Two years ago, we set off in the van to camp at Morro Bay State Park and celebrate Steven’s birthday. It was the first overnight trip with our new platform bed, which Steven had spent a couple of weekends building. We were beyond excited, and that trip sparked something in the four of us that we couldn’t explain. It felt right. It felt like home.
It may not have been the catalyst for Our Great Big Adventure, but it definitely played a role in feeding our growing desire to travel more often. More overnights in the van, more adventure, and more time together as a family!
Two years later, here we are — back in the same place.
Morro Bay is a small, coastal town about 12 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo, right off of Highway 1. It’s best known for Morro Rock, a gigantic ancient volcanic plug that can be seen for miles along the coastline. While Morro Bay’s busy season is mostly during the summer months, it’s a little known secret that Fall and Winter are actually the best time of the year to visit. Cue the sunshine and temps in the 70s!
While we were only in Morro Bay for 12 days, we discovered that there is so much to do in and around this area. We didn’t get to it all, but that’s OK — it just ensures that we’ll be back. ? Whether you’re coming for the day, a weekend or even longer, here are some of our favorite things to do in Morro Bay!
Hang Out at the Beach
Did you know that Morro Bay has over six miles of pristine beaches? Near the Embarcadero, Morro Beach is the perfect place to peer up at Morro Rock, watch the surfers catch waves, or just post up and relax. It’s also where we found ourselves in the evening, taking in the gorgeous sunset as Morro Rock comes alive with color.
One of the best ways to take in this special place is to catch a boat tour with Captain Stew. It’s a really inexpensive way to learn more about the area, and catch a closer look at the adorable sea lions and sea otters that inhabit the bay. For us as a family of four, it cost $30 for a 45-minute boat ride (and we got to take our dog Ruby with us!). Easily one of our favorite excursions on this trip!
If you’re looking for a long stroll along the coastline, check out Morro Strand State Beach. Explore the dunes. Fly a kite! (The latter is restricted between March through September to protect sensitive species.) One note about this beach — dogs are not allowed. See the next recommendation if you’re exploring Morro Bay with your four-legged friend!
Toro Creek Beach is the ultimate dog beach. Wide open spaces allow for plenty of room for your pup to roam, which was perfect for our Ruby. It’s great for the kiddos too, as you can find tons of sand dollars as you walk along the coastline. The sunset here is beyond gorgeous, with perfect views of Morro Rock and Cayucos.
When we first came to the area at the beginning of Our Great Big Adventure, one of our favorite places was Moonstone Beach in Cambria. (You can read about our favorite San Luis Obispo area things to do here!) Cambria is only a 30-minute drive from Morro Bay, so we decided to go back and explore some more. This time of the year couldn’t be any better as far as the weather goes, and we saw seals, sea anemones and crabs at the tide pools!
While we didn’t visit on this trip, Cayucos is another beautiful beach with the cutest little coastal town.
Go for a Hike
There are SO many places to hike in and around Morro Bay that we could not get to all of them if even we tried. (Yet another reason to come back!) While you can certainly hike some of the Nine Sisters nearby, we focused on quick and easy treks that the kiddos will love.
One of our first adventures here was visiting the El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area in Los Osos, a town just a short 15 minute drive from Morro Bay. The name “Elfin Forest” comes from the short stature of the California Live Oaks, which grow as tall as 50 feet elsewhere in Los Osos. Here they are stunted by the local environment and, despite being centuries old, range from a high of 20 feet in sheltered areas to a low of four feet near the tallest ridge line. As you walk along the boardwalk, it’s evident that a lot of time, energy and care was put into preserving this special place! There’s definitely something magical here.
Another local gem is Montaña de Oro State Park in Los Osos. If you can, give yourself a half or full day to truly explore. Take a moment to visit the ranch house, which is super kid-friendly and got the kids pumped to learn about its history. There’s a fun scavenger hunt with the cows hidden (in plain sight) all around the ranch house where the kiddos can find them all for a little prize. Plus, there’s a Junior Ranger program where children can fill out a booklet to earn a badge. At the recommendation of the docent on duty, we took the Bluff Trail down to the tide pools. The views were AMAZING! (And to my surprise, the boys didn’t complain about the trek once! ??) If you go at low tide, you can check out the tide pools along the bluffs. The Bluff Trail can loop around for three miles, but if you’re hiking with littles, you can get down to the tide pools about a mile in. Afterwards, park down at Spooner’s Cove. You can spend countless hours here searching for the teeniest, tiniest, cutest seashells on the beach!
Anytime I can find old oak trees for the boys to climb, I know we’re gonna have a great day. So when we discovered the Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve, we were all happy campers! This place is home to 800-year-old oak trees, protected on 90 acres of land. There are several easy trails — Chumash Trail, Los Osos Trail and Oak View Trail — that loop throughout the park. All are intertwined and between .75 to 1.5 miles long. (Because of the former, I highly recommend looking at All Trails as you hike along.)
Another short, super easy hike is the Marina Peninsula Trail just outside of the Morro Bay State Park. It offers up some fantastic views of Morro Rock, as well as the estuary and the sandspit. Bring your binoculars — this 0.7 mile loop is perfect for birdwatching!
If you’re visiting between November and February, be sure to drive down to the Pismo Beach Monarch Preserve. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Morro Bay. Here you can see thousands of monarch butterflies clustered in the tall eucalyptus trees. There are usually a few volunteers with telescopes set up, or you can bring your binoculars to get a closer view.
The Black Hill Trail in Morro Bay State Park undoubtedly offers the best views of the entire coastline! I took Ruby with me for a morning hike, since it’s about 2.5 miles and mostly at an incline. As I trekked up the hill, there is a spot relatively close to the top where you can drive up and park. (Perfect for those who want to get the view, but don’t want to sweat it out.)
Other Fun Things to Do in Morro Bay
There are lots of other things to do in Morro Bay — like exploring the Embarcadero or taking a stroll downtown. Here are a few more places we recommend if you’re in town:
Carousel Taffy — Do yourself a favor, and grab a basket. There are sooooo many flavors to choose from, like PB&J, S’mores, Mango & Chili, Caramel Apple and more. One of our favorite little stops on the Embarcadero.
Farmer’s Market in Baywood/Osos — We happened to take the scenic route home from Montaña de Oro, and stumbled upon the greatest little farmer’s market. A huge selection of locally grown produce, as well as artisan cheese and hummus. Get there early… there’s a fish truck with lobster, oysters, tuna and more, and the line gets long quick!
Museum of Natural History – Open daily from 10am-5pm, this is a great way to learn more about the natural habitats in the area through interactive displays. More fab views of Morro Rock, too! Admission: $3 adults; Children 17 & younger, FREE
Beach Burger — Our first meal was here, and it did not disappoint. Fantastic waterfront views, delicious burgers and tots, and super friendly service.
Wee Burger — OK, so we had to try this place too! The John Wayne burger is where it’s at.
Ruby Dragon — If your kids are into cool, colorful crystals like mine are, then this is a must stop. There are SO many to choose from, and the staff was super patient and helpful with my boys.
Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant Too — If you’re in the mood for seafood but don’t want the fancy sit down restaurant, head here. I stopped in for a crab salad, and witnessed WAY too many good-looking dishes coming out of that kitchen! BTW, the crab salad is crazy delicious!
Have you ever been to Morro Bay? Did I miss any of your personal favorites?
