Renowned for its ancient volcanic plug that protrudes from the beach, Morro Bay is a seaside town on the California coast. It boasts excellent birdwatching and marine life encounters, as well as scenic walks to the top of its rugged surrounding peaks.

Things to do

The striking volcanic plug of Morro Rock rises 175 metres high at the entrance to the harbour. It’s connected to the town along a tidal causeway and provides an important nesting habitat for cormorants, gulls and peregrine falcons.

Morro Rock is protected within the Morro Bay State Park, which is flanked by brackish lagoons popular with birdwatchers and traversed by hiking trails. Visit the on-site Museum of Natural History that overlooks the Morro Bay estuary and features interactive displays on the local ecology and Native American culture.

Stroll along the Embarcadero that lines the eastern edge of Morro Bay and offers sightings of sea lions and sea otters playing in the waters. Stop for a game of chess on the giant board, watch the fishing boats, then grab a bite to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants.

For the best views in town, follow the short trail that leads to the volcanic peak summit of Black Hill within Morro Bay State Park. The trail winds beneath Monterey pines and along sage-covered slopes, with views all the way to Montaña de Oro State Park, Cerro Cabrillo and Morro Rock.

Getting around

Morro Bay is 25 minutes’ drive from San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport and just over three hours’ drive from Los Angeles. Buses travel throughout the town and a free trolley runs along the Embarcadero, while most of the sights are within walking distance of one another.