A dominant, volcanic rock dubbed “Morro Rock” stands in the harbor and is home to a peregrine falcon reserve. Visitors can explore the base of the rock but can't climb the monolith without a special permit.
Morro Bay is a natural bay with a manmade breakwater that connects Morro Rock to the mainland. The water is peaceful because a natural sandpit keeps the Pacific waves from rolling in.
This seaside village offers respite from hectic schedules and bustling city life along a stretch of untouched shoreline. It hosts golfing, hiking, surfing, sailing, kayaking, and birdwatching opportunities surrounded by some of California's most stunning scenery.
Shops in the village mostly consist of locally owned stores and boutiques. There's a retailer for almost everything, including art, jewelry, boutique clothing, and specialty foods. There aren't many large shops in the village, which helps maintain the small-town charm.
Dining options are diverse and include sweet shops and bakeries, coffee houses, and restaurants galore. The range of restaurants in Morro Bay will satisfy every craving. There's sub shops, fast food, Chinese and Mexican places, and breakfast cafes. When you're here, you have to get fresh seafood at least once from one of the many seafood eateries.
Lodging options in the village are plentiful. There are quaint inns, charming bed and breakfasts, locally owned motels, and chain hotels. There are also many choices in nearby San Luis Obispo.
When to Visit Morro Bay, CA
The weather in Morro Bay is mostly enjoyable year-round. Deciding when to visit depends on whether you want to contend with tourist crowds and pay a bit more for lodging and tickets. From March to May and from September through November are the best months for lovely weather and lower prices. In the summer months, the village is full of vacationers, which drives up hotel rates.
From December through February, temperatures stay in the mid-60s during the day and drop into the mid-40s at night. During the winter, the area sees most of its annual rainfall, so make sure to pack an umbrella and rain gear. You'll enjoy the best hotel and ticket prices during these months.
In December, this shoreline village celebrates the season marine style. During Morro Bay's Winterfest, you'll enjoy several water parades, including a lighted boat parade during dinner. The festival runs an entire weekend and includes all types of holiday activities. In January, the village hosts its Winter Bird Festival, where you can see over 200 species of migratory birds while unwinding on the beach.
From March through May, you'll enjoy high temperatures in the upper 60s and lower 70s with lows around 50 degrees. March can be a little wet, but by May, the rains taper off to almost nothing. The crowds haven't arrived yet, and hotel rates are reasonable during spring.
In April, the annual Morro Bay Kite Festival takes place. Enjoy a sun-soaked day on the beach watching kites glide through the wind, or test your skill and fly one yourself. Every May, the village hosts its Cruisin' Morro Bay Car Show, where you can lounge along Main Street watching the hot rods cruise before enjoying the car show on Saturday.
Summer in the village is gorgeous with high temperatures hovering around 70 degrees and lows in the 50s. Even during the summer, you'll want to pack a light jacket. Rainfall is mostly non-existent, with each month getting less than one-tenth of an inch of moisture. During June, you may face what locals call “June Gloom,” or foggy season. Many of the beaches and attractions will be packed with travelers, and hotel rates increase.
For the 4th of July, Morro Bay hosts Art in the Park as a way to give local artists a place to promote their wares. You can celebrate the nation by joining in the village's Family Funday, which is a day-long adventure packed with races, parades, a carnival, and fireworks shows.
Autumn in Morro Bay is delightful, with temperatures near 70 during the day and in the low 50s at night. Rain amps up by the end of fall, but there's usually not significant stretches of rainy days. Tourist numbers decrease, causing hotel rates and ticket prices to fall.
In September, embark on a day filled with food, drinks, games, and live entertainment at the Avocado and Margarita Street Festival. The shore is lined with dozens of food and craft vendors, and you can try your luck at a game of Jenga or cornhole. Get your Halloween spirit ready for the annual trick-or-treat event through downtown Morro Bay.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Morro Bay, CA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Morro Bay, CA. Analyze these charts to determine the best dates to book in Morro Bay for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotels in Morro Bay, CA
4 Star Average Prices: $221.40
For top-of-the-line lodging, consider Beach Bungalow Inn & Suites. Some rooms have incredible mountain and bay views, and all have hardwood flooring and bright decor. Each room includes a fireplace, a mini-fridge, and flat screens with satellite channels. Rest easy on a pillow top bed with a down comforter. The family suite boasts two sleeping areas, and the king suite has a spacious living room. Order breakfast from a menu in your room, and it'll be delivered in the morning. Every person gets free breakfast plates and beverages.
For seaside opulence, choose 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites. Sleekly designed rooms boast views of the harbor and include a fridge, microwave, and flat screen TV. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi and entertained with cable programming. Families enjoy adjoining rooms, free kids' stays, and pet acceptance. Work up a sweat with a discounted admission to a nearby fitness center, and soak afterward in the spa tub.
Affordable Hotels in Morro Bay, CA
3 Star Average Prices: $160.13
For simple rooms that are comfortable and clean, check out Fireside Inn. You'll be close to Morro Bay Skateboard Museum and Morro Bay Aquarium. All rooms include LED TVs with digital programming, free Wi-Fi, and a fridge. They're decorated with a modern flair, and you can park right in front of your room on lower levels.
At Bay View Inn, you get just that: stunning views of the bay and Morro Rock. The spacious rooms are traditionally decorated with pops of bright color and feature a fridge and a microwave. Stay entertained with cable channels, Wi-Fi, and DVD players in your room. Take in a stunning seaside sunset on the rooftop terrace for picture-perfect memories.
