Bay in the future vocation. I like to introduce your website to my friends. Keep going.
lori
Great Lori! Morro Bay in Central California is a coastal community that is definitely worth a visit. Thanks for stopping by and reading about Morro Bay Vacations.
Hi, Leahrae, thank you so much for introducing such beautiful beach that I didn’t know before. I really want to have a wonderful vocation there after read your article. I also read your other posts that provide helpful information on flying tickets, restaurants and so many beautiful places. I like to visit your website and make a good plan for my future vocation. You did good job, keep going.
Thank you Lori, and for stopping by and visiting Morro Bay Vacations. If you have any questions, or need any help with your beach vacation planning, please don’t hesitate to ask!
This was a great blog post, I have never ever considered visiting a fishing town because I haven’t found it particularly fascinating since I nine. Though, after reading this, I have changed my mind on the subject and will definitely save my money to visit.
I want to kayak, haven’t done that in a way. I love the way you also break things down, what’s great about the place, how much it costs, the best hotels and what to do.
I am glad you enjoyed reading and learning about Morro Bay California. I think you will find that there is a lot more here than fishing. It is a wonderful coastal destination with such amazing beaches. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve never heard about Morro Bay before, but your description and drone video attracted my attention. It looks just great and I’ll do my best to visit it soon. Thanks for sharing great tips!
Thanks for visiting Morro Bay Vacations Blanka! I hope you can visit soon!
WOW, such a great looking place but unfortunately for me a long haul hop coming from the UK. Plenty of information and laid out brilliantly for anybody wanting to pay Morro Bay a visit. Its times like this that I wish I was living in your neck of the woods. Great article and great looking site. Thank you for sharing and maybe one for the bucket list.
Definitely one for the bucket list Mick. The central coast of California is beautiful for sure. Thanks for stopping by and visiting Morro Bay Vacations.
This looks like a really fantastic place to go, with so much to see and do. I really love reading your posts. You do such a great job, information, reviews, things to do, places to eat, places to stay and even a video. You really do have it all covered. It is a great resource for anybody looking to book a holiday. Thank you for sharing and all the best.
You are so welcome Catherine. I am glad you enjoy visiting Beach Travel Destinations and hopefully you can make it to one of these wonderful beach destinations soon. Thanks for visiting Morro Bay Vacations.
This is a really well written article! Makes me want to start packing my bags right now. I noticed you happened to give all the hotels a really high rating, but which of them would you personally pick? The Morro Rock looks absolutely incredible, as do the other locations. Will definitely add it to the bucket list!
I only list the best hotels, so really any of them are going to be wonderful! But the Beach Bungalow and Suites are my favorite. Once major factor for me is that they are right on the beach. Thanks for visiting Morro Bay Vacations.
The first I see in your post is the beautiful scene of an awesome beach.Then, my hungry eyes came vis-a-vis with the scene of the yachts standing tall and low in a twilight-like formation depicting perhaps, the dawn or dusk.
I definitely wish a long haul of travel and if that materializes, I must take a bite of the scene of Morro Bay.
I see that you’ve given a series of options for travel along with the indication of the cool facilities offered.
This is a great read and an informed article. Wishing you a HUGE success and looking forward to getting more updates.
Cheers!
Thank you so much Phomrong! I am glad you enjoyed reading my post on Morro Bay Vacations. It is truly a beautiful beach destination with so much to offer. I hope you will visit soon!
Such great ideas. You have me itching to take a vacation to Morro Bay now. I had never even heard of it before! Thanks so much for a great post.
It is a wonderful coastal area in Central California and I know that you would love it here if you were to take a vacation to this great beach destination. Thanks for stopping by and reading about Morro Bay Vacations.
Your article really makes me wanting to pack my bags and go there! Thanks for sharing wonderful information.
Mariette
Thank you Mariette for stopping by and taking the time to leave me some comments. I am glad you enjoyed reading about Morro Bay vacations.
I had no idea that this beautiful place existed just 3.5 hours from where I live. I hope my family and I will get to visit Morro Bay one day. Thanks for this info.
Wow, you are so close and so lucky! It really is a beautiful area of California with so many things to see, do, or just if you want to relax on the beach and take in the scenery. Then Morro Bay Vacations is perfect! Thanks for stopping by!
I love beaches, so this article was very interesting for me. I love California and I am hoping to visit soon. This information is very helpful for me. Thanks!
I am sure as you can tell, I have a passion for beaches as well. California is a wonderful place with so many awesome beaches. Morro Bay and the whole Central coast of California is beautiful. Thanks for visiting Morro Bay Vacations.
What an informative post. So much detail and I love the pictures. It gives me a better visual. I have not experienced vacation in September because I have elementary aged kids who are in school at the time. But I keep saying me an my husband will take a trip by ourselves soon. I think I have found the place to go thanks to this post!
Great Davona, you will absolutely love Morro Bay. It is so beautiful and so much to see and do. Please let me know if you have an questions.
Hi Leahrae,
Been too long now since I have had time to dip a toe into an ocean somewhere on a beach. I was just Googling beach travel destinations, and incredibly, your post had those words in it – that was cool.
So I clicked on it! I see you have many options to choose from, and yes I am still looking, and hopefully I can find that appeals to be. I desperately need a holiday before I get too old, LOL!
Thanks Leahrae,
– Philip.
I do have a lot for you to pick from Philip 🙂 I hope you have found the perfect destination for you. Morro Bay Vacations is a great way to enjoy the beach, dip your toes in the ocean and walk in the sand. Such beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife. Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.
This post is jam packed with Information I’ve always wanted to visit Morro bay with this information I know just when to go to enjoy the sites without draining my wallet. Thank you so much for this great post.
David
You’re so welcome David! I am glad I could provide the information you were looking for to plan your Morro Bay Vacation. You will have a wonderful time. Please let me know if you have any other questions.