Morro Bay Estuary
Morro Bay is 2300 acres of mud flats, eel-grass beds, tidal wetlands, and open water. The bay is the receiving basin for the runoff from 48,000 acres of watershed. Click here for a self guided tour.

Morro Bay Harbor
Morro Bay has a beautiful harbor sheltered by a sand spit that runs from Los Osos to Moor Bay. You will often sea kayakers paddling across the harbor to enjoy a picnic on the sand spit. The area also has a reputation of having a great surf spot on the other side of the harbor. If you have any questions about the harbor Click here.

Embarcadero
This area is lined with great restaurants & a variety of shopping experiences. It is the most popular area in Morro Bay for both tourist & locals alike. Enjoy a cocktail during a sunset at one of the many restaurants, or rent paddle boats to cruise around the harbor. There is also an aquarium where you can sea some of the wild life of the bay.

The Nine Sisters
The nine sisters are extinct volcano peaks that run in an approximately straight line for twelve miles, stretching from Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo. These peaks separate the Los Osos and Chorro Valleys. The peaks are approximately21 million years old. Davidson Seamount, disregarded as part of the chain, is submerged about 2.5 miles offshore of Morro Rock.

This area was the original home of the Chumash Indians, who made camps at the base of these peaks and ate the berries and roots found growing in the mountain sides. There is currently an effort being made to have the peaks named as historical landmarks, and thus preserved from further development.

Morro Rock
It stands at an elevation of 576 feet. It is also called, “Gibralter of the Pacific” and is probably the most famous peak. First sighted by Juan Cabrillo in 1542, it was at one time surrounded by water. Quarrying was responsible for its shape, and rock from it supplied the breakwater for Morro Bay. It is now a protected home for the endangered Peregrine Falcon.

Morro Rock Picture Gallery
[Picture 1 | Picture 2 | Picture 3 | Picture 4 | Picture 5 ]

The Elfin Forest
The Elfin Forest Natural Area on the southeastern shore of Morro Bay is a diverse and complex assemblage of natural plant communities that includes coastal brackish marsh, riparian woodland fringe, pygmy oak woodland, grassland, coastal dune scrub, and oak manzanita association. It supports a documented 25 species of mammals, over 110 kinds of birds, and 11 species of reptiles and amphibians. Chumash middens occur throughout the property.

Montana De Oro
With over 8000 acres, including 7 miles of shoreline, Montana De Oro is one of the largest state parks in California. The views are spectacular, the breezes always fresh, and you are never far from the sound and sight of the sea. More than half a million people visit Montana De Oro each year to enjoy hiking, jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, surfing, hang-gliding, fishing, or explore the tide pools, look for birds, planets, and wildflowers. There are picnic tables and barbecue pits at Spooner’s Cove, and miles of clean, sandy beaches.

Whale Rock Reservoir
Right before the town of Cayucos, turn right off Old Creek Road to the Whale Rock Reservoir. A serene landscape greets you filled with grazing cattle, sycamore, and oak trees. The Whale Rock Reservoir also offers a breathtaking view of the ocean through the two rock formations beyond the lake.

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Campground Guide

RV Parks

Bay Pines:
1501 Quintana, Morro Bay
(805) 772-3223
112 spaces, full hookups, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

Bay View RV Park:
714 Embarcadero, Morro Bay
(805) 772-3300
30 spaces, full hookups, laundry facilities, and no restrooms or showers.

Morro Dunes:
1700 Embarcadero
(805) 772-2722
Located near the rock and the harbor. Full hookups for RV's, partial hookups for trailers & campers to 20", and partial hookups for small trailers, tents, etc.
Reservations recommended.

Tratel:
1680 Main St., Morro Bay
(805) 772-8581
Located just off Hwy. 41 & Hwy. 1, 53 spaces, laundry facilities, restrooms & showers, and full hookups.
Reservations Recommended.

State Parks

RESERVATION NUMBERS FOR STATE PARKS: (800) 444-7275

Montana de Oro:
Pecho Valley Rd., Los Osos, 10 miles south of Morro Bay 50 campsites, motorhomes to 24', primitive toilets, no showers, hiking, biking, and horse trails. Reservations are a must between April and September.
Information (805) 528-0513

Morro Bay State Park
State Park Rd.
135 campsites, restrooms, hot showers, laundry tubs, dump station, and two group camping areas (30 & 50). Reservations are a must year-round. Charge for showers for walk-ins.
Information (805) 772-7434

Morro Strand State Beach:
1 mile north of Morro Rock
104 campsites set behind small sand dunes; restrooms, no hot showers, no hookup facilities, and space available for campers up to 24'. Reservations recommended between April and September.
Information (805) 772-2560

San Simeon State Beach:
3 miles south of San Simeon on Hwy 1
134 developed sites, vehicles to 31', restrooms, hiking, rock & surf fishing, ocean bathing, and hot showers. Charge for hot showers for walk-ins.
Information (805) 927-2035

National & Regional Parks

Cerro Alto:
1 mile off Hwy. 41, between Atascadero & Morro Bay.
22 primitive sites, updated pit toilets, and hiking.
No reservations, $10 a day.

El Chorro:
Between San Luis Obispo & Morro Bay on Hwy. 1 across from Cuesta College.
26 camp sites, restrooms, and hot showers (50 cents for 5 minutes).
No reservations, $10 a day.

Lopez Lake:
10 miles northwest of Arroyo Grande on Lopez Dr.
144 developed, 77 sites with electricity, 143 primitive sites, vehicles to 35', restrooms, showers, picnic and BBQ area, play area, hiking, boating (motor or sail), lake fishing, and water skiing.
Reservations (805) 489-2095