Morro Rock City Beach
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About Morro Rock City Beach in Morro Bay, California
Morro Rock Beach is the city beach between the iconic Morro Rock and Morro Strand State Beach in the city of Morro Bay, CA. This wide sandy beach just north of “The Rock” is a popular place for surfing, beach walking, and birdwatching.
The rock is protected by a natural preserve that is part of Morro Bay State Park and is completely off limits to climbing on. That’s ok as the best photos of this 581-foot tall landmark are from a distance. If you are close to it, look for birds including peregrine falcons that nest on the upper reaches of the rock. You might also spot sea lions and sea otters at the entrance to the bay on the south side of the rock.
Morro Rock is a unique coastal geologic feature. It’s a volcanic plug that was created by an ancient (extinct) volcano. This rock and 12 others nearby (inland from the shore) form a group, known as the Mono Rock-Islay Hill Complex, which was created over 20 million years ago. Morro Rock was used as a quarry before it became state property in 1966 and was eventually protected as a California Historical Landmark (number 821).
The main parking lot for Morro Rock Beach is on Coleman Drive just north of Morro Rock (you can’t miss the rock from the town of Morro Bay). At this location there are restrooms and other amenities. Two other day-use parking areas are available. One is in front of the Morro Dunes RV Park (1700 Embarcadero) and the other is at the end of Embarcadero (street) which begins at Coleman Park. Neither of these other parking areas have facilities, but if you want a quieter part of the beach, they can work for you.
A campground is available next door at Morro Strand State Beach and many hotels are in Morro Bay.
- Address
- Coleman Dr
Morro Bay, CA 93442 - Phone
- 805-772-6101
- Park Name
- Morro Rock Natural Preserve, Morro Rock Ecological Preserve
- Other Names
- The Pit, Morro Bay City Beach, Atascadero Beach, Morrow Rock Beach
- Owner
- City Beach
- Pet Details
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Fees
- Free parking
- Activities
- Surfing, Birdwatching, Photography, Fishing, Beach Walking, Beach Biking
- Amenities
- Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Geologic Feature, Lifeguards (summer)
51°FNearby Beaches
Coleman Park
0.2 miles away
Coleman Park is along the north side of the entrance to Morro Bay between Morro Rock and the marina...
Morro Rock Jetty Beach
0.4 miles away
Morro Rock Jetty Beach is a small beach south of the massive Morro Rock and just inside the jetty...
Morro Dunes Natural Preserve
0.6 miles away
The northern end of the sand spit that divides Morro Bay from the ocean is a protected area called...
Nearby Attractions
Morro Bay Kayak and SUP Rentals
0.5 miles away
Morro Bay is a great place to explore on the water. There are numerous companies from which to rent...
Nearby Lodging
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Reviews
Just seeing the rock in photos brings back memories of my trips to the California coast when I was a kid (1970s). Walking on the beach is still the same now and the town is wonderful. Stop into The Shell Shop on the waterfront in Morro Bay when you are in town.
