If you know one thing about Morro Bay, it’s probably the ~*otters*~ – and, honestly, I can’t blame you. No other spot in California has such a consistent population of Otters habitating so close to shore. I’ll admit that, when I first vacationed in Morro Bay, I came exclusively for the Otter sightings (have I said the word “otter” enough yet?) and they did not disappoint. But Morro Bay has so much more to offer!

This quiet little spot is now a regular in my travel rotation. It’s unpretentious, affordable, and nature-focused. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly weekend coastal getaway, you’ve found it in Morro Bay.

Where Is It, Exactly? 

Morro Bay is nestled along California’s central coast. Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, it’s a convenient stop for city-dwellers or anyone making a trip along the PCH.

(Note: This guide also includes stops in nearby Montaña De Oro and Los Osos. If you have the time, consider tacking on a few days in Cambria or a day-trip to Cayucos!)

How To Get There

Driving to Morro Bay is far and away the superior mode of transportation– it’s the best way to take in the coastal views. Plus, you’ll want your wheels for exploring other important stops like Montaña De Oro.

If flying is more convenient, San Luis Obispo Airport is just 17 miles away. Even so, I highly suggest renting a car upon arrival. Public transit has no direct or convenient route to the coast.

When To Visit

Because of its southern location and proximity to the ocean, Morro Bay is a year-round destination. The weather stays mild– never too hot or too cold. Summer and fall are prime for water-based activities, while winter tends to bring more rain.

Where To Stay

Morro Bay is a fantastic option for a coastal vacation without the price tag. You won’t find any 5-star accommodations, and that’s part of its charm. Likewise, there aren’t many lavish airbnbs to choose from either. 

Instead, the town has cozy and romantic Inns. I highly recommend the Estero Inn or Inn at Rose’s Landing. Both offer intimate hotel stays with beautiful views of the bay. They are, without question, the best places to stay in town. For the serious budget-conscious travelers, however, have your pick of any 2-star accommodations near the embarcadero (like the Blufftop Inn). Alternatively, there are fantastic camping opportunities in Montaña De Oro.

Morro Bay 2 Day Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival

Friday Evening

Start your road trip to Morro Bay on Friday afternoon, aiming to arrive by early evening.

On your way, make a sweet pit stop in Cayucos at the  Brown Butter Cookie Company (if you’re coming via Los Angeles, their location in SLO may be more convenient). Grab a few free samples and one of their signature cookies. It’s no frills and guaranteed good.

Extra: If you can spare a few extra hours, consider extending your day in Cayucos.

Day 1: Morro Bay

Saturday Morning

• Kayaking with Sea Otters

Obviously, starting your day off with the iconic Morro Bay Otters is quintessential. Kayaking on the bay is worth every penny and one of the most beloved activities in town. Wake up early and paddle between the sail boats along the coastline– you’ll witness playful sea otters and sea lions swimming alongside you (be sure to respect their space– they may be cute but they are wild animals). 

Morning is the best time to get out on the water as the wildlife is more active and the town is still waking up.

• Brunch

After such an active start to your day, treat yourself to a delicious brunch at Frankie and Lola’s. Be sure to order the cinnamon rolls! If brunch isn’t your thing, head over to Taco Temple for some authentic Mexican food.

• Shopping Along the Embarcadero

By late morning, all the shops along the Embarcadero will be open. There are countless worthy knick-knack stops, but my favorites are:

• Visit Giovanni’s

End your trek at Giovanni’s to check out their outdoor crab tank. Every few minutes staff removes a live crab from the tank and brings it into the restaurant– it’s a little morbid, don’t think about it too hard.

Saturday Afternoon

• Farmer’s Market

Make a quick stop at the Morro Bay Farmer’s Market between 2:30-5 PM (the farmer’s market takes place on Saturday afternoons only unless otherwise specified). It’s manageable in less than an hour, with cute trinkets, a wide array of local food and produce, and musicians. Located just a few blocks up from the Embarcadero on Main Street.

• Snack at La Parisienne

Grab a snack or light lunch at La Parisienne. They serve the best pies and pastries in town (hands down), along with delicious soups and sandwiches. Like most of Morro Bay, it’s no frills.

• Morro Strand State Beach

Head to Morro Strand State Beach to sunbathe or wade in the ocean on a nice day. For the adventurous, consider taking a surf-lesson. It’s a primo surf spot due to the protected cove and the long sandbank. If you’re a land-lubber, you can enjoy watching the many surfers from shore. I’ve never seen less than 10 surfers in the water at a time, even during the winter.

• Morro Rock Trek:

The other iconic landmark of Morro Bay is, of course, Morro Rock. You can’t miss it– it’s the giant rock formation jutting out of the ocean and one of Morro Bay’s most recognizable landmarks. One of my favorite activities is making the short walk to the farthest end of Morro Rock. Once you reach the break-wall, find a good sitting rock and admire the massive waves and they crash into onto the stones. You can really feel the power of the ocean here. Sometimes you’ll even catch Otters navigating the waves.

Bonus Activity: If you’re hankering for something extra, there’s a basketball court located between Morro Beach and Morro Rock. Should you happen to have a basketball with you, it’s a great spot to play around and certainly one of the best views from a basketball court.

• Dinner at The Galley:

Morro Bay’s seafood leaves a little something to be desired despite its proximity to the ocean (although there are good Oysters if that’s your thing), but if you’re looking for goof fish, The Galley is the best spot in town. It offers fantastic views of Morro Rock, has a slightly more elevated atmosphere, and it’s a great spot to hit at sunset.

• Carousel Taffy:

After dinner, stop by Carousel Taffy for a treat. Taffy shops are a dime a dozen in tourist towns, but Carousel is particularly lively with their neon lights and hanging decor– it’s worth hitting up at night rather than during the day. Not to mention, it’s so cheap!

• Dessert at The Dough Connection:

If you’re craving something a little more filling than taffy, and you want something sweet to cap off the night, head to The Dough Connection for ice cream. I’ve tried every ice cream shop along the Embarcadero (and there are several to choose from) but trust that Dough Connection is the spot.

Day Two: Montaña de Oro

Sunday Morning

• Coffee and Bagels at TopDog Coffee:

A trip to Morro Bay really isn’t complete without a coffee and bagel sandwich from TopDog Coffee. It’s a proper cafe, with comfy seating and quality espresso. The bagel and lox is perfect — filling (but not TOO filling) and just the right amount of toppings. I go to TopDog whenever I come into town (usually multiple times).

• Lunch at High Street Deli

As you continue toward MDO, make a pit stop at High Street Deli in Los Osos for the best sandwiches on the central coast. It’s 420 themed, which I could take or leave, but the sammies are unbelievable and the restaurant is modern with a spacious front deck.

Sunday Afternoon

• Montaña de Oro State Park:

No trip to Morro Bay is complete without exploring nearby Montaña de Oro State Park. This stunning swath of land is a paradise for anyone who loves cliffside ocean views, hiking, tide pools, swimming, and surfing (I think that should cover just about everyone?). Entrance to the park is free, including parking.

Highlights to Explore in Montaña De Oro

• Spooner’s Cove:
  Framed by steep cliff-sides and a sandy beach, Spooner’s Cove is the most popular stop in the park (for good reason)! Here, you can take a dip in the ocean, launch a sea-kayak, and watch the most idyllic sunset (seriously, the sunsets here on a clear day are unmatched). 

My top activity at Spooner’s Cove is exploring the Tide Pools. Time your visit for low tide and climb over the unique, slanted rock formations that were once part of the seafloor to discover the vibrant marine life (including sooo many crabs). Bonus points if you time your tide-pooling with the sunset.

• The Bluff Trail Hike:

For a scenic stroll, take the 3-mile Bluff Trail Loop that hugs the cliffside. This trail is more of a leisurely walk, with a gentle elevation gain of 90 feet. Halfway through, you’ll find a staircase leading down to more tide pools. But the star of the show is the incredible coastal views, ideal whale-watching overlooks, and jutting rock formations all along the coastline.

• Sunset

Cap off the weekend with the sunset in Montaña de Oro, you can’t really pick a wrong spot as long as you can see it! My personal favorite place, however, is back at Spooner’s cove. The vibrant canvas of purples and oranges reflecting off of the water, coupled with the shadows of the canyons, was spectacular.

Wellness Tips

Morro Bay is ideal for grounding and  reconnecting with nature. The town is slow-moving and highly focused on the surrounding nature and wildlife. Even with this “stacked” itinerary, the theme of Morro Bay is– there’s no rush. Moving slowly and mindfully just feels good in a place like this. 

Note: Morro Bay is a small town with a mixed political and socio-economic population. There is a ruggedness to the town as a whole. Locals are known to be inviting and welcoming toward visitors.

Wellness Activities

• Eco-Tours

There are many different guided tours you can take in Morro Bay including: Kayaking on the bay or the estuary, guided biking tours, and Whale Watching. Whale watching in Morro Bay is significantly cheaper than in more populated locations, so take advantage!

See groups like Central Coast Outdoors and Morro Bay Whale Watching. 

 The only tour that may not be worth the money is the sub sea tours– unless you have children, it’s underwhelming and feels more touristy than other options.

• Aurora Adventures

Check out Aurora Adventures, where you can join retreats and group sessions focused on yoga and meditation. They also offer incredible package opportunities like tide pooling with a marine biologist, visiting local artists in their studios, and touring a local ranch and creamery (complete with a complimentary cheese tasting!).

• Serenity by the Sea

Though Morro Bay isn’t known as a spa town by any means, Serenity by the Sea is a local favorite!

• Disconnect in Montana de Oro State Park

As highlighted in the itinerary, a visit to Montana de Oro State Park is a must. On top of its natural beauty, sparsely populated, and offers endless opportunities to connect with nature through scenic trails, picnic stops, and the fresh ocean breeze. Reconnecting with nature is the number one activity I can do that soothes my nervous system. In Morro Bay, you’re surrounded by it, and it’s entirely free!

Enjoy!

I hope you have a peaceful weekend getaway in Morro Bay! Check out my other detailed itineraries to make the most out of your next adventure.

xoxo

-L