How to Spend a Day or a Weekend at Morro Bay
Don’t overlook Morro Bay on California’s Central Coast, even if you are in a hurry to get to Hearst Castle. It’s a lower-cost alternative to nearby Cambria, with a picturesque location right on the water.
Morro Bay is a favored destination among families, birdwatchers (particularly during winter), as well as fishermen, kayakers, surfers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Consequently, it stands out as one of the most affordable locales along the California coast.
We polled over 200 GoTravelDaily readers to gauge their sentiments about Morro Bay. A significant majority (82%) rated it as “good” or “awesome.” This acclaim solidifies its reputation as one of the best-rated weekend getaway spots in California.
Morro Bay’s Don’t-Miss Attraction
The iconic Morro Rock is a sight you cannot ignore. This striking monolith in the harbor is one of seven remnants of ancient volcanoes extending from this area to San Luis Obispo.
Often referred to as the “Gibraltar of the Pacific,” Morro Rock is off-limits to public access, yet it is a fantastic spot for photography. Moreover, with binoculars in hand, you might catch a glimpse of the peregrine falcons nesting on the rock. These incredible birds are known to reach speeds up to 200 mph while diving.
Many visitors become so mesmerized by the rock and the waterfront that they miss the charming local ambiance just a few blocks uphill, where quaint cafes, a movie theater, and unique shops await exploration.
More Great Things to Do in Morro Bay
Take a Sub Sea Tour: This engaging harbor cruise is perfect for families. The cheerful yellow boat featuring underwater windows allows kids to observe marine life and feed the fish.
Go on a Harbor Cruise: For a more adult experience, Chablis Cruises offers dinner cruises on Fridays during summer and Sunday brunch cruises year-round.
Visit the Beach: The beach adjacent to Morro Rock is one of the finest, boasting vast sandy shores ideal for relaxation and plenty of surfers to watch. Just across the road, fishermen cast lines from the rocks while playful sea otters often nap in the kelp.
Montana de Oro State Park: Located just north of town, this park is celebrated for its rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills.
Check Out the Elephant Seals: The elephant seal rookery, situated on California Highway One approximately 4.5 miles north of Hearst Castle, is most captivating during the breeding season from December to February when you can witness around 4,000 pups being born within a few weeks. Viewing is easy from a raised boardwalk often attended by knowledgeable docents.
Visit Hearst Castle: Just a half-hour’s drive north of Morro Bay, Hearst Castle remains the area’s most popular attraction.
Best Time to Go to Morro Bay
Although summer months attract the most visitors, Morro Bay can frequently be overcast throughout June and July. After the summer season, clarity returns to the skies, and hotel rates decrease significantly, often remaining low until spring when stunning wildflowers may bloom.
In winter, locals report occasional summer-like weather in February, yet regardless of conditions, hundreds of migrating bird species spend the winter here annually.
Tips for Visiting Morro Bay
- During summer, ensure you make hotel reservations promptly since the most budget-friendly accommodations fill up quickly.
- Utilize the trolley service when possible. It conveniently runs along the waterfront, past the rock, and up to the state park.
- Avoid looking straight up if you hear birds overhead, as they can leave a “white badge of courage” on your clothing. A hat is advisable!
- Public restrooms are readily available along Ocean Avenue near the waterfront and also close to Coleman Park.
- Don’t forget your binoculars! They are invaluable for birdwatching, as well as for spotting sea lions and adorable sea otters.
Where to Stay
Morro Bay remains the most budget-friendly area along this coastal stretch. To find suitable accommodations, consider the following options:
- Explore hotel options near Hearst Castle.
- Read guest reviews and compare prices at Tripadvisor.
- If traveling with an RV, camper, or even a tent, discover Morro Bay area campgrounds.
Getting to Morro Bay
Morro Bay is conveniently located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, 292 miles from Sacramento, 125 miles from Monterey, and 424 miles from Las Vegas. It sits on California Highway One, just 35 miles south of Hearst Castle.
If you opt for Amtrak to San Luis Obispo, the Ride-On Service will take you directly to Morro Bay.
