A day in Morro Bay: Top Things to do and Itinerary

Morro Bay is a laid-back coastal town on California’s Central Coast. It is known for its iconic Morro Rock, marine life, water activities, and fresh seafood. Due to fewer crowds, it is a favorite coastal getaway among the locals.

I had seen pictures of Morro Rock online, and I was really intrigued by the huge volcanic rock on the beach. On our long weekend getaway to Paso Robles, I set aside a day to explore Morro Bay with my family, and it turned out to be a relaxing beach day.

Whether you’re visiting the Central California coast for a quick getaway or just passing through on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, I highly recommend visiting Morro Bay.

Read on to find out the top things to do and how to spend a day in Morro Bay.

Top things to do in Morro Bay

Morro Bay is a peaceful and beautiful coastal town and offers plenty to see and do, from scenic strolls along the bay and kayaking to fresh seafood and wildlife spotting. Below are some of the top attractions and activities here.

See Morro Rock

Morro Rock, a volcanic plug, is kind of the main attraction here. It’s massive and hard to miss as the rock can be seen from almost anywhere along the Morro Bay coastline.

While climbing the rock is off-limits, you can get a great view from Morro Rock Beach or take a walk along the nearby Embarcadero for views from different angles.

We parked at the parking lot at Morro Rock Beach and walked along the perimeter of the rock along Coleman Dr. It’s a nice waterfront stroll with epic views.

Unwind at Morro Rock Beach

Morro Rock Beach sits right at the base of the iconic Morro Rock, offering calming ocean views and a peaceful spot to relax.

The wide, sandy beach is great for walking along the shoreline, watching the waves crash, or just soaking in the scenery. Or, if you are like me, a great place to take in the Morro Rock views!

It’s also a popular spot for surfers, though the waves can be strong. Keep in mind that swimming isn’t advised due to strong currents. My family had fun playing at the beach. We got our frisbee and sand toys and had a blast. We also packed a picnic to eat at the beach.

Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding

Morro Bay’s calm waters make it a great place for kayaking or paddleboarding. Kayak Shack near Morro Bay State Park is a popular spot for kayak and canoe rentals.

You might see otters playing in the water, harbor seals, and a variety of coastal birds while exploring the bay.

Walk along Embarcadero

This waterfront area is lined with shops, seafood restaurants, and places to grab a coffee or dessert with a view. It’s the perfect spot for a stroll, and you might see otters floating in the bay or sea lions lounging near the deck.

The Embarcadero has great views of Morro Rock and is a great place for photographing the rock and the harbor. The boats in the harbor looked pretty when we visited, with a slight fog rolling in.

You also get a clear view of the three smoke stacks that belong to a former power plant.

Try local restaurants

Morro Bay is known for its fresh seafood, especially oysters. Grab a meal at a waterfront restaurant for some of the freshest catches. Below are some top recommendations for where to eat in Morro Bay:

• Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley – Fresh seafood on the Embarcadero, known for fresh fish sandwiches and clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Has outdoor waterfront seating.
• Carla’s Country Kitchen – Classic breakfast spot in town with hearty portions.
• The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar – Great spot for seafood with Morro Rock views. Reservations recommended.
• Tognazzini’s Dockside – Known for BBQ’d oysters, fish & chips, and other seafood.
• Blue Sky Bistro – Another cozy seafood joint with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options and waterfront views.
• Dorn’s Breakers Café – Breakfast and lunch fare focussing on fresh seafood.
• Mi Casa – Mexican restaurant serving traditional Mexican dishes, north of Morro State Beach.
• La Parisienne – French bakery serving coffee, baked goods and sandwiches. Expect lines in the morning.
• Sun-N-Buns Bakery & Espresso Bar – For coffee and baked goods.
• The Dough Connection – For ice cream treats.

Visit Morro Bay State Park

For a mix of nature, wildlife, and history, head to Morro Bay State Park. The Morro Bay State Park Boardwalk is nice for a stroll along the Morro Bay Estuary to spot some seasonal birds.

For a more moderately challenging hike, try the Black Hill trail. This hike is popular for rewarding with views of Morro Rock and the town from the top. Plus, you will be climbing one of the volcanic mountains from the Nine sisters that are spread between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay, with Morro Rock being the last one.

The Museum of Natural History here offers educational and interactive exhibits about the bay’s ecosystem. Bayside Cafe nearby is great for a lunch stop.

How to spend a day in Morro Bay

If you have just one day in Morro Bay, here’s a simple itinerary to make the most of it. It is also totally ok to just pack a picnic and chill at the beach while viewing Morro Rock. But I highly recommend walking along the Embarcadero waterfront later.

Morning

• Start with sit down breakfast at a local café like Carla’s Country Kitchen or grab coffee and a pastry from La Parisienne.
• Visit Morro Rock and take a walk along the beach.
• You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Kayak Shack and explore Morro Bay.

Afternoon

• Have lunch at one of the seafood restaurants along the Embarcadero waterfront, like Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley.
• Head to Morro Bay State Park for a short hike along the boardwalk or visit the Museum of Natural History.

Evening

• Watch the sunset from Morro Rock Beach.
• Take a walk along the Embarcadero waterfront and try one of the seafood restaurants for dinner, like The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar.

What else is nearby

Morro Bay is a great base for exploring more of California’s Central Coast. Here are a few nearby places worth visiting:

• San Luis Obispo – About 20 minutes away, this lively college town has great restaurants, hiking trails, and the famous Bubblegum Alley.
• Paso Robles Wine Country – If you have an extra day, head inland to Paso Robles for wine tasting at some of California’s best wineries. The popular outdoor light exhibit, Sensorio Field of Lights, is in Paso Robles.
• Montana de Oro State Park – A stunning coastal park with dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and hiking trails just a short drive south. The Bluff trail here is very popular.
• Cayucos – A small beach town just 10 minutes north, known for its historic pier and famous Brown Butter Cookie Company.
• Pismo Beach -A popular California beach town with a long sandy shoreline, the iconic Pismo Beach Pier, and known for ATV rides at the Oceano Dunes.
• Avila Beach – A quieter beach town with a peaceful waterfront area, natural hot springs, and bike trails.

Final takeaways: Top Things to do in Morro Bay and Itinerary

I will always remember Morro Bay as a peaceful coastal town with an iconic volcano rock sitting on the beach. It’s hard not to fall in love with the scenery here.

Whether you’re kayaking and chance upon sea otters, walking along the Embarcadero, or watching the sunset at the beach, there’s plenty to enjoy in this coastal gem. If you have more time, consider staying overnight to explore even more of California’s Central Coast.