Page 45 - SLO Visitors Guide - Summer 2026

slovisitorsguide.com SUMMER 2026 45
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 something
for everyone.
Morro Bay is bursting with exciting
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 incredible
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. Explore 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 Embarcadero 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 opportunities 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 Chess-
board at Centennial Parkway, 806 Em-
barcadero, 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 adjacent to the Gi-
ant 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 Ser-
vices 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
KFK Gallery & Studio
A must-visit gallery featuring fine art,
3D printed sculpture, unique gifts,
and global fair trade items. Open daily
except Tuesday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,
downtown Morro Bay at 875 Main St.,
Suite A, kfkdesigns.com/art,
(805) 903-2174
Attractions & Tours
Art in the Park Morro Bay
This celebration of art, creativity,
and community returns Memorial
Day, Fourth of July, and Labor
Day weekends at the Morro Bay
Park. Hosted by the Morro Bay
Art Association, this tradition is a
fundraiser supporting a nonprofit,
all-volunteer organization that has
championed artists since 1951,
artcentermorrobay.com
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