Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay State Park is located 13 miles west of San Luis Obispo, on the Central Coast. The park features lagoon and natural bay habitats. On the lagoon's northeastern and eastern edges, there are saltwater and brackish marshes that support thriving bird populations. Two of the Nine Sisters chain of volcanic peaks leading from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay, Black Hill & Cerro Cabrillo, are within park boundaries. Black Hill has a trail winding through dense stands of Monterey Pine trees and offers a panoramic view of the greater Morro Bay area at its summit. Cerro Cabrillo has even more trails to explore all along its base.

The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock (Climbing this landmark is prohibited). Morro Bay State Marine Reserve & State Marine Recreational Management Area are two marine protected areas located offshore from Morro Bay. Much like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help safeguard ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.

The park offers several recreational opportunities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, bird watching & wildlife viewing. The Museum of Natural History has exhibits that cover natural features, cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a café, marina and an 18-hole public golf course.

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

Location & Directions

Morro Bay State Park & Campground are located:

• 13 miles west of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1
• 32 miles south of the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument Visitor Center on Highway 1
• 124 miles south of Monterey through Big Sur on Highway 1 (When road conditions permit)
• The charming community of Morro Bay is located 1.5 miles to the north of the campground and offers gas stations, grocery stores, dining and more.
• The coastal town of Cayucos is located 7.5 miles to the north of the campground and offers more dining choices.
• The small town of Los Osos is located 5 miles to the south of the campground and offers even more gas stations, grocery stores, and dining options.

Morro Bay Campground

The Morro Bay Campground offers over 140 campsites for tent camping, recreational vehicles, and group camping. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet and electrical hookups are avaialble in some campsites. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table with water spigots nearby. There are flush toilets and TOKEN-operated shower facilities in place. An RV sanitation station and water-fill station are also available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host and proceeds go to help the Central Coast State Parks Association.

Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, surfing, beach exploration, bird watching and wildlife viewing. 

All camping reservations must be made in advance online through ReserveCalifornia or by calling 1-800-444-7275 8am - 6pm Pacific Time (PT). 

Museum of Natural History

A visit to the Central Coast of California is not complete without a stop at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, located within Morro Bay State Park. The museum is open daily from 10am - 5pm.  Admission is $3 for adults and free for children 18 and under. The museum feautures interactive exhibits and overlooks Morro Bay, which is both a State and National Estuary and a Marine Protected Area.  

The Junior Ranger Program is geared for kids ages 7-12 years old and provides the chance to partake in a variety of fun and educational nature-oriented activities at Morro Bay State Park. Stop by the front desk at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History to pick up an activity booklet and check out the Interpretive Events Calendar for upcoming, in-person programs. 

School Field Trips

School programs offered at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History are led by State Park Interpreters and reflect the current school standards, including NGSS, CCSS, and environmental literacy curriculum. Programs are adaptable and park staff strive to accommodate all students. Depending on class size, programs are held on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Programs may include outdoor guided nature walks, in addition to a self-guided exploration of the hands-on displays inside the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History.  

Spaces are limited and any school group planning to visit the park and/or museum needs a reservation in advance, including all self-guided and home school groups. All programs are free of charge for students, teachers, and chaperones. For more information and to make your reservation, please contact slo.fieldtrips@parks.ca.gov