Page 46 - SLO Visitors Guide Winter 2026

46 WINTER 2026 slovisitorsguide.com
Morro Bay A sightseer’s delight
Explore the natural beauty of Morro
Bay, a town famous for its fog and
fishing. Whether for a day or a week,
this small town by the Rock has some-
thing for everyone.
Morro Bay is bursting with excit-
ing activities to try. There’s deep sea
fishing, whale watching, world-class
surfing, hiking, biking, and kayaking.
When it comes to birdwatching,
there’s little doubt that Morro Bay
provides the best chance for observing
a great variety of species. It’s an incred-
ible birding spectacle. There are also
harbor seals, sea lions, and sea otters.
Looking to take a slower pace?
Stroll down the Embarcadero and
browse gift shops and art galleries. Ex-
plore the local cuisine and dine on fresh
caught fish. Sit on a bench in Tidelands
Park and watch the boats leaving the
harbor or take a walk on the beach and
watch the waves. Walk out the harbor
boardwalk to Morro Rock, the 576-foot
volcanic plug that looms over the bay
and seashore. Keep an eye out for sea
otters that rest in the kelp beds near
the shore.
Attractions
Morro Bay Maritime Museum
This museum has been preserving
and interpreting the maritime history,
especially that of California since 1995.
The current fleet on exhibit includes
the tug boat “Alma” that rescued sailors
from the December 1941 Japanese
attack on a Union Oil tanker off the
coast of Morro Bay and the “Avalon,”
one of two Deep Submergence Rescue
Vehicles (DSRV) submarines designed
to rescue crews of downed submarines.
The museum is located at 1210 Em-
barcadero in Morro Bay. For hours visit
morrobaymaritime.org.
Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park, located at
60 State Park Rd. Morro Bay, features
lagoon and bay habitat, all in view of
Morro Rock. The park has opportuni-
ties for sailing, fishing, hiking and bird
watching and features a marina and
an 18-hole golf course. The Morro Bay
Golf Course is located at 201 State Park
Rd. Call (805) 772-1923 for hours and
tee times.
The park is a California state park,
visit parks.ca.gov for information about
parking, hours and other attractions.
North Point Natural Area
Operated by the City of Morro Bay,
the North Point Natural Area has a stair-
way that leads down to the beach. Once
on the beach, people can walk north
to Cayucos or south to Morro Rock.
The beach has one of the best tidepool
areas. In the spring, the meadow is full
of blooming wildflowers. The entry is
located on Toro Lane in Morro Bay.
Black Hill Trail
Located at Main St and Parkview
Dr., this 2.5 mile trail is a moderate hike.
The trail is a favorite spot for nature
walks and birdwatching. Leashed dogs
are welcome.
Giant chessboard at
Centennial Parkway
According to the United States Chess
Federation, the Giant Chessboard at
Centennial Parkway, 806 Embarcadero, is
only one of two outdoor chessboards in
the United States. The other is located in
New York City. The Morro Bay Chess Club
installed chess tables and benches adja-
cent to the Giant Chessboard. The Giant
Chessboard is available for reservations,
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., through the Morro Bay Recreation
Services for a small fee. Visitors are
always welcomed to join the Morro Bay
Chess Club on Saturdays beginning at
noon. For more information call
(805) 772-6278
Art Galleries
Art Center Morro Bay
The Gallery has become a hub for fine
art. They offer many opportunities to
purchase beautiful, local drawings,
prints, sculpture, jewelry, cards and
more through an array of venues, as
well as networking and educational
opportunities for artists to further their
craft. Morro Bay Art Center 835 Main St.,
artcentermorrobay.org,
(805) 772-2504
David J Rogers Fine Art
Visit the gallery and working studio of
local artist, David J Rogers. He offers
original paintings, giclée prints, cards,
gifts and live watercolor workshops.
Located in downtown Morro Bay,
407 Morro Bay Blvd., open daily 10
am - 5 pm, Sundays 11 am - 4 pm,
davidjrogersart.com, (805) 225-5077
Attractions & Tours
Bay Cruisers
Offers a variety of fun water activities
including electric boat rides, kayak
rentals and sailing lessons on the bay.
Contact us today to schedule your
next boating adventure. We're on the
waterfront! 845 Embarcadero, #11 Morro
Bay BayCruisers.com, (805) 771-9339
A-LEAVE ANTIQUES
& GIFTERY
1108 Front Street
Morro Bay, CA 93442
BEACH CRUISER, SURREY RENTALS,
GIFTS, & ANTIQUES!
Aleaveantiquesandgiftery@gmail.com
(805) 369-9258 • Robin & Linda Balagno