Morro Bay, CA

Travel Guide

Morro Bay
Morro Bay
Morro Bay which includes a bay or harbor
Morro Bay
Morro Bay

Observe the seals, gulls and falcons in this tranquil town with pristine beaches, a charming harbor and a state park.

Morro Bay is a charming coastal town centered on a harbor in an area of lush, green vegetation. Its pleasant climate and string of serene beaches make it an excellent year-round family destination. See western gulls and sea otters in this rustic marine area.

Enjoy a pleasant day at Morro Strand State BeachOpens in a new window north of the town. Take advantage of the region’s warm summers and cool breezes by kite surfing on the ocean waves. The sand stretches for 3 miles (5 kilometers), featuring dunes, a playground and picnic tables.

Spot majestic Morro Rock at the southern point of the beach. Snap photos of the seals and rare birds nesting here. In addition to these real-life creatures, this town is also home to the fictional protagonist from the Pixar movie Finding Dory.

Much of this picturesque terrain is part of Morro Bay State Park, a protected area with a museum and a gift shop. Sail and hike around the jagged coastal area and wander through the saltwater marsh.

Find the lively Morro Marina near the town center. Imagine yourself at the helm of one of the colorful boats in the port. Have lunch at a restaurant in the elegant Marina Square complex that overlooks the bay. It contains the Gallery at Marina Square and several shops.

Walk north from Marina Square for a few minutes to reach quaint Anchor Memorial Park, commemorating sailors lost at sea. Note the three iconic chutes of the Dynegy Power Plant.

Morro Bay is 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Los AngelesOpens in a new window in the northwestern part of Southern California. Fly to the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport from San FranciscoOpens in a new window, SeattleOpens in a new window and other western cities. Get around the coastal part of the city by trolley.

Visit the quiet and secluded Morro Bay to enjoy its excellent coastal views and serene lifestyle.

Where to stay in Morro Bay

Morro Bay

Downtown Morro Bay

If you're spending some time in Downtown Morro Bay, Morro Bay Art Association Gallery and The Giant Chessboard are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Morro Bay
One of my favorite places to visit along California's Central Coast is Morro Bay. We were staying nearby and decided to eat dinner along the waterfront at one of the numerous sea food restaurants and walk through the local art shops. I had intended on reaching the bay as the sun was setting to take a few pictures of the sunset behind Morro Rock, but arrived too late. I was not disappointed though, as the golden sky and the restaurant lighting had lit up the bay and the  boats.
#Golden

Embarcadero Waterfront

If you're spending some time in Embarcadero Waterfront, The Giant Chessboard and Morro Bay Skateboard Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Embarcadero Waterfront
Harbor House Inn Morro Bay

Harbor House Inn Morro Bay

2 out of 5
1095 Main St Morro Bay CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$60 nightly
The price is $69 total per night from Nov 30 to Dec 1
$69 total
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Morro Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,992 reviews)
Very nice place to stay. Clean and quiet rooms and the staff was very friendly.So close to the beach!

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2025

Harbor House Inn Morro Bay
Blue Sail Inn

Blue Sail Inn

2.5 out of 5
851 Market Ave., Morro Bay, CA
$97 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
$112 total
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Morro Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
The rooms and balconies look out at the bay and the waterfront. You can see the Morro Rock from the balcony. The staff is friendly and helpful. It has air and heating, but the temps were very mild. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2025

Blue Sail Inn
Masterpiece Hotel

Masterpiece Hotel

2.5 out of 5
1206 Main St Morro Bay CA
$74 nightly
The price is $85 total per night from Dec 4 to Dec 5
$85 total
Dec 4 - Dec 5
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Morro Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,063 reviews)
I enjoyed my stay. I enjoyed the changes in the breakfast but it did seem like there was less choices. But my getaway was great

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2025

Masterpiece Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pet Friendly Comfy Morro Bay Home

Pet Friendly Comfy Morro Bay Home

Morro Bay CA
Stay at this vacation home in Morro Bay. Enjoy laundry facilities, furnished patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Morro Rock Beach and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
Great host. Loved the ocean view. Loved that it is dog friendly.

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2025

Pet Friendly Comfy Morro Bay Home
Captain Java's Cottage in beautiful Morro Bay!

Captain Java's Cottage in beautiful Morro Bay!

Morro Bay CA
Stay at this cottage in Morro Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Morro Strand State Beach and Morro Rock Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (356 reviews)
Perfect stay thank you so much

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025

Captain Java's Cottage in beautiful Morro Bay!
AMAZING, OCEAN VIEWS,
MORRO 🪨, JACUZZI, WIFI, PARKING

AMAZING, OCEAN VIEWS, MORRO 🪨, JACUZZI, WIFI, PARKING

Morro Bay
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Morro Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Morro Bay Art Association ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (166 reviews)
Kitchen was fantastic, all the items needed to make any kind of dish.

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025

AMAZING, OCEAN VIEWS, MORRO 🪨, JACUZZI, WIFI, PARKING
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Morro Bay

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
775
5 - Excellent 68%
4 - Good
327
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
34
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Shel

Best place in CA! Favorite place! Grew up going here and would give anything to live there or near! Amazing place, amazing people, amazing shops, and amazing food! Smoobage, Garden Gallery, Sun-n-Buns and the Hofbrau der Albatross are BEST EVER!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Small and quaint community with beautiful surroundings.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Perfect weather, not to hot not to cold at this time of the year. We went at the very end of May and part of June.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The soap to wash hand and to take a shower was empty. The towels seemed very dated. We got the Family Suite. It has one bedroom. I wish the King Size bed was in the bedroom instead.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was a nice little trip. We enjoyed the shops and the beach.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Our family loves Morro Bay. It's not over crowded. Great atmosphere than Pismo. Its super relaxing.

Cities near Morro Bay

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