Morro Bay SP

Morro Bay State Park features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay’s most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay’s northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.

Location - Directions
From San Luis Obispo take Highway 1 north to the Los Osos - Baywood Park offramp. Turn left, go about 1 mile and turn right into the state park.

From the South, take Highway 101 northbound to the Los Osos - Baywood Park offramp. Turn left toward Los Osos and travel about 10 miles to South Bay Blvd., then turn right and go about 3 miles to the state park entrance.

The Museum of Natural History is in the park. Drive about one mile, past the campground and the marina, then turn left into the museum parking lot.

Seasons - Climate - Recommended clothing
Morro Bay has moderate weather. During summer days the area is 30 degrees cooler than inland areas. Dress in layers, especially at the ocean. As the water here is cooler than in Southern California, surfers generally wear wetsuits.

Museum of Natural History
A visit to the Central Coast of California is not complete without a stop at the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay State Park. The museum offers activities for all ages: nature walks, exhibits, lectures, puppet shows, videos, docent led tours and special events.

Visit the Chumash garden along the side of the museum and learn how the Chumash used native plants of this area in their daily lives.

The Museum of Natural History is within minutes of the Heron Rookery, Morro Bay State Park, Montaña de Oro State Park, the El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon's Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. The museum overlooks Morro Bay which is both a State and National Estuary.