Looking for a refreshing weekend filled with dramatic coastlines, salty hair, and mesmerizing wildlife? This is your guide! You can transform a weekend in Morro Bay into an adventurous time for couples, besties and families with kids. And of course, this guide is on a budget (with some splurge options). Escape the crowds and reconnect with nature on California's Central Coast.
In this guide you'll find:
⛺️Budget Lodging
🌊Surf Spot Rankings
🦦Wildlife Viewing Tips
🥾Must-do Hikes and Attractions
🥧Restaurant Recommendations (for the Gluten-Free and Gluten-Lovers alike)
🧳Detailed packing list
When I think of my happy place, my mind goes to California's Central Coast. I recommend a full 3-day weekend because of the volume of awe-inspiring activities available. You'll want time to lay out on the beach and relax, too! If you are an animal lover like I am, you will see recommended times to visit based on the habits of the local wildlife below.
San Carpoforo Creek Beach is a FREE beach to pitch a tent at for the night!
I have camped here twice, and adore it. It is a frequented beach, but there is plenty of space to enjoy your own corner of wilderness. From the turn out, it is less than a 1/4 mile along a creek trail to the water front.
There are no fires allowed at the beach, per local regulations. Remember, pack in, pack out, as there are no trash cans or amenities at this location. We found it easiest to bring a backpacking set up to limit your trips back and forth from the road. However, the walk is well worth it, even with a cooler!
This fully-equipped campground is the perfect place to explore town from. Located in Morro Bay State Park, it is a 5 minute drive from the Embarcadero, and 1 min from the bayside waterfront.
The campground is walking distance from a variety of fun activities. Across from the entrance, there are kayak rentals, a bayside cafe, and the natural history museum. The campground borders a golf course, and has trailheads to explore the bay from. There is even a tree behind the hiker campsites where Monarch butterflies gather.
Most of the spaces are nestled in between Eucalyptus trees. Each space is equipped with a campfire pit, coal pit, lockable storage box (bring your own lock), parking pad, and picnic table.
In my opinion, campsite 125 is the best balance of space and seclusion.
~$32 per night, released 6 months in advance
Showers are $0.50 for 3 minute increments. There is hot water, but it can take a minute to heat up.
The charming Sandpiper Inn is conveniently located minutes from Main Street and the Natural History Museum.
Each room is decorated with bright coastal linens, and equipped with a TV, microwave and mini fridge.
We passed it on our way to the Natural History Museum, and it caught our eye from the street! The nights average around $130 per night, making it a steal for a couple!
This clean and modern inn is just 5 minutes walking distance from the Morro Bay waterfront and downtown.
Rooms are well equipped with TV, a coffee machine, mini fridge and microwave.
Stay here for a comfortable local stay!
If you are traveling with a big group, or multiple families, this 3 bedroom vacation home is for you!
It is only 1.5 miles from Morro Strands Beach, and is fully equipped with an oven and microwave, washing machines, three bathrooms, and basic toiletries.
This property usually books in advance.
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What to Do
Hiking
Here are 3 of my favorite hikes that boast breathtaking views of the water and/or mountains!
The Valencia Peak out and back is 4.4 miles with significant elevation gain (1,256 feet). Steadily climbing the whole way, be sure to look back over your shoulder as the view changes. We enjoyed plentiful wildflowers on our ascent, and were grateful that fog cleared by the time we descended. Stunning views of the ocean and the mountains from the top.
This 4.0 mile trail is relatively flat, with some loops as it curves along the coast line. Enjoy dramatic views of the coastline, incredible rock formations, and some beach access along the way.
This 5.4 mile loop is incredible, especially when the creek is flowing.
The trail climbs 1,397 feet and can be narrow at times, but has beautiful views of the California chaparral ecosystems.
Make sure you take the quick 2 minute detour to see a 15 foot waterfall in Reservoir Creek!
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Surfing
While you may associate surfing with further south, the central coast surf culture is alive and well, and their beaches are no joke! View my descriptions for a link to the Surfline report!
This is a popular spot with ample space to share waves with fellow surfers.
Stronger sets come in near Morro Rock, and we have seen dolphins playing in the surf with riders!
Usually, it is about 4-7 feet overhead. There can be some closeout on rough days, and clean lefts on glassy days.
Cayucos Pier break is super consistent, and most surfers prefer the right peeling from the southside of the pier.
It is notoriously rideable, 3-5 foot overhead. Every wave we saw looked delicious.
This spot is for confident intermediate-advanced surfers. It has a rocky bottom, so be careful duck diving and exiting your board. Rocks are unforgiving.
It is most rideable in winter, and winter swells reach 6-8 feet.
Pretty gnarly. Totally epic.
Strong ripcurrent and 6-8 foot waves make this an intermediate-advanced spot.
In April 2022, my boyfriend and I woke up on the beach. We saw the waves at carpoforo for the first time after arriving late at night to our campsite. “one day, i’m going to surf these” he said.
Over 1 year later (with plenty of practice at Doheny) we finally tried it, and it did not disappoint.
We surfed, all by ourselves, at sunset. A pod of 10 GIANT bottlenose dolphins joined us, porpoising and diving under us, just feet away.
The next morning, waves grew to 7 foot overhead. After just one powerful ride, I needed a break from the relentless rip current that rocked me multiple times. Heard it can get to 20 foot in the winter. We will be back.
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Kayaking
Renting a kayak is a great way for bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and families to explore Morro Bay. Remember to give the protected sea otters 5 boat lengths of space!
They offer hourly rentals from a sweet location in the bay. First hour rates are below, and every additional hour is 1/2 off.
Single Kayak or Paddle Board $18/hr
Double Kayak $26/hr
Canoe $34/hr
Additionally, They offer dry bag rentals to protect your belongings for only $1!
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Wildlife Viewing
I am SO impressed with the volume and diversity of sea life in Morro Bay. We saw harbor seals, sea otters, great blue herons, snowy egrets, bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, elephant seals, a burrowing owl and MORE on our trips to Morro Bay.
Low tide is the best time to explore tide pool areas. I use the Tide Guide App to read the tide tables in my location. Historically, autumn has the best low tides during daylight hours.
There is a beach access stairway that leads to the best tidepooling in the area.
Be sure to check the times of the tides to maximize your time and safety when observing creatures in the tidepools.
Estero Bluffs State Park's 4 mile trail curves along the coastline. It is a rocky walk to be wary of footing on, but it is flat and picturesque the whole way.
Along the way, keep an eye on the horizon for heart-shaped spouts of condensation... those are characteristic of gray whales!
At the end, there is a beach at San Geronimo Creek that is known to have good tidepooling as well!
Winter & Spring - This is the best time to see Sea Otters in Morro Bay, because they seek shelter from rough seas in the calm waters of the bay. They can be seen resting in "rafts" - holding paws and wrapping themselves in seaweed to prevent themselves from floating away as they nap. They also have the majority of their babies (pups) from January to March!
Every time we've visited the T Pier, we've spotted sea otters! We've seen pups, otters crunching on urchins, and juveniles doing flip after flip next to their mother.
Just park at the Embarcadero and add this to your stroll! We also saw sea lions, harbor seals, pelicans and a great blue heron at this pier.
Follow the road to the rock, and look south to the bay. Walk along the trail and chances are, you will see some otter rafts!
We sat for an hour watching these little furballs wiggle and wrap themselves up in the kelp.
Fun fact about Morro Rock itself - no one is allowed to climb it because it is a protected nesting areas for Peregrine Falcons.
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Elephant Seals
Elephant seals are incredible swimmers that spend the majority of their life out at sea. There are three peak "haul out" times that though that are ideal for stopping by to see Elephant Seals in San Simeon.
The North Beach is known for being more rowdy, with males sparring, grunting and snorting. The sounds the males make is absolutely hilarious!
The South Beach is slightly more calm. The ginormous elephant seals rest, scratching their bellies and flipping sand to cool off.
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December - February - This is the peak of elephant activity, as it is birthing and mating season. Males battle each other while the alpha protects females and their newborn pups. The shore is protected from sharks by a thick kelp forest, making it an ideal space for young seals to learn to swim.
Mid January is the peak for birthing!
April & May - Females and juveniles return to the beaches to "molt," aka shed their fur.
September - November - Females and juvenile males "haul out" and rest before things get crazy on the beach again!
From Oceano to Ragged Point, naturalists have established "The Whale Trail," a series of viewing points that avid whale lovers have spotted gray whales, blue whales, humpback whales and more on their yearly migrations.
Estero Bluffs State Park's 4 mile trail curves along the coastline. It is a rocky walk to be wary of footing on, but it is flat and picturesque the whole way.
Along the way, keep an eye on the horizon for heart-shaped spouts of condensation... those are characteristic of gray whales!
At the end, there is a beach at San Geronimo Creek that is known to have good tidepooling as well!
A simple, peaceful pier for a post lunch stroll.
You can cast a line to fish off the pier, but remember to protect your bait from the seagulls.
On clear days, you can see Morro Rock, proud on the horizon.
Look for whale spouts in the distance, this is a popular stop on the Whale Trail!
Surfers - the wave that forms under the pier is a consistent, rolling break that can range 2-5 feet on average.
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Whale watching boat tours are the best bet for seeing cetaceans up close.
The Whale Watching Catamaran embarks daily on a 3 hour tour, searching for whales.
$60 for Adults
$55 for Seniors and Students
$45 for Children
They also offer a 1 hour semi-submersible tour for viewing fish, jellies and kelp in the harbor! Those "Sub Sea Tours" are $10-20.
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Butterflies
Winter Time (November - February) is the best time to see monarchs.
Monarch Butterflies from all over the western US migrate to Central California for shelter in winter months. They follow their instincts to these groves, and group on Eucalyptus Trees. I was amazed at the pure volume of butterflies on one single tree, and I was there early season!
Most parking is found on the side of the road. We saw an owl in the trees here too! The path leads through Pismo campground and onto Pismo Dunes Beach. There you can enjoy the softest sand.
The neighborhood came together to create public trails for viewing of magical monarch butterfly migrations. Park on the streets in the neighborhood, and be respectful as you move along the trail they created. Look up into the Eucalyptus trees to see the monarchs cluster.
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Birdwatching
The town of Morro Bay is a Bird Sanctuary! It shows, as we had phenomenal luck seeing a diversity of birds all along our trips, including surf scoters, snowy egrets, great blue herons, falcons and a burrowing owl.
Sweet Springs Nature Reserve is a peaceful spot to admire elfin oak trees, birdwatch for belted kingfishers, and spot clusters of monarch butterflies. This area is very accessible for all adventurers.
I don't usually add shopping to my lists, but I have to mention this spot!! Cayucos Collective is run by the friendliest surfer dude whose love for art in the town is infectious. You can select from 100 unique designs from local artists.
I got one of his designs, "Space Porpoise," and that shirt has become an immediate favorite for me. My favorite part was that he had a whole story to go with the design, that he happily shared with us as he printed his design onto a sweater of my choosing.
You can even bring in your own garment and have them screenprint a design onto it!
So unique and reasonably priced.
Stroll along the quaint, tree-lined Main Street and browse local wares and the freshest produce! California's biggest export is agriculture, so get fresh food when it is right in front of you!
It is open every Saturday 2:30 - 5:30 (with a 5:00 close in winter).
I have very fond memories of visiting Avila Valley Barn as a child. They sell fresh, local fruits and vegetables, delicious pastries and remarkable elote street corn. You can pet and feed their farm animals, like goats, donkeys, and chickens.
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Where to Eat
Even if you are camping, enjoy at least one meal cooked for you. Below are my top recommendations, each offering delicious local fare with honest missions that set them apart from others.
Top Dog has everything you could desire, including coffee, pastries, beer and sandwiches. The best part is that your purchase goes to save local dogs. It is coffee with a cause!
The location has ample indoor seating and an outdoor dog-friendly patio for your pup to join.
I thoroughly enjoyed my hot caramel latte, surrounded by local pups.
The Hidden Kitchen is a 100% gluten free cafe featuring all-organic and locally sourced fare! At the front window, order their signature savory blue corn waffle, elote style. The decor inside is warm and vibrant, with tempting local art and thrifted clothes for sale while you wait for your food. We sat outside, listening to the waves crash as we sipped on our guava mimosas. Incredible!
Lolo's satisfied ALL our cravings after a weekend backpacking trip. My boyfriend points out the shop from the highway every time we drive past it, because it was that good. I devoured my tacos and he demolished a burrito the size of a small child... all under $30.
WOW - treat yourself to the finest seafood in town at The Galley. The staff is so kind, and the location is phenomenal. Windows line the entire establishment, looking out over the bay that the seafood was brought in through.
You must get their scallop entree with garlic mashed potatoes and a veggie medley. The scallops melted in your mouth, and I made those 4 pieces last as long as I could. Paired with a Henrig Sauvignon Blanc, this meal was everything I could have dreamed of.
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Packing List
Morro Bay is known for its dense fog that rolls in and out of the area daily. Be sure to pack in layers - it is warm when the sun is out, but the temperature drops dramatically at nightfall, and every time the fog settles in.
Clothing
◻︎Swim suit
◻︎Chacos (Great for hiking, beach and tide pooling)
◻︎Hiking Boots (for hikes and dinner)
◻︎Hat
◻︎Beanie
◻︎2 T-shirts
◻︎Hiking Shorts
◻︎Trail pants
◻︎Jeans
◻︎Long sleeve
◻︎Windbreaker
◻︎Sweater
◻︎Sweatpants
◻︎Underwear
◻︎Socks
Car Camping Gear
◻︎Cooler
◻︎Fuel Canister
◻︎Portable Stove
◻︎Reusable Camp Kitchenware (pot, plate, spork, spatula, tin can, etc)
◻︎Day Backpack
◻︎Water Bladder
◻︎Headlamp
◻︎Camp Light
◻︎Multi-tool
◻︎Tent
◻︎Sleeping Pad or Inflatable Mattress
◻︎Sleeping Bag
◻︎Camp Pillow
◻︎Blankets
◻︎Large Trash Bags
Other
◻︎Highway 1 Map (physical or downloaded)
◻︎Portable Charger
◻︎Toiletries
◻︎Non-Drowsy Dramamine (if you get seasick for whale tours)
◻︎Sunscreen
◻︎Sunglasses
◻︎Water Bottle
◻︎Beach Towel
◻︎Portable Speaker
◻︎Hammock
◻︎Camera, Camera Batteries and Film
◻︎Binoculars
◻︎Wetsuit (4mm in winter)
◻︎Surf Booties
◻︎Surfboard + Surfboard bag for transport
◻︎Surfboard Wax
◻︎Activities - cards, dice, water color set, mini chess set, football etc
Sound like this trip is one for you??
Book a private consultation! I offer 1:1 phone calls to help you with picking dates, making reservations, revising itineraries and enjoying your trip with less stress.
Enjoy your trip!
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Hey traveler! I'm so glad you're here. Whatever your dream outdoor adventure is - from surfing Baja to hiking the Sierra - I am here to help you plan it.
I'm never in one place long - whenever I get the opportunity to explore somewhere new, I'm an immediate yes. I work seasonal jobs, and between deckhanding whale watching tours and instructing ski lessons, I travel all over the US and outside the country. I've been to 11 countries and 43 U.S. states so far, and that's just the beginning.
As spontaneous and go-with-the-flow that sounds, I NEED a plan. I started making itineraries using GoogleDocs in 2013, including links, weather, travel time, alternate options, pricing and more. Now, I am so excited to share them with you!
What makes me unique:
💵Budget travel - As a seasonal worker living on tips, I can share my tricks for stretching your dollar without compromising your experience.
⛺️Adventurous activities - I love to keep my body moving, so each guide will have plenty of options to keep you on your feet and see the views from the best spot.
🥖Gluten free restaurant recommendations - My friends say I invented Celiac's disease, as I was diagnosed in 2003. I know how exhausting and isolating it can be to find GF restaurants in new places, so come to my guides for honest reviews of places I tried.
🗺Personalized itineraries - Not sure where to start for your trip? Want someone to take the burden of combing through guides and booking experiences in a timely fashion? Those things bring me JOY, and you can book me to create a personalized plan just for you and your travel companions - including families, kids, girl groups and couples.
