My 19 Favorite Things to Do in Morro Bay

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Food & Drink | Sites & Attractions | Outdoors

Situated along California’s Central Coast, Morro Bay is a super underrated beach town with tons to do… and hardly any tourists. Want to escape the crowds of popular Southern California beaches? Morro Bay is the perfect coastal getaway for you. 

I’m a California local who has visited this sleepy fishing town multiple times. There are tons of things to do in Morro Bay, and I’ve put all my favorite activities and recommendations into this list. 

Let’s jump in!

Best Things to Do in Morro Bay

Morro Bay State Park

Participate in multiple beach activities or enjoy a relaxing day sunbathing on the beach.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 772-2560 | Website | Hours: 24 hours daily | Entrance: Free

Check out Morro Bay State Park to explore the beach town’s most famous outdoor features: a unique lagoon, saltwater marsh, and the classic Morro Rock. You’ll quickly see why this is one of my favorite places to visit in California.

Visitors to Morro Bay State Park have access to bird-watching, fishing, sailing, hiking, and biking. The park also has a cafe, marina, and golf course.

Feeling adventurous? The state park has 140 campsites next to the water that are equipped with restrooms, showers, RV hookup sites, and dump sites. Camping in California is unmatched, and snagging a campsite in Morro Bay State Park is the perfect option to enjoy the many close activities in the area.

Morro Rock

Visit Morro Bay’s most iconic landmark.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 772-6200 | Website | Hours: 24 hours, lifeguards from 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free

The postcard image of Morro Bay, Morro Rock can’t be missed. This historic state landmark is the remnants of long-extinct volcanoes. 

Standing a proud 576 feet tall, Morro Rock is now a bird sanctuary for native California bay birds. 

Catch a sunset photo at the perfect time as the sun passes behind Morro Rock and reflects its golden rays from behind. There might be some crowds during golden hour and sunset. I like to visit Morro Rock during the early morning for a more solitary experience.

Morro Bay T-Pier

Visit the nesting California sea otters at the Morro Bay T-Pier.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 772-6254 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

The T-Pier at Morro Bay is one of the best places to view wildlife. This area is home to nesting bay otters, the most adorable long-term residents here. Don’t miss your chance to snag a photo with them during your stay in Morro Bay!

These sleepy sea animals are native to the Pacific Ocean and raise their young close to the coastal shores. Because these small mammals rely on activity to keep them warm, you will often see them playing near the pier.

Make sure to remain quiet while viewing the sea pups to not wake them up from their peaceful slumber.

🛏️ Wondering where to stay? There are plenty of great hotels in Morro Bay, but staying in nearby San Luis Obispo can be a great option too!

Downtown Morro Bay

Shop for souvenirs or play pool at one of the many local downtown bars.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 225-7411 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Take a break from suntanning on the beach with a stroll downtown. Shop for souvenirs or go to one of many vintage stores in the heart of downtown, along Morro Bay Boulevard. There is also a funky music and record store that’s a town staple.

You will find live music nearly every night of the week at local bars or at the Morro Bay Theater. You can get a taste of the vibrant art scene in town from the many galleries and museums as well.

Morro Strand State Beach

Visit Morro Strand State Beach to explore 3 miles of beautiful sandy coast.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 772-6101 | Website | Entrance: Free

Morro Strand State Beach is the largest stretch of sandy beach in Morro Bay. This is one of the best things to do in California and the best place to have a total beach day.

This sandy paradise has great views of Morro Rock in the distance. Explore the sand dunes, throw a frisbee, or doze off to the sound of distant waves crashing. There are also cool tide pools at the north end of the beach.

Morro Strand State Beach has my favorite campground in Morro Bay. Sites are located just steps from the beach. My friends and I camped here for a weekend to celebrate a birthday, and it was the perfect relaxing getaway!

Food & Drink

Dorn’s Breakers Cafe

Eat fresh, wild-caught seafood at one of the oldest restaurants in Morro Bay.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 772-4415 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Dorn’s Breakers Cafe is located downtown, and this historic 1942 cafe was one of the first restaurants in Morro Bay.

With years to master their craft, Dorn’s Original Breakers Cafe has some of the best seafood dishes in town. Enjoy relaxing views over the ocean with a glass of wine and a fresh salmon dinner. 

Dorn’s is one of my favorite restaurants to visit when I’m in the area. It really does live up to its reputation!

Galley Seafood Grill & Bar

Enjoy fresh seafood from one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Morro Bay.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 772-7777 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 8 pm Sun-Mon & Wed-Thurs; 11:30 am – 8:30 pm Fri-Sat; closed Tues

It’s no secret that California’s coast has some of the finest seafood around. And on the Central Coast, the finest seafood is at the Galley Seafood Grill & Bar. 

The Galley is an iconic dinner spot with beautiful oceanfront views of Morro Bay State Park and Morro Rock. The restaurant buys from local fishermen and sources vegetables from local farms as well. 

Stop by the Galley Seafood Grill & Bar while you are visiting for some of the most sustainable seafood in town!

Sites & Attractions

Morro Bay Maritime Museum

Learn about the mysteries of the sea and visit old American war vessels.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 225-5044 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Thurs-Mon; Closed Tues & Wed | Entrance: Free

Learn more about the oceanic world at the Morro Bay Maritime Museum. The museum has historic war vessels and a deep submergence rescue vehicle on display for visitors to marvel at.

This is the perfect museum to visit for a brief yet educational tour of Morro Bay’s history. It’s situated near the pier, so you can browse the interesting maritime objects while you wait for an oceanfront table at a nearby restaurant.  

Art Center Morro Bay

Explore your creative side by taking an art class at the art center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 772-2504 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 4 pm daily

Morro Bay has a well-deserved reputation for its pristine beaches, wildlife preserves, and educational museums. Its art scene, however, is often overlooked — but it shouldn’t be. 

The Morro Bay Art Center hosts many art events like drawing classes, art demonstrations, and various exhibit presentations. It focuses on displaying both local and regional artists.

Morro Bay Museum of Natural History

Learn about the bay’s natural history through interactive museum exhibits.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 772-2694 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $3, adults, Free under 18

Situated in Morro Bay State Park, the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History educates visitors about the natural habitats in the area. This hilltop museum overlooks the Morro Bay Estuary and has gorgeous panoramic views of the entire coastal area.

Learn about Native American history, geology, and oceanography from exhibits and museum experts. The interactive and educational exhibits are suitable for both children and adults.

Cayucos

Drive 10 minutes up the coast to see this tiny but picturesque beach town.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Cayucos is a hidden gem of a beach town, with only a few main streets backdropped by rolling hills. Here, you’ll find seaside-inspired thrift shops, locally-owned restaurants, coastal cottages for rent, and one heck of a perfect beach. 

Cayucos Beach is small, but the waves seem to roll perfectly onto the shore. I’d recommend coming to Cayucos for a swim and a lunch break — there are plenty of delicious seafood shacks, all with beach views that you just can’t beat. 

👉 Pro Tip: Can’t get a reservation at Dorn’s Breakers Cafe? Check out Duckie’s Chowder House in Cayucos — it’s owned by the same family. 

Hearst Castle

Meander through the grand courtyards and elegant dining halls of this huge castle with ocean views.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 444-4445 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $35 adults, $18 children

Hearst Castle is one of the most stunning establishments on California’s central coast. Once owned by media mogul William Randolph Hearst, this is a real chance to see an opulent 1900s castle. Feel like royalty as you stroll along the castle’s courtyards, extravagant chambers, and dining halls!

Hearst Castle is technically located in San Simeon, a town about 30 minutes up the coast from Morro Bay. However, this iconic structure is well worth the drive.

Choose from multiple tour options like the Grand Rooms Tour, Upstairs Suites Tour, Cottages and Kitchens Tour, and Evening Tour to customize your experience. Plan to spend around 1-2 hours touring the grounds.

Outdoor Adventures

Black Hill Trail

Hike to the top of one of the best viewpoints of Morro Bay State Park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 225-7411 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Black Hill Trail is one of the best spots in Morro Bay for exercise with a view. This trail leads to a 661-foot volcanic peak located at the upper edge of Morro Bay State Park.

The trail is suited for the whole family and is a short 0.6-miles round trip. With only 190 feet of elevation gain, Black Hill Trail is one of the easiest ways to get to a scenic viewpoint of Morro Bay. 

Climb sage-covered slopes laden with Monterey pines to reach the top of a wide-open summit with views of Morro Rock Beach, Morro Bay Boulevard, and the Morro Bay Harbor below. My best tip? Make sure you go in the morning or afternoon — Morro Bay can be prone to fog in the summertime, which can sometimes obscure evening views.

📚 Related Reading: Best Hikes in California (By a Local)

Morro Bay National Estuary

Be a part of wildlife conservation by volunteering at the preservation program.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 772-6101 | Website | Hours: 24 hours

The Morro Bay National Estuary is over 2,000 acres of wetland ecosystem, home to various animal and plant species. Rent a kayak and pack a lunch to visit the estuary for a picnic out on the water!

The Morro Bay National Estuary Program conducts research and monitors the ecosystem to protect and preserve the area. Visitors can provide aid on their vacation by volunteering with the program. Volunteers help restore Morro Bay to protect the local coastal wildlife.

Boat Tours & Whale Watching

Watch for whales or rent a private boat to see a gorgeous sunset while out on the water.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 771-9337 | Website | Entrance: Prices vary per tour

Morro Bay’s local boat tour operator, Lost Isle Adventures, offers various ocean tours like whale watching, a tiki cruise, a sunset cruise, and private boat rentals. These are your best options to see marine life up close and personal.

Ocean tours operate year-round, so be sure to book your cruise when you’re in the area!

El Moro Elfin Forest

Take a break from the sandy beaches of Morro Bay to explore the forest and go on educational nature walks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 528-0392 | Website | Hours: sunrise to sunset, year-round | Entrance: Free

The El Moro Elfin Forest is located in Los Osos, adjacent to the Morro Bay National Estuary. The forest encompasses 90 acres of native plant and animal habitats. There is also a short, wheelchair-accessible walking path for visitors.

Depending on when you visit California, docents lead scheduled walks every third Saturday of the month to educate visitors about the sensitive Elfin Forest area. Sketching walks are also held throughout the month, guiding visitors to draw the forest around them.

Estero Bluffs State Park

Hike the Estero Bluffs Trail to view the iconic Morro Rock State Preserve from new heights.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours

Estero Bluffs State Park comprises 353 acres of the beloved central California coast. It’s located in Cayucos, the next beach town above Morro Bay and an easy drive away.

The park was established to protect a 4-mile stretch of the coastline. The most popular attraction in the area is the Estero Bluffs Trail, which takes hikers on an easy 7.2-mile out-and-back trail with views of the ocean the entire way.

Montaña de Oro State Park

A hiker’s paradise where dramatic bluffs overlook panoramic ocean views. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 528-0513 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm 

Montaña de Oro State Park is just south of Morro Bay, but it’s worth the 20-minute drive to get there. This huge wilderness area is filled with dramatic bluffs, giant sand dunes, hidden beaches, and miles of hiking trails to explore it all.

Morro Bay Golf Course

Golf at this scenic course right on the ocean.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 772-1923 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: $60+ adults, $50+ seniors, $40 young adult (18-25), $5 under 18

Tee up on the oceanside for a perfect golf excursion in Morro Bay. These 18 holes are right on the Pacific Ocean.

This affordable course welcomes golfers of all ages and is one of the oldest courses in the area. It was established in 1923!

The club’s amenities include a driving range, pro shop, bar, club rentals, lessons, and a grill. Reserve your tee time as soon as you get to Morro Bay — it might become your favorite coastal golfing experience!

***

Now that you know what activities to do in Morro Bay, you can confidently add this coastal stop to your California itinerary. Want to see other underrated beaches while you’re here? Check out our favorite Northern California beach towns.