Morro Bay Central Coast California

Morro Bay is a central coast town famous for its giant rock. Morro Bay is just a short drive away from Hearst Castle. There are quite a few shops and restaurants in town and kayak rentals are available to explore the estuary.

The Morro Bay Natural History Museum located in the Morro Bay State Park and wine country surrounds this coastal village. Morro Rock is called "the Gibraltar of the Pacific". At one time it was surrounded by water. Quarrying was responsible for its shape, and rock from it supplied the breakwater for Morro Bay.

The rock is now protected home for the endangered Peregrine Falcon. No climbing is allowed on the rock. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the town has been a center for beach holidays.

Tourism is the city's largest industry. The most popular beach is on the north side of Morro Rock, north of the harbor. There are also excellent beaches north and south of the town which are now owned by the State of California.

A portion of Morro Bay is also designated as a state and national bird sanctuary. This means it is illegal to kill or harm a bird in that portion of Morro Bay. It is also a state and national estuary.

Much of Morro Bay is a state wildlife refuge where waterfowl hunting is conducted during the season and is one of the few areas in California where Pacific Brant are pursued. Recently, Morro Bay was also declared a California Marine Reserve by the California Fish and Game Commission.

Camping near Morro Bay California.

Morro Strand State Beach - A three-mile coastal frontage park. From the beach, visitors can view the entire Estero Bay, including Morro Rock. Activities include fishing, surfing, wind and kite surfing, kite flying, sunbathing, strolling on the beach, bird watching, and exploring Morro Bay.

San Simeon State Park - Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pacific Ocean while camping at San Simeon Creek Campground. Beach is closed to dogs for the protection of the threatened Snowey Plover shorebird.

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.

Morro Bay is located along the coast of California, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Central Coast Hotels

Best Western Beach Resort Monterey located directly on Del Monte Beach. 176 rooms

San Simeon Pines the only hotel on Moonstone Beach. Real wood burning fireplaces.

The Cliffs Resort perched atop bluffs overlooking Pismo Beach along the California coast.

King Frederik Inn Experience the charm of Solvang in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley

Embarcadero Inn on the waterfront at Morro Bay. Hearst Castle is only a 45 minute drive.