Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay State Park is well-known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, but there are other reasons to visit this park. It has a fun public golf course, a marina for boating and paddling, and a campground. Oh and there is a beach, but it’s small and not a big draw.

The small beach is located across the street from Morro Bay State Park Golf Course between the Museum of Natural History and The Inn at Morro Bay. When the tide is up there is no beach exposed at all, and when the tide is out, it exposes mud flats. Fishermen and bird-watchers are the biggest users of this beach.

At the north end of this beach you’ll find the Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, where great blue herons roost amid the eucalyptus and cypress trees. There are trails to more beaches and bay access points that start from the marina parking lot. If you want to launch a kayak or SUP and avoid the mud, try the marina or Bayshore Bluffs Park. If you want to rent a kayak, look for the Kayak Shack at the marina.

The trails in Morro Bay State Park are open for hiking and mountain biking. The final segments of the trails to Chorro Hill and Black Hill (661 ft), are only open to hiking, but those and bikes can ride the Portola Trail to a summit with wonderful views of the bay. Those into rock climbing can hike up to a rock outcrop off the Quarry Trail. Next to the marina there’s an ADA accessible path called the Marina Peninsula Loop Trail.

A restaurant called the Bayside Café is nearby at the marina and across from the marina is the Morro Bay State Park Campground.

The Inn at Morro Bay is inside the state park and can be the perfect place to stay if you are not camping.

Beach access parking is available along Main Street (State Park Road) between trees that line the shore behind the beach.

Address

State Park Rd
Morro Bay, CA 93442

Phone

805-772-6101

Park Name

Morro Bay State Park, Morro Estuary Natural Preserve, Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, Morro Bay State Marine Recreational Management Area (SMRMA)

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

Dogs are not allowed on beaches or trails

Fees

Fees for camping

Activities

Fishing, Birdwatching, Walking, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Golfing, Camping, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Amenities

Campground, Trails, Marina, Boat Ramp, Rentals, Restrooms, Golf Course, Restaurant, Hotel, Museum, ADA Access

Links

Tide Chart
Water Temps
Morro Bay Topo Map