Things to do

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in and around Morro Bay.

1. Beach - The weather varies a bit, and the water is cold, but it is always great to go for a walk, play in the sand, or climb on rocks. Bring layers and a windbreaker/jacket. There are many great beaches in the area. If you have a full day for the beach, Avila most often has the best weather.

2. Tidepools - This is one of my favorite activities. The best place is a state park, Montana de Oro about 20 minutes south of Morro Bay. We walk out on rocky outcroppings when the tide is low. Sturdy shoes are good as the rocks are wet and very uneven. Check for low tides at http://www.tides.info/?command=view&location=Morro+Bay%2C+California.

3. Kayaking - You can rent kayaks at a couple of places on the Embarcadero (http://www.kayakhorizons.com/, http://www.subseatours.com/, and http://www.rockkayak.com/) or at the state park (http://www.morrobaykayakshack.com/). We kayak in the bay where there are no waves and lots of wildlife and moored sailboats to explore. Nylon clothing works great (swimsuits, wind pants, jackets, hats).

4. See the Rock - Morro Bay has a great boardwalk (new in 2007) from the Embarcadero to Morro Rock. There are two paths, one for biking and one for walking.

5. Embarcadero - This is a strip of shops and restaurants along the bay. We love to take visitors to The Shell Shop. No trip to Morro Bay is complete without a stop on the Embarcadero for clam chowder or fish and chips.

6. Tidelands Park - At the south end of the Embarcadero is a great little park where the kids play on the pirate ship and concrete seals. This is a great place to watch the boats coming and going.

7. Hike - There are lots of mountains to climb if you are interested. Black Hill is a short (~20 minute) hike at the southeast corner of Morro Bay. You can even drive half-way up to a parking lot (go through the golf course by the state park). Other hikes are longer, but provide great views (e.g. Valencia Peak in Montana de Oro and Bishop's Peak in San Luis Obispo).

8. Hearst Castle - This is a popular destination, about 40 minutes north of Morro Bay along highway 1. Check out tour information at http://www.hearstcastle.org/.

9. Elephant Seals - Just north of Hearst Castle is a rookery where elephant seals come to have babies and mate every winter. Summer is popular as well.

10. Piers - It is fun to walk out on the piers and watch the waves roll in. You can also fish if you want. There is a pier in Cayucos about 10 minutes north of Morro Bay, one in Pismo Beach, and a couple in Avila Beach about 30 minutes south. One of the Avila piers has a restaurant at the end and you always see seals there.

11. Sand Dunes - Just south of Pismo Beach (about 40 minutes from Morro Bay), there is a huge region of sand dunes. The dunes are very tall. The kids have a blast running and jumping off the dunes then rolling down. Of course they come home with pockets full of sand.

12. ATVs on the beach - We've never done this and I think it is a little dangerous, but it is very popular. Near Pismo Beach is the only beach in California where you can drive on the beach.

13. Avila Valley Barn - The kids always enjoy stopping here. It is an old country store with lots of samples. It is best when you can go pick apples or berries. See http://www.avilavalleybarn.com/

14. Bob Jones Trail - This is a great bike ride (or walk) from Avila Valley Barn to Avila Beach.

15. Eat - There are lots of great restaurants, especially if you like seafood and mexican.

16. Deep Sea Fishing or Whale Watching - Depends on the season. See http://www.morrobaysportfishing.com/.

17. Natural History Museum - Small, but a great place to learn about Morro Bay. We often take guests here early in their stay so they have a better understanding of the bay.

18. Farmer's Market - San Luis Obispo has the best farmer's market on Thursday nights. We like to start with a slice of Pizza Solo, then progress to Chinese kabobs or whatever we catch a waft of as someone walks by smiling. We always end the evening with Bali's yogurt. Oh yes, and you can get great fresh items from flowers to nuts to fruits and vegetables. Morro Bay also has a nice, smaller market downtown on Saturday nights. The locals go to the farmer's market in Spencer's parking lot on Thursday afternoon. Many of the same vendors stop here before heading to SLO for the evening.