Morro Bay is in San Luis Obispo County in the Central Coast region of California .

Traveling around

Morro Bay can be traveled on foot but isn't very car friendly. People have trouble finding places to park on the Embarcadero, the main street along the waterfront. A free trolley shuttle runs the length of the Embarcadero from larger parking areas are at Morro Rock to the north of the bay and city marina at the south end of the Embarcadero on the weekends.

See

• Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History, Morro Bay State Park Road, ☎ +1 805 772-2694 Daily: 10AM-5PM; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The only Natural History Museum in the State Park system, this museum focuses on the unique environment of Morro Bay and its estuary. Adults: $2.00, 16 and under: Free.
• Morro Rock - The great sight is the surf at the base of Morro Rock ['The Rock' locally] which is the lava plug remnant of an ancient volcano. A new [end of 2007] bayside walk connects the Embarcadero waterfront to the ocean and harbor entry. The jetty that guards the bay mouth is a popular but dangerous surf vantage point, and one must take care with rogue waves which have killed visitors here. 'The Rock' is a protected Native American shrine and home to endangered Peregrine Falcons.

Things to do

Go eat at Abba's restaurant, you will know why. There is a giant chess board in the middle of Embarcadero Rd. Morro Bay also boosts a small aquarium for a very cheap price. Make sure to take lots of pictures in this small town by the coast.

The Embarcadero is the main tourist area and lines the east side of the bay in the City of Morro Bay. It is easy to find free parking and is a great walking experience along a still working port and eco-tourist destination. A variety of marine life is here, from sea otters to sea lions, and the town is a declared bird sanctuary. Local shops cater to the tourist trade with art, t-shirts and the like as well as many restaurants of all prices. Some excellent deep sea fishing originates here as well, at the north end of the Embarcadero. A public park and boat launch are at the south end of the Embarcadero. RVs and mobile homes may day park at either end and there is a public trolley that runs its length.

Popular local surfing locations are to the north on easy access beach from free public parking and across the harbor entry to the north end of the sand spit that forms the west edge of the bay.

If time permits, one can rent a kayak and explore the south part of the bay, which is one of the larger estuaries on the west coast. A favorite local tradition is to kayak from Morro Bay State Park or Embarcadero docks to the massive sand spit for a picnic.

To the north of town is the Morro Strand State beach which offers additional surfing possibilities and many locals with their dogs in a fairly open uncrowded setting. To the south of the town is Morro Bay State Park which includes an impressive public golf course set in pines on challenging hillsides with amazing views to the ocean and bay. A newly renovated public campground is available. the Morro Bay Natural History Museum is an excellent small venue to learn about the estuary and marine life of the bay.

Eat

There are numerous places to eat in Morro Bay. A nice restaurant located at the front of the bay is Abba's, locally renowned for its great food.

Dorn's Original Breaker's Cafe (801 Market Ave.), right above the Embarcadero, has great views, and is both a popular and reliable choice, especially for older patrons.

The Outrigger Restaurant (833 Embarcadero) makes for a great dining experience and plays host to many out-of-towners as well as locals.

Delicious french dip sandwiches are hand-carved in front of you at the Hofbrau restaurant (901 Embarcadero), which serves up German fare as well as the popular waterfront fish and chips and clam chowder options.

For an amazing carne asada burrito and authentic experience, head to Taco de Mexico (980 Main Street) for lunch. Referred to by locals simply as "Tacos De," this popular spot is easy, fast, and inexpensive, though lines can be out the door around noon.

If you are looking for an escape from the often tourist-filled Embarcadero dining scene, follow Main Street to North Morro Bay. There you will find Lolo's Mexican restaurant (2848 Main Street), a great, family-friendly Mexican eatery with the best chips and salsa around (their salsa is bottled and sold in local grocery stores as well as in the restaurant).

Nearby and usually only open for dinners is the small, quirky, and charming Beach House Bistro (2770 Main St.), with a wide variety of gourmet fare, great specials, and awesome wait service. Perfect for a romantic date after a day of surfing.

For additional waterfront dining, check out the Bayside Cafe (10 State Park Road), located at the local Marina. Offering outside and inside seating and a view of kayakers, this restaurant is great for small family gatherings or long conversations with friends. Try the catch of the day sandwich, which is almost always salmon cooked to perfection.

Sleep

• Twin Dolphin Inn, 590 Morro Ave, ☎ 805-772-4483 Located 1 block to the waterfront, restaurants and shopping. Hotel features Pillow Top Beds, Balconies, Heated SPA, Free Breakfast, Free Internet Usage. $79.
• Anchor Inn, 220 Beach Street, ☎ +1 805 772-3333
• Ascot Suites, 260 Morro Bay Blvd, ☎ +1 805 772-4438
• Best Western El Rancho, 2460 Main Street, ☎ +1 805 772-2212 (fax: +1 805 772-2212),
• Best Western San Marcos Motor Inn, 250 Pacific Street, ☎ +1 805 772-2248 (fax: +1 805 772-6844),
• Best Western Tradewinds Motel, 225 Beach Street, ☎ +1 805 772-7376 (fax: +1 805 772-2090),
• Days Inn, 1095 Main St, +1 805-772-2711, .
• Econo Lodge, 1100 Main St., ☎ +1 805 772-5609 (fax: +1 805 772-1051), $40-$100.
• Inn at Morro Bay, 60 State Park Road, . Uniquely located on 4,000 acres just inside Morro Bay State Park offering a coastal hideaway of unsurpassed natural beauty.
• Motel 6, 298 Atascadero Road, ☎ +1 805 772-5641 (fax: +1 805 772-3233),

Get out

• Montana de Oro State Park, 3550 Pechco Valley Road, Los Osos (Take Pechco Valley Road to the end), ☎ +1 805 528-0513 This 8,000 acre park has miles of hiking trails, ocean fishing, a beautiful cove, and 50 primitive camping sites (i.e. vault toilets and water from tanks). Located about 6 mi (9 km) southwest of Morro Bay.