Centrally located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay is a small coastal city in California known for its unique natural beauty. The eucalyptus trees, volcanic mounds, and Morro Bay Harbor are home to an assortment of marine wildlife — sea otters, dolphins, and peregrine falcons are just a few of the animals commonly seen in Morro Bay. With year-round surfing, kayaking, boating, and biking opportunities available, there is always something to do here.

In addition to the magnificent views and year-round activities, the local dining options give visitors yet another reason to experience the city of Morro Bay. The freshly caught seafood and made-from-scratch plates will leave your mouth watering, while the local ice cream and candy shops provide visitors with something sweet to finish off their meal.

The weather in Morro Bay is considered generally mild year-round; however, May through October offers pleasant, warm temperatures with limited rainfall and various events scheduled. The Waterfront Market runs on Saturdays and Sundays from June to October, offering various items including candles, bath and body products, knitted goods, jewelry, locally-made snacks, and drinks. A popular September celebration features local food, drinks, live entertainment, dancing, arts, and crafts, making this a wonderful time for visitors to look for vacation rentals in Morro Bay. While the temperature is slightly cooler in April, it’s a great time to see the area’s rolling hills, which are normally golden brown, turn green.

Morro Rock

The Morro Rock, a 576-foot tall volcanic plug at the entrance of the Morro Bay Harbor, is the city’s most famous landmark. While the rock can be seen from anywhere in Morro Bay, getting up close provides an entirely different view of the jagged volcanic surfaces and the fine sand at the base. Falcons are commonly seen up above, while otters can be seen in the water surrounding the rock.

The Embarcadero

The Morro Bay Embarcadero is a waterfront strip lined with shops and restaurants. The strip features numerous clothing boutiques, art galleries, surf shops, souvenir shops, and candy stores. Many of the restaurants have outdoor patio seating, allowing customers to enjoy the salty air and the sound of the water below while dining on the wide variety of fresh seafood. In addition to the shopping and dining, there are kayak, boating, and scuba diving experiences at the Embarcadero.

Morro Bay State Park

The Morro Bay State Park provides opportunities to boat, canoe, hike, and even golf. Numerous picnic tables are located throughout the park, giving visitors a place to sit and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The Museum of Natural History is also located in the park and provides activities for all age groups, including hand-on displays, exhibits, lectures, puppet shows, and videos.