12 Best Things to do in Morro Bay, California

Morro Bay, a very famous coastal city in San Luis, California. Located on a natural harbor, it makes it an amazing place to witness marine wildlife. It’s a natural habitat for creatures like harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters, peregrine falcons, snowy plovers, etc. Apart from animals, it’s also well known as a bird preserve.

So, Morro Bay is one of the best places for someone who wants to explore and admire the natural beauty of the world and also for animal and bird lovers. Although Morro Bay is a natural estuary, its harbour is artificially made by the engineers at the U.S Army.

If you are planning to explore this beautiful place, we curated the best places and top attractions in Morro Bay. Here are the infallible things to do in Morro Bay.

Top Attractions in Morro Bay, CA

This is the list of best things to do in Morro Bay, CA:

1. Morro Rock

Morro Rock: Top Attractions in Morro Bay

This 577 feet tall centerpiece is one of the best attractions of Morro Bay. Morro Rock is a volcanic remainder from the chain of Nine Sisters (The name of the volcano chain) that can be seen from miles away. Apart from the scenic beauty, Morro Rock is also a bird sanctuary. Another plus point of visiting Morro Rock is that you can also chill on the adjacent Morro Strand Beach. Overall, Morro Beach is a good place to start your journey with.

2. The Embarcadero

The Embarcadero: things to do in morro bay
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The Embarcadero, as evident by the name, is the eastern waterfront of Morro Bay. It’s lined up with shops and restaurants that provide for the best shopping experience. The location of the Embarcadero is quite picturesque. You might not find anything trendy in the market, but it’s quite a good place for talking a walk and enjoy the weather.

3. Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle
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Hearst Castle, unlike everything else seen on Morro Bay, is quite amazing and feels that it belongs to an alien land. Operated by the National Park Service, the Castle boasts stunning architecture, an extensive library, and a world-class art museum. Named after William Randolph Hearst, Hearst Castle was built to overlook the village of Simeon. Another name for the castle is “La Cuesta Encantada” meaning The Enchanted Hill.

4. El Moro Elfin Forest

El Moro Elfin Forest: things to do in morro bay
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A home to more than 150 species of plants, 22 species of mammals, and many endangered animals and birds, El Moro Elfin Forest is located in Los Osos-Baywood Park. It’s a 90-acre natural area that is taken care of by the California State and San Luis Obispo County Park. With a 5 mile walk, you can explore the entire forest. The area also has a vast expanse of native oak trees and 150-foot high prehistoric dunes.

5. Morro Bay Maritime Museum

Morro Bay Maritime Museum: Top Attractions in Morro Bay
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The Morro Bay Maritime Museum is an expositive maritime museum that is dedicated to the showcasing of the naval military’s memorabilia. With various excellent exhibits of naval equipment and vehicles, the museum is managed by the Central Coast Maritime Museum Association along with the City of Morro Bay. The museum aims to educate the masses about the maritime heritage of California. This 1500 square foot museum was designed by the architect Jim Maul.

6. Morro Bay T Pier Sea Otters

Morro Bay T Pier Sea Otters
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Home to more than 25 Californian sea otters, the South T-Pier is a site of attraction for locals and visitors alike. Morro Bay proves as an ideal habitat for this endangered species. The visitors can play with the otters, which is a satisfying thing for most people. The Pier is very near the Embarcadero, so you can come here strolling from the Embarcadero.

7. The Coffee Pot Restaurant

Any trip to a foreign land is incomplete without tasting the local delicacies. The Coffee Pot restaurant is a diner that has been serving the community for more than 60 years. It’s the perfect place for having a delicious breakfast. Its located on the Embarcadero. From a full-fledged vegetarian breakfast to various egg dishes and meat, this eatery has it all.

8. Three Stacks and a Rock Brewing Company

There are bars and pubs in almost every city in the world. But the thing about them is that you can only enjoy ready-made drinks there. But Three Stacks and a Rock Brewing Company is a brewery cum pub with a tasting room. This means that you can taste freshly made local beers, ciders, and wines. This unique pub is a must-visit for anyone who loves beer and other drinks. They also have special weekly specials which are just amazing.

9. Virg’s Landing

If you are a fishing enthusiast, Virg’s Landing is the place for you. You could have heard about it earlier also. Virg’s landing is a 50-year-old sports fishing institution where you can learn all about fishing, the equipment, and advice from experts. There are many excursions and tours available from January to April each year. You can also enjoy their fishing charters that happen throughout the year. They have a highly experienced crew and equipment.

10. Chablis Cruises

If you don’t mind a little bit of cruising, then you should check out Chablis Cruises. Chablis Cruises offers public and private cruises departing from the north end of Embarcadero, the cruise lets you take in the best views of Morro Bay. Not even this, if you want to celebrate birthdays or some other special occasion, you can even hire the entire cruise and celebrate in a quite amazing way.

11. Morro Bay Skateboard Museum

It’s not every day that we get to hear about a museum that is dedicated to skateboards, right? To preserve and display the history of a skateboard, the Morro Bay skateboard museum features nearly 200 skateboards dating from the 1930s to the modern skateboards that we see today. It has been serving its mission since the 1930s. To be precise, it’s heaven for skateboard lovers.

12. Estero Bluffs State Park

This is the perfect place for photographers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Less than 10 miles to the north of Morro Bay, you can find Estero Bluffs, State Park. With some of the best views of California, you can get some of the best clicks of your life. Wildlife sighting is guaranteed on your visit.

Read More, Best Places To Visit In the USA

Morro Bay is situated on a natural harbour makes it a natural refuge for animals like harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters, etc. It’s a beautiful and calm place to spend your vacation on. Plan your trip and include these best things to do in morro bay on your list. These are the top attractions in Morro Bay, California.