Explore Morro Bay Like a Tourist: Must-See Spots & Local Favorites
Morro Bay is an ideal vacation destination for people all over the state, country, and even the world. But for those of you who live right here in San Luis Obispo County, there is so much to experience here that you may not be taking full advantage of.
There is no better time than now to enjoy all the tourist-y activities we have at our fingertips here in Morro Bay!
Playing Tourist In Morro Bay, California
Morro Rock at sunset. Photo by DJ Hardy.
Take a Sub Sea Tour
There's no better way to see the bay than from the water! From seeing otters up close to learning about the history of and wildlife in the bay, our Sub Sea Tourstrips are fun and educational for the whole family. Plus, the yellow Seaview is decked out with underwater windows that allow you to catch a glimpse of what goes on under the surface.
This trip is a hit with out-of-town tourists, and we think every local should see Morro Bay from this vantage point, too! Sub Sea Tour trips run every day of the week and you can book your spot here!
Get Outside & Get Active
Morro Bay has so much to offer in terms of nature and outdoor activities. Want to spend the day at the beach? You can do that here. Love a fun hike? Black Hill is calling. Enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding? That's an all-season activity here in Morro Bay!
The weather in Morro Bay is ideal all year long, so it's always a good time to head outside and enjoy nature! For kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals, visit our dock at 699 Embarcadero - vessels are available on a first come, first serve basis! Learn more about rentals.
Kayakers in Morro Bay. Photo by DJ Hardy.
Enjoy a Cocktail Cruise
You may have visited every bar and cocktail spot in Morro Bay, but have you ever sipped your beverage while cruising the bay on a boat?
Whether you're celebrating a birthday or just want to do something different on Saturday evening, cruising the bay on the Dos Osos with a drink in hand is sure to be an experience to remember! Book your spot on our Saturday evening cruise (we add the trips a few weeks ahead, so if you're a super planner just call us!) Private charters are also available! Call our shop at (805)772-9463 for more information and to schedule your private event today!
Grab A Bite To Eat
There are so many great restaurants to enjoy in Morro Bay! Plus, many options have great views to go along with the delicious food!
Some of our favorite eateries along the Embarcadero are Morro Grill (great food & great views) and Tognazzini's Dockside (fresh-caught, local fish - yum!) The Flying Dutchman, which is located right above our dock, is also a great place to grab a bite after your whale watching trip!
Bird Watching
Birders from all over flock to the area for the annual Morro Bay Bird Festival every January - but as locals you can observe the avian life any time! Morro Bay is known for its abundance of birds, from those that live here all year to the many species that stop by on their yearly migrations.
We've started offering bird-specific harbor tours, and would love for you to join us on a bird-watching excursion. While these typically take place in the winter, you can stay up-to-date on when these trips are happening by signing up for our VIP Bird Watcher email list.
Brown pelican in flight. Photo by DJ Hardy.
Say Hi To The Otters
One of the best parts about spending time in Morro Bay is getting the opportunity to see the adorable sea otters that live in the harbor. Everything about these cute creatures is fun to watch - the floating, the eating, the cuddling, you name it!
While it's especially fun to see them from the water - either by kayak or Sub Sea Tour - you can also watch them from land if you know where to look! In recent years, sea otters have been spending a lot of time in the waters towards the North end of the Embarcadero, between Beach Street and Great American Fish Company.
Visit the Museum of Natural History
If you've never been to the Museum of Natural History, there's no better time than now! This little gem offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about Morro Bay, and also has so many fun activities for the kids. Plus, the views of the bay are absolutely incredible!
Visiting the Museum of Natural History is a great activity to do alongside a Sub Sea Tour or Whale Watching Trip to learn more about the nature that you're seeing while out on the water. For more information, visit the California State Parks website.
Whale Watching
Obviously, we have to include whale watching on this list! Throughout the year, we see so many different kinds of whales, from humpbacks to Gray whales, and even orcas, blue whales, and more! Plus, it’s not uncommon to see dolphins and other exciting wildlife on trips.
Tourists come from all over for our whale-watching excursions, but locals are welcome to the same thrilling experience of seeing a whale up close! Book your spot and let's go see some whales!
Gray whales in Estero Bay. Photo by DJ Hardy.
Have Fun Exploring Morro Bay
There’s no better time than now to explore Morro Bay through the eyes of a tourist! We hope to see you soon at Sub Sea Tours and Morro Bay Whale Watching!