Terry C.
Yelp
The Morro Bay Maritime Museum is located at 1210 Embarcadero, across from the T-Pier (Otter viewing area), on the Morro Bay waterfront. During the summer months, it is open every day, from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM. There is no charge for admission. Parking is free & plentiful.
When driving down the waterfront towards Morro Rock, the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) "Avalon" can be readily seen. The "Avalon", was launched in 1972. It is one of only two cold-war era rescue submarines developed by the U.S. Navy, and featured in the 1990 film "Hunt for Red October", and the 2018 film "Hunter Killer".
Also on exhibit, is a Two-Person Submersible "Abalone Sub". One can not miss it by the bright yellow color, and it's notable configuration is quite unique. The vehicle was conceived by a resident & his son in the nearby city of Arroyo Grande. The prospect of locating and harvesting deep water abalone provided the original motivation for building this submersible. However, no abalone were ever taken using this vessel. Nevertheless, the craft is still referred to by some as the "Abalone Sub".
The large red & black historic WWII tug, "Alma", is also on the grounds. Built in 1927, the "Alma" is a surviving example of a "gas boat" or "line boat". This type of wooden vessel was common to the California harbors well into the mid 20th century. After WWII and into the early 1990's, the "Alma" continued to work as a tug and line boat. It was retired in mid 1990's, and in 2002 it was restored and became a permanent land-based matritime display.
Refer to the kiosk photos or the museum's website for more information on the vessels. There are many other maritime items on display inside and outside the museum. There is a public restroom available behind the exhibits.
