The story of Morro Bay, a small coastal town in San Luis Obispo on California’s Central Coast, begins with its most unusual natural setting. About 23 million years ago, a chain of nine volcanic plugs rose from the earth, stretching from the mountains to the sea. The last in the string of peaks was perched at the edge of a natural estuary, protected by a long sandbar. Today this massive monolith is called Morro Rock and is a State Historical Landmark. Years of rampant quarrying has reduced its size significantly, but it still encompasses 50 acres at its base. People can walk near the rock, but no one is allowed to climb it except members of the indigenous Salinan tribe during biannual ceremonies. The Rock sits at the northern end of the Morro Bay National Estuary.
In 1933 PG&E broke ground on a new power plant and built three 450-foot smoke stacks, which became another set of Morro Bay icons alongside Morro Rock. You can’t miss them. They are no longer in use, and in 2022 the city approved plans to dismantle the stacks by 2027 and build a battery storage facility on the site. Other Morro Bay icons include The Embarcadero, the main avenue through the waterfront area, Morro Strand State Beach, and Morro Bay State Park and its fabulous Museum of Natural History.
This itinerary introduces you to the area’s stunning landscapes, iconic landmarks, and tantalizing seafood.
Dorn's Breakers Cafe, Market Avenue, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Frankie and Lola's Front Street Cafe, Front Street, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Morro Bay State Park, State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Museum of Natural History, State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Central Coast Outdoors, State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Kayak Horizons, Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Bayside Cafe, State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Tognazzini's Dockside Too, Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Morro Strand State Beach, California, USA
Morro Rock, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Estero Inn, Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Inn at Morro Bay, State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Taco Temple Morro Bay, Main Street, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Windows On the Water, Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Chablis Cruises, Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Lost Isle Adventures Harbor Tours & Whale Watching, Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Sub Sea Tours, Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Bay Cruisers - Electric Boat Rentals, Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA, USA
Best Places for Breakfast in the San Luis Obispo area
Best Things To Do in the Morning in the San Luis Obispo area
Spend your morning experiencing Morro Bay’s gorgeous outdoors. Start at Morro Bay State Park, where you can explore lagoons, trails (the easy 0.5-mile Live Oak trail is a good introduction), and spot birds. Spend an hour or so at the Museum of Natural History (details below), overlooking the Morro Bay National Estuary.
We also suggest exploring the estuary by kayak. In addition to Central Coast Outdoors highlighted below, consider A Kayak Shack or Morro Bay Paddlesports. All offer rentals and guided tours.
Morro Bay Natural History Museum
Part of Morro Bay State Park, this small but fascinating museum is a great introduction to the region. The interactive exhibits educate visitors about the natural history of the estuary, the tides that whoosh in and out of the estuary daily, plus geology, erosion, and human impacts on the land. They also show how we can protect this important coastal treasure.
Best Places for Lunch in the San Luis Obispo area
Bayside Cafe
Lunch at Bayside Cafe offers waterfront dining with a casual, friendly atmosphere. Try the famous California chowder, a blend of two of their most popular soups: clam chowder and spicy green chile. Or the crispy, beer-battered fish and chips.
Tognazzini's Dockside
The family fishing boat, the Bonnie Marietta, provides much of the delicious seafood that arrives on your plate at Tognazzini’s Dockside restaurant in the harbor near Morro Rock. Dine in the restaurant, or at their nearby fish market and patio, where local musicians often perform.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in the San Luis Obispo area
Spend the afternoon exploring the Embarcadero, Morro Rock and the adjacent Morro Strand State Beach.
Conclude your day with a relaxing cruise around the bay. Consider Chablis Cruises, Lost Isle Adventures, Sub Sea Tours, or Bay Cruisers. Or rent a bike or join a guided tour with Central Coast Outdoors.
Best Places for Dinner in the San Luis Obispo area
Windows on the Water
The menu at elegant Windows on the Water, overlooking the estuary, showcases local, seasonal ingredients in dishes like cioppino, seared scallops, local halibut, pork chops, and steaks. The extensive wine list makes it easy to pair the perfect libations to accompany your meal.
Taco Temple
Order at the unassuming Taco Temple counter and wait (briefly) for an amazing California-fusion feast to arrive at your table. The menu centers around fillings made with fresh ingredients, served in various styles: tacos, burritos, tostadas. Ask about the zesty housemade salsas.
