Experience the Beauty of Morro Bay on Your Next California Roadtrip
Summer is approaching, which means it’s a great time to plan a road trip along the California coast. And Morro Bay, the San Luis Obispo County beach town just off of Highway 1 is the ideal location for a few day stopover.
So whether you’re tackling the Pacific Coast Highway all the way through California or just taking a weekend getaway to the coast, here’s your guide to getting the most out of your stay in Morro Bay!
Morro Bay at Sunset | Photo by Amy McKellar
The Gem of Morro Bay
Morro Bay is an idyllic beach town with a population of 10,500 located on the north coast of San Luis Obispo County. If you find yourself on Highway 1, it’s hard to miss the giant rock and three towering smokestacks that help identify this town.
Morro Bay features a bustling downtown area with family-friendly coffee shops, stores featuring local artisans, and a surprisingly active nightlife. Down on the Embarcadero, you can stroll along the waterfront, saying hello to adorable otters and stopping in for a treat at one of the many local candy stores and bakeries.
What To Do While In Morro Bay
There’s no shortage of fun activities to enjoy in Morro Bay.
If you’re looking to spend time on the water, make sure to stop by Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks and Morro Bay Whale Watching at 699 Embarcadero. Take your family on our signature bay tour aboard our yellow “Sub” that features underwater windows. Want a little more adventure? Consider renting a kayak or paddle board to cruise the bay, or joining us on a whale watching trip for some epic humpback whale watching!
There are also plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful weather from land, if that’s more your style. You can take a hike up Black Hill or walk the path from the Embarcadero to Morro Rock - both of these activities feature fresh air and spectacular views! There are also numerous beaches to visit, including Coleman Beach within the harbor and Morro Strand State Beach just up the coast.
While you’re in town, consider visiting the kid-friendly Museum of Natural History and seeing a show at The Siren. Plus, check out Visit Morro Bay’s calendar for any special events that are taking place while you’re here!
Humpback Whale Watching in Morro Bay, California | Photo by Amy McKellar
Where to Stay In Morro Bay
There are so many great hotels in the area that are worth checking out for your stay. A few we recommend are:
You can also check out this AirBnB in North Morro Bay - stay here, and get free kayak rentals with Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks!
If you’re up for camping, there are also two great camping sites in town at the Morro Bay State Park and Morro Strand State Beach.
Eating Out in Morro Bay
There are also plenty of great restaurants to choose from. A few of our favorites are:
And for your coffee fix, stop by Rudie’s Rock Espresso or The Nautical Bean’s new Morro Bay location.
Around San Luis Obispo County
While you’ll likely never run out of things to do in Morro Bay, there’s also so much else to enjoy around San Luis Obispo County while you pass through.
Take a wine tasting tour in Paso Robles. Explore the many hiking trails of Montana de Oro in Los Osos. Attend SLO’s iconic Thursday night Farmer’s Market. Visit the historic Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
This truly is a special place, so consider adding a few days stop on the Central Coast to your summer roadtrip!
Morro Bay Whale Watching and Sub Sea Tours and Kayaks in Morro Bay, California
See You In Morro Bay
With so many fun activities, stellar views, and great spots to eat, there’s no argument that Morro Bay is the perfect spot to stay on your California coast roadtrip! And with summer right around the corner, we hope to see you soon!