A local-style overview of what to do, see, eat, and explore
There’s a small beach at the north end of the Embarcadero that locals often use to launch kayaks or paddleboards. You are technically supposed to wear a life vest. From here, it’s especially fun to paddle across to the sandspit, then beach your boat and walk along the sand for unique views back toward Morro Rock, the harbor, and the open ocean.
Morro Bay is very walkable. You can easily walk to:
Albertsons near Hwy 1 & Morro Bay Blvd for full grocery needs
Sunshine Health Foods (Morro Bay Blvd & Monterey Ave) for organic groceries, supplements, and prepared foods
Walk the length of the Embarcadero toward Morro Rock, then continue onto the wide north beach, which stretches for miles. Perfect for long beach walks, sunsets, tide pooling, and watching surfers.
One of the best ways to experience Morro Bay. The water is typically calm, the eelgrass beds are full of life, and wildlife sightings are common. Launch options are noted in the house information, and rentals are available in town.
You’ll regularly see sea lions lounging on docks and barking from boats, and sea otters floating on their backs just offshore — especially along the Embarcadero. No tour required.
Seasonal whale watching tours leave directly from Morro Bay Harbor, with gray whales, humpbacks, and occasional orcas depending on the season.
Recommended operator:
👉 https://morrobaywhalewatching.com/
This neighborhood gem in located on the southwest side of our block. The trail system takes advantage of the terrain and views, maximizing the small amount of space.
A short but steep hike to the summit rewards you with a 360-degree view of Morro Bay, Los Osos, the sandspit, and the Pacific Ocean. Easier trails loop around the base and are open to bikes — just be courteous to hikers.
Scenic trails located between Morro Bay and Los Osos, accessible from several pullouts. Great for walking, hiking, and biking, with ocean and estuary views.
Just south of town and absolutely worth the visit. Expect dramatic cliffs, beaches, coastal bluffs, inland hills, and spring wildflowers.
Popular access points include Spooner Cove and the area near the old cabins.
If you’re up for short drives:
Irish Hills & Johnson Ranch (San Luis Obispo) – rolling hills, oak trees, and ocean views
Cal Poly Canyon – extensive trail network accessed from the SLO campus
Pismo Preserve – shorter trails but excellent coastal views
Tip: The MTB Project app (or website) is great for finding specific routes for hiking or biking.
You can rent ATVs and ride directly on the sand dunes at Oceano Dunes SVRA. This is a uniquely Central Coast experience and a lot of fun.
An easy and memorable drive north. Hundreds of elephant seals lounge just feet from the boardwalk, especially active during breeding season and molting periods.
3 Stacks and a Rock Brewing Co. – Main St & the Embarcadero
Local favorite for beer, food, and harbor views.
Inn at Morro Bay – 60 State Park Rd
Decent happy hour and bay views; a nice pre-dinner drink spot.
Buttercup Bakery (Must-try)
Outstanding croissants, morning buns, and pastries — go early.
Chowa Bowls
Fresh, healthy bowls and smoothies.
Thai Elephant
Excellent Thai food; great for take-out.
Morro Grill
The best sunset-view deck directly across from Morro Rock.
Morro Made
📍 490 Morro Bay Blvd
Locally made gifts, art, and home goods.
Smoobage
📍 591 Embarcadero
Fun, locally owned gift shop with well-curated items.
Albertsons – Hwy 1 & Morro Bay Blvd
Sunshine Health Foods – Morro Bay Blvd & Monterey Ave
Whole Foods – San Luis Obispo (plus many other big-chain options)
Thursday Afternoon – Spencer’s parking lot (North Main St)
Best for produce. Many vendors take cash or Venmo.
Local tip: the last table on the left often has excellent strawberries.
Saturday Morning – Morro Bay Blvd & Main St
More artsy, with crafts, food vendors, and local products.
Check these calendars to see what’s happening during your stay:
Annual highlights include the Morro Bay Harbor Festival, Avocado–Margarita Street Festival, seasonal farmers markets, art walks, and holiday celebrations.
Morro Rock & Morro Rock Beach
A must-see natural landmark and iconic photo spot. Enjoy beach walks, tide pooling nearby, and birdwatching.
🌐 https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30528
Morro Bay State Park & Museum of Natural History
Explore hiking trails, bay views, and interactive exhibits on geology, wildlife, and Indigenous history.
📞 (805) 772-7434
🌐 https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=594
Morro Bay Harbor & Embarcadero
Stroll the waterfront, watch fishing boats return with the day’s catch, or rent kayaks and paddleboards.
🌐 https://www.morrobay.org
Kayaking & Paddleboarding (Multiple Outfitters)
Morro Bay Kayak Tours
📞 (805) 772-6278
🌐 https://www.morrobaykayaktours.com
Central Coast Outdoors
📞 (805) 772-3357
🌐 https://www.centralcoastoutdoors.com
Whale Watching & Boat Tours
Seasonal whale watching, harbor cruises, and wildlife tours.
Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks
📞 (805) 772-9463
🌐 https://www.subseatours.com
Morro Bay Art Association Gallery
Rotating exhibits featuring Central Coast artists.
📞 (805) 772-2504
🌐 https://www.artcentermorrobay.org
Morro Bay Skateboard Museum
A unique, family-friendly museum celebrating skateboard culture.
📞 (805) 771-0777
🌐 https://www.morrobayskateboardmuseum.com
Morro Bay Veterans Memorial Building
Hosts community events, concerts, and meetings throughout the year.
🌐 https://www.morro-bay.ca.us/269/Veterans-Memorial-Building
Use these links to keep your visit in sync with what’s happening in town:
Visit Morro Bay – Official Events Calendar
🌐 https://www.morrobay.org/events
Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce Calendar
🌐 https://www.morrobaychamber.com/events
City of Morro Bay Community Events
🌐 https://www.morro-bay.ca.us/Calendar.aspx
Central Coast Live Music & Arts (Regional)
🌐 https://www.slocal.com/events
Popular annual events include the Morro Bay Harbor Festival, Avocado–Margarita Street Festival, seasonal farmers markets, art walks, and holiday celebrations.
Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley
📞 (805) 772-2123
🌐 https://www.giovannisfishmarket.com
🔗 Menu: https://www.giovannisfishmarket.com/menu
Tognazzini’s Dockside Too
📞 (805) 772-8100
🌐 https://www.tognazzinis.com
🔗 Menu: https://www.tognazzinis.com/dockside-too
The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar
📞 (805) 772-7777
🌐 https://www.galleyseafoodgrill.com
🔗 Menu: https://www.galleyseafoodgrill.com/menu
Dorn’s Original Breakers Café
📞 (805) 772-4415
🌐 https://www.dornsoriginal.com
🔗 Menu: https://www.dornsoriginal.com/menu
Frankie & Lola’s Front Street Café
📞 (805) 772-5000
🌐 https://www.frankieandlolas.com
🔗 Menu: https://www.frankieandlolas.com/menu
Hungry Fisherman
📞 (805) 772-3416
🌐 https://www.hungryfisherman.com
🔗 Menu: https://www.hungryfisherman.com/menu
Buttercup Bakery & Café
📞 (805) 772-9589
🌐 https://www.buttercupbakery.com
Babydudes Artisan Pizza
📞 (805) 771-4420
🌐 https://www.babydudes.com
🔗 Menu: https://www.babydudes.com/menu
Scout Coffee Co. (Waterfront)
🌐 https://www.scoutcoffeeco.com
Stax Wine Bar & Bistro
📞 (805) 772-9463
🌐 https://www.staxwinebar.com
Morro Bay Wine Seller
📞 (805) 772-1101
🌐 https://www.morrobaywineseller.com
