Morro Rock Beach

Beach · Morro Bay

Morro Rock Beach

Beach · Morro Bay

1

Morro Bay, CA 93442

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Morro Rock Beach by null
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Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null
Morro Rock Beach by null

Highlights

Morro Bay's iconic volcanic plug, Morro Rock, anchors a laid-back coastal town where sea otters play, surfers ride waves, and fresh seafood awaits.  

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Morro Bay, CA 93442 Get directions

morrobayca.gov

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Morro Bay, CA 93442 Get directions

+1 805 772 6200
morrobayca.gov

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parking bike
crowd family friendly

Last updated

Jul 31, 2025

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@vogue

"The main attraction is Morro Rock Beach where you can watch sea otters and their pups routinely swimming on one side, and collect sand dollars across the road, where you can also catch some waves. Climb atop the sand dunes to get a better view of the famous “Three Stacks” that were once a power plant. Look around you and see kayakers, surfers, paddle board enthusiasts, sailboaters, fisherpeople and bird watchers."

How to Spend a Relaxing Weekend on California’s Central Coast
View Postcard for Morro Rock Beach

Belica Dawkins

Google
It is a peaceful and friendly city, very clean, even the public bathrooms are clean. Great spot for a get away weekend. Everything close very early and opens late. I come to Morro Bay every year and I enjoy the weather except for this year it was so windy and very cold. It was still beautiful! If you visit Morro Bay, look for the ladies with the puzzels.

Tami Evans

Google
Amazing beach! Beautiful! Surfers to watch. Long Beach you can walk or run. Dogs are allowed but are suppose to be kept on leash. Bathrooms in the parking lot. Big parking lot. Pretty popular spot.

Rob Haworth

Google
Very nice day, saw a large group of otters, surfing 🏄 competition with lots of participants, small waves 🌊 and plenty of free parking. Included some videos.

Walker Holdeman

Google
beautiful spot must visit. Hope you like little rodents and seagulls because they sure will like you. the people are friendly and the animals even friendly.

Santa “{Lover of Life}” L-H

Google
Just under 4 hours from San Fran, it was the perfect Spring Break getaway for 4 days. First time I visited was last April 2017. I knew I wanted to bring my kids and husband here (and surrounding areas Avila Beach, Pismo Beach etc). We got lucky with the warm weather. My kids enjoyed jumping in the sand dunes, admiring the sea otters, of course my son loved looked for sand dollars (yep, I sold him on that for this trip!)

Souvik Dutta

Google
This place is probably not as famous as the other places on Route 1 (CA1) but one of the most beautiful and peaceful places you could stop for a night if travelling from LA to SFO via CA1. Mornings are serene and a walk across the beach or the magnificent Morro rock is a walk to remember. Surfing is common in the bay but there has been instances if shark attacks.

Albert Lee

Google
Beautiful beach to picnic, surf, chill, or go for a swim. The waves are sometimes sneaky and rogue waves often come up high so don't sit too close to the surf if you cant move all your gear in a jiffy. Highly recommend picking up some seafood at Giovanni's and eat on the beach. Watch out for pesky gulls that will snatch your food at every opportunity. If you don't mind going for a short walk, highly recommend checking out Cairn Park on the other side of the rock and keep your eyes peeled for groups of otters floating in the bay.

Cali Knows

Google
One of my favorite natural wonders in the world. Couldn't even fly my drone above it, well over 500ft tall! Sweet surf spot to sometimes, added a few aerial photos - enjoy 😉
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Jade M.

Yelp
Absolutely Beautiful! I was in San Luis Obispo and decided to make the trip to Morro Bay to see this beautiful giant rock! This rock is actually a volcanic plug that raised from the ocean (at least according to google). Either way it is stunning to look at. Not to mention there's so many wildlife. Seagulls, sea otters, sea lions, and funny enough a lot of squirrels! However, the best view is going to be when you walk to the beach and get a view of the whole rock! I'm so glad this place was recommended to me. I almost didn't go because a round trip uber was $80. But I'm soooo glad I did!! The whole area is magnificent.
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Michelle T.

Yelp
Morro Bay is a cute little coastal town with beautiful views of the bay. We stumbled across Morro Bay while visiting San Simeon. The first thing that you'll see from the distance while driving down the highway is this large rock protruding from the bay. Curious to see what it was, we decided to drive down to check it out. The city of Morro Bay attracts tourists year round. There are plenty of restaurants along the boardwalk that provide a view of Morro Rock. You might just catch a glimpse of some otters, seals, and sea lions out in the water. When driving down to Morro Rock, you'll travel down a road that seems a bit narrow. So many cars line the street as people begin their stroll down to the bay. There is also parking at Morro Rock, but it is in the sand. It can be a bit muddy during rainy or foggy weather. Morro Rock is essentially a volcanic plug that reaches a height of 581 feet. Birds can be seen along the sides of the rock building nests. You can walk right up to Morro Rock and view it in all of its glory. It's quite majestic! After walking around Morro Rock, you can have a seat anywhere along the bay. The scenery is breathtaking and can be quite eerie on foggy days. It's an absolute must if you're traveling through San Louis Obispo/San Simeon. Definitely check it out if you're in the area!
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Nikki O.

Yelp
I have always seen pictures of this rock or saw commercials of cars/trucks parked next to it, so when I finally stopped by today, I was in awe. I didn't know you can get up close and personal with it. We first stopped by the beach side location. There is a small parking lot where you can stop and walk on the beach. You aren't able to get too close but you can take some amazing photos. We saw cars on other side so decided to go see where you go. Our next stop was near the wharf. You can park and take a walk by the marina to see the swimming sea otters. Then you can walk around the rock to a rocky area. Make sure to stack some before you leave just like everyone else does. Such a cool spot. There is plenty of parking so need to worry. Make sure to take a jacket because it can get a bit chilly while taking your walk. Be sure to have your camera reading. The view is breathtaking.
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Linh T.

Yelp
I love visiting for so many reasons! The first is for the otters! The second is for the beach and third for the pier with all the good food! It's a great day trip for families, couples or even solo like I am (well with my two dogs). There's boat tours that take you close up to the otters (without disturbing them) and seals. The history of the rock and the wildlife around it (like the peregrine falcon) are very interesting to learn about. I've visited this place annually since 2020 and love it here.
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Jennifer J.

Yelp
Iconic location? Check. Easy to find? Check. Plenty of parking? Check. Restrooms nearby? Check. Photo opps? Check. Nearby beer opportunities? Check! When it comes to monolithic rocks on the Pacific Coast, it's hard to beat Morro Bay Rock. Part ginormous rock, part mountain, this picturesque spot separating a sandy California beach from a protected, safe harbor is a must-visit if you find yourself in the area. Bonus points that there's a huge parking lot, restrooms, and plentiful nearby food and drink opportunities. Literally, you can't go wrong with this rock. (Hey, can I put that on a bumper sticker?) Seriously, though, I enjoyed my visit here a lot. I perched myself on a bench and watched the body surfers in the shadow of the rock. Then, I headed into town for a cold one and a sandwich. Go, just go!
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Joy H.

Yelp
In the morning, there is a light fog and the area can be quite cool but around 10 or 11 AM, the sun comes out and Morro Rock is just stunning. It's technically a volcanic plug. - There's a few locations to view the rock. You can take the adjacent road onto the island where the rock is located, but I prefer the beaches across from the rock. You can also view the rock from the Restaurants along the bay. - Make sure to walk around the areas so you can see the otters in their nursery, the sea lions and enjoy some of the shops. I like to get a fresh juice, coffee or fudge to enjoy while I cruise along the water.
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John D.

Yelp
Son of a Beach ±100-acre beachfront that's directly south of Morro Stand State Beach (starting at around Atascadero Rd.) This section of Beach is run by the City of Morro Bay and is directly in the shadow of the famed Morro Rock. The Good: *Free parking lot, which is in terrible shape, but, hey, it's free. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ *Restrooms available. They do have actual restroom buildings, but on our last several visits, they've just had port-o-potties available. *Friendly locals *Great view of the famous Morro Rock and their infamous Power Plant, which will soon be no more, from what I'm hearing. *Nice calm beach that has some surprisingly good waves for surfing *Lots of sealife to explore from shorebirds to sand crabs and tons of shells and seaglass. *Beach never seems too busy even during the busier summer months. *Morro Bay Kite Festival held here annually; follow @mbkitefestival on IG for more info. The Meh: *Beach can get very rocky and filled with small rocks and shells at certain times, which makes it hard on my tender tootsies to walk on. The Ugly: *Showers to rinse off at, but they require quarters to use?! GTFOH. We go to a lot of beaches, and we've never been charged to wash up. I'm not sure if they're trying to save water or just a mindless money grab? Conclusion: Bar none, our favorite beach to go to in the Central Coast.
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Roselia G.

Yelp
This rock has everything all around it. The rock itself is home for many types of birds, and tons of squirrels at the base. On one side there's the bay, with lots of seaweed, attracting families of sea otters. Then to the other side there's the beach loaded with surfers. The marine layer rolls through fast. Sometimes it'll just pass by within minutes, and other times it'll stay all day. It's always cool, and beautiful. A great place to spend time at.
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Taylor S.

Yelp
Beautiful place to visit on your Central Coast vacation. Just moving to the area myself, I am looking for new places to enjoy my time. The Morro Rock Beach is dog-friendly (dogs must be leashed) so it's a great escape for both my dog and I. The beach is full of sand dollars and shells. The harbor has great restaurants and you can see sea lions and sea otters regularly.
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Ratna J.

Yelp
This is a hidden gem along highway 1. Someone described Morro Bay Rock as a giant acorn like rock where you will find tons of ground squirrels. And he was not wrong. This place is dog friendly, tons of parking space. Great spot to see sea otters, birds, vultures, etc. You can see tons of people surfing and kayaking nearby.
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Alyssa A.

Yelp
What a truly magnificent piece of nature. You can see pictures, but nothing can prepare you to seeing the Rock up close in person. We walked to the Rock from the Embarcadero. It's an enjoyable mile-long walk along the water - you can check out the local restaurants and shops, learn about the area from the little informational signs, and see the seals and otters swimming in the water. You'll also see the 3 stacks as you walk by. If you do the walk early in the morning, it's such a peaceful start to the morning - quiet, not too busy, and very enjoyable. The rock itself is so incredible. You'll probably find some otters swimming right when you get there. Enjoyable walk to the other side of the rock, where you find countless rock cairns to enjoy. Definitely a cool area to sit and enjoy the ocean. A must-stop while visiting Morro Bay.
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Nadine C.

Yelp
Sightseeing in San Luis Obisbo County in California... My friend, Niki, was talking about one of her favorite places: Morro Bay I didn't know anything about it, and she was kind enough to offer to show me around... Okay! Located in the middle of Morro Bay, Morro Rock is a volcanic "plug" that is attached to the mainland - so you can drive closer to it and park for free at its base. It is 581 feet tall - do not climb it! The material is fragile, and this Landmark is special! Two American Indian tribes - Chumash and Salinan - consider Morro Rock sacred. There is a legend that a raven and a hawk defeated a serpent-like monster with two heads when its body circled around the base of the rock. It is California Historical Landmark #821 and is legally protected. Come check out this interesting land mass and the surrounding foliage and wildlife (ground squirrels, sea otters, seagulls, ducks, seals, blue herons, etc) if you're in the area!
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Laura H.

Yelp
Amazing views and easy to drive up. You can have a great view from either side of the Rock .
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Tere L.

Yelp
Loved the simpleness of just sitting and watching the sea otter swim and play. Boats coming in and going out. People just relaxing and chatting. A welcomed respite.
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Ed T.

Yelp
This review is for the Morro Bay Harbor & Estuary hike which is a ~2.5 mile round trip that takes ~1 hour to complete (longer if you take plenty of photos!). Great views of Morro Rock, the ocean and Morro Bay! Plenty of wildlife including otters! GPX route starts from the parking, through the restaurants and towards a paved trail. If you don't want to walk too long, there are parking spots right at the rock. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/PRpFv2muLao
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Anthony J.

Yelp
Morro Rock and its surroundings are an absolute marvel of nature. This iconic monolith, rising dramatically from the Pacific Ocean along the California coast, is a sight to behold. Its sheer size and rugged beauty make it an irresistible attraction for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. As you approach Morro Rock, you're greeted by the soothing sound of crashing waves and the salty ocean breeze. The entire area is a haven for wildlife, and you might spot seals, sea otters, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Watching the sunset behind Morro Rock is a breathtaking experience, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The nearby town of Morro Bay complements the beauty of the rock with its charming waterfront, seafood restaurants, and welcoming community. Whether you're strolling along the Embarcadero, indulging in fresh seafood, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the bay, Morro Bay's surroundings offer a perfect blend of natural wonders and coastal charm. Morro Rock and its surroundings are not just a destination; they're a captivating experience that leaves you with a deep appreciation for the splendors of the natural world. It's a place that beckons you to return, to witness its ever-changing beauty and find solace in the harmony of land, sea, and sky. Free parking and dogs allowed
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Myphuong L.

Yelp
Very easy to get to following GPS. We spent a total of three hours here but that's because we were trying to kill time before going to Hearst Castle. We drove to the parking lot closest to the rock. All parking is free and free to enter. There's a public restroom here. You have the beach side where you could go in the water. The sand is very fine and soft. Lots of kelp so it was stinky. Then we headed over to the causeway. It's a paved path. You can't walk all the way around, it's like 1/4 of the rock. It's just a big rock. Nothing special but to me, it was very spiritual and calming. Something about nature that keeps your grounded and piece of volcanic plug rises to the ground is pretty impressive. Then we drove into town along the embarcadero for a stroll and ate lunch. You get a nicer view from afar from different angles. Better on a clear day.
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JoAnn S.

Yelp
Morro Bay Rock can be seen for miles--it is huge!!! I sure wouldn't want to be next to it if there is an earthquake and a piece high up falls off. Morro Rock is like a magnet drawing people (hikers, bicyclists, bird watchers, fishermen/women, dog walkers, tourists, indigenous folk having meetings, sun worshipers, kayakers, surfers, sailors, stone stackers, and kids of all ages. It looks so strong standing there in all of its majesty!!! It must be a sacred spot for the ancient ones. We saw sea otters swimming on their backs, and jumping out of the water; along with seals barking. Fifty years ago, when the nearby power plant was in full operation and heating the surrounding sea, I heard you had to be careful not to step on the rays. A large variety of birds perch on the Rock, and use the surrounding air space. It is quite the adventure to go go there! You never quite know who or what you might see!
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Chris D.

Yelp
When you're in Morro Bay you must visit the Morro Bay Rock. There's a full parking options. When you first drive in there's a beach side where you can see surfers. The bay side you'll see boats coming in and out of the harbor and usually families of sea otters frolicking around. You can also walk around to the back side of the rock to see some crazy waves hitting the breakwater. In the area surrounding the rock they've added lots of nice walking and biking trails. Only reason I can't give it 5 stars is there's a lot of whacky people who seem to lurk around to bother visitors. It's always been this way over the decades and not a new thing. One time a crazy lady opened my car door and tried to get into my car. This time around seemed like a lot of people living in their cars parked around the lot.
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Caroleann B.

Yelp
Wow, what a large, beautiful, chiseled rock! Boy, was it quite windy on the north side of the rock! Hold on to your hats! After my friends and I viewed the rock, and the beautiful waves the surfers were going to hang a ride on on the north side we decided to walk to the south side. You will be in awe as you walk along side of the large beauty. They have signs posted that no climbing is allowed. I could see how this could catch the eye or attention of a climber. You will find cacti with prickly pear buds along the south side of the Rock. That caught me by surprise seeing cacti so close to the oceanfront. On this side you will find a kiosk that will share the history behind the Moro Bay Rock. Also on this side we were able to witness some sea otters playing and swimming amongst the seaweed floating on the water. In the distant you will see some sand dunes too. On either side of the Rock you will find some concrete benches to sit and soak in the rays and beauty of this entire area. The parking is a bit bumpy. We were able to find parking with no problem at all, with plenty more parking all around. A statue was dedicated to families of mariners, 'To Those Who Wait.'. I'm glad a got to see this beauty and I wouldn't mind stopping here again. I would surely recommend stopping by.
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Candace Y.

Yelp
Morro Rock is the most prominent feature you see when arriving at this comfy Central Coast Town. Once you're settled at the place you're staying and you unpacked and changed into comfy clothes, I recommend a visit out to the Rock and pay homage. You can't help but start to relax as you walk along the coast and feel the cool air and soak up the environment. If you're lucky, you'll see Bay otters playing in the water. Seabirds will be flying overhead and standing along the rocks. Fresh clean sea air will be filling your lungs. I invite you to explore the nooks and crannies and and walk around the perimeter of the rock. And once you're done perhaps you have worked up enough of an appetite to go seek out one of many seafood eateries in the nearby embarcadero.
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Ricardo G.

Yelp
This is a historic landmark in the little town of Morrow Bay. I was told by a local that the entire rock isn't always visible. You sometimes get the hazy clouds that cover the top of the rock. If your in town and you can see the entire rock, your in luck. The top of the rock is considered to be a sacred site to the Chumash tribe, so if anyone tries to climb it, they will be arrested and fined. Honestly I don't see why anyone would want to, being that it's mostly rocky and very steep. If you climb it and get down on your own it's a $5k fine. If you climb it and need the fire department to get down it's $10k fine. If you need a helicopter to get you down it's a $15k fine. It's cheaper to go to Vegas and get a helicopter ride there lol. If you walk to the South Side of the rock there is a small private beach that you and your family can hangout at. Warning though as you have to find the right location (between rocks) to climb down to the sandy beach, but once your there it's so peaceful!! Also on this side of the rock you can explore the "rock stack" museum which is made up of a bunch of rocks strategically topped on top of each other by locals and tourist. It really is a neat thing to see, but please respect the creations as any sudden move will tumble down the stack of rocks. I witnessed a beautiful stack of rocks fall to the ground as one tourist got waayyyyy to close for a picture causing it to fall. Aside from that you will also see a few sea otters and squirrels chilling by the shore which makes for an exciting time with the kids.
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Sara B.

Yelp
Great place for a seaside stroll and some wild life watching. There rock is the highlight, off to one side of the rock is the beach area where you can watch a lot of surfers. However the beach itself is not your ideal beach for spending a whole day it. It's really windy. We saw beach umbrellas blowing over in just the few minutes we were on the beach to check it out. If you are looking for a non-crowded beach with free parking then this is the spot but for a really pretty beach, I recommend driving down to Avila beach. On the other side of the rock is the walking path along the water with benches to watch the sailboats enter the harbor and where you can spot some sea otters. You can walk the path to the end of Morro rock and it dead ends into a rock wall that you will see people fishing off of. It's a great way to get up close to the rock to check it out.

S K.

Yelp
Amazing work of nature. The rock is impressive and makes for good moments with nature and for photos. Ample parking at the site.
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Nick S.

Yelp
Morro bay... more like morro YAY! this park is an absolute treat, the view is insane, the parking is plentiful and you get to interact with sea squirrels and watch otters chill on their backs. Amazing vibes! GF option: "Pretty good"

Araceli O.

Yelp
I recommend this place to family or friends. I've always gone during the fall but must look nicer during the summer.
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Maggie G.

Yelp
Good place to get out of the car and stretch your legs if you are driving down highway 1 from the Bay Area. It was not crowded when we got there's. It was a weekday evening around 5pm. At the end of this trail facing the Pacific Ocean is where the stacked rocks. This place is not far diem the freeway. Maybe a 15 minute detour from our planned route. We didn't see any public restrooms available in this park. At least we did not look for one.
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Babette C.

Yelp
When you come into Morro Bay, you can't avoid the rock. No matter where you are in town it's what you see and you can't take any picture of the rock without it being a perfect photo. Sunset is the best time to shoot the rock because there's usually a sailboat in front of it and it's the most picturesque thing. The rock is easy enough to get to- just follow the shore past the towers and the best thing about it is that there is no admission fee- just roll into the parking lot, take pictures of the rock squirrels and if you're lucky, you'll be close enough to see otters holding hands as they drift on the water. If they aren't there, follow the rim of the bay and see where all the tourists are standing because that's where the otters are. The otters are adorable as you can imagine, rubbing their cheeks, holding hands, moms holding their babies on their tummies. They're not afraid of the crowds because who would dare mess with them. When we were at the gathering spot for the otters, there was a TV crew shooting to the left of them. The crew was very protective of the shot they were shooting but they relaxed once they realized that we tourists couldn't have cared less about what they were doing since the otters were stealing focus. I'm not the type who is crazy about cute animals but honestly, watching them is mesmerizing and will turn you into a child.
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GT W.

Yelp
Morro Rock Natural Preserve is one of two parts of Morro Bay State Park. This part of the park is just the massive sea stack (actually, an ancient volcanic plug) with a causeway that's been built so you walk right up to the rock. Walking up to the rock, there's a very nice biking and walking trail, informational placards, a bathroom, playground, and a road that leads to a parking lot for beach access. There are a number of benches to sit and watch the sea otters along the causeway and closer to the rock. This is the only place I've ever seen sea otters in their habitat. These animals are critically endangered, but they share Morro Bay with an active marina and fishing boats. This was the real highlight of Morro Rock and my visit to Morro Bay. The sea otters are abundant, happy, and playful. You could watch them for hours!
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Agnes D.

Yelp
Nice spot to walk around and admire this leftover cone from a former volcano that eroded away loooong time ago. There are restaurants nearby, and plenty of places to park.
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Stacey I.

Yelp
Such a beautiful place to visit when it is a nice beautiful day in SLO. My bf and I have experienced coming here twice, once when it was a very cold foggy day and once when it was perfectly sunny with clear blue skies. It is pretty cool experiencing both. I honestly love going here as well as Morro Bay Rock very much has significant history within Filipino culture as it is where first Filipinos had landed on October 18th, 1587. It is lovely to see a a dedicated plaque which was made in 1995. There's just something nice about being able to visit a place that you hear so much about in your classes and being able to see it in person is amazing. There is a lot of parking, a lot of cute shops, several restaurants, and what seems to be a lot of accessibility to do recreational activities on the water as well.
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Lillian W.

Yelp
Morro Bay Rock! Impressive sight to behold. It's age is anywhere from 22-27 million years old. It's a volcanic plug. A volcanic plug is created when magma cools near a volcanic vent in an active volcano. The rock is 580 feet tall and a part of the 9 sisters volcano arc. Morro Rock is California Historical landmark #821 and dedicated in January 1968. It got its name from explorer Juan Cabrillo in 1552. Morro in Spanish means domed rock. The indigenous Native Americans revered the rock and held religious ceremonies there. Plus the rock is now a protected nesting area for peregrine falcons. They are the fastest birds around with an ability to fly 200 mph. Pretty nifty. Other birds make their home here as well. Climbing the rock is prohibited. If the law doesn't deter you... the nesting birds and their aggressive protected manner and the stench of their accumulated fresh gauno will. Stinky indeed. But there were a variety of birds there. With my binoculars I eyed the birds from the parking lot. I haven't sighted a falcon yet. But I'm sure they are there, it's a big rock. Lots of nocks and crannies. The lot saddles right up the the side of the rock to the nesting area. Can you imagine the rock used to bigger?! Quarrying of the rock was allowed from the 1880s to the 1960s. The breakwaters in Port Harford and other local spots were made from Morro Rock. To the right of the rock is the beach and to the left is the harbor. There is a big ole parking lot on the side of the rock. Big enough for RVs and travel trailers. Free parking and access to the area. There is a walking trail on the harbor side with benches. The last time I was there there were several sea otters dining and chattering away on the harbor side. It was quite entertaining. The trail connects all the way back through to Main Street. #MorroRockCALandmark #MorroRockPerigrineFalcons
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Kylie W.

Yelp
If you haven't been to Morro Bay, GO! If you haven't been to the Morro Bay Rock, GO! It is 100% worth it. Morro bays weather is always cooler than surrounding towns. Although it can be dreary some days it's still work the visit. The rock is amazing and you get to see different types of wildlife down by the bay. P.s. if you're already going to go then stop at a store to get some salt water taffy....mmmm....
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Crystal G.

Yelp
So much to see in this neighborhood. This is a hop skip and a jump away from the Madonna Inn. Might as well see everything. I feel like this can easily make the list of one of the wonders of the world. Water surrounded a big rock. It's cool. Get close to the water and you'll soon become friends with hundreds of squirrels. Be prepared with snacks they are not scared of you. They will jump on your lap on your back. It's so much fun making four-legged friends. Makes me feel like snow white ! Follow the path and it will lead you to a really cool surf spot. Kids and adults surfing . They are all just there to catching some gnarly waves bro . It's totally tubular ! Pass the surf spot and you'll run into an area where people get rocks and pile them on top of each other . I like it. There's a basketball court a bunch of cool restaurants that you can eat by the dock where they're playing really chill music. It was a great experience and a perfect place to see the sunset. 5Star
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John B.

Yelp
Really loved this place. Has free parking everywhere. A really calm beach town. Go whale watching don't spend crazy in food it's not worth it. But whale watching and kayaking is a must

Ingrid K.

Yelp
Beautiful beach with an impressive rock formation and tons of driftwood that folks took the liberty of building fun structures with. You can find plenty of seashells and sand dollars along the shore as well.
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Sil N.

Yelp
Nice place a bit over rated. Very crowed with tourist. A lot of surfers and people. Large parking lot near hotels and restaurants. Like a small finishing village.
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Trebla E.

Yelp
Beautiful beach to picnic, surf, chill, or go for a swim. The waves are sometimes sneaky and rogue waves often come up high so don't sit too close to the surf if you cant move all your gear in a jiffy. Highly recommend picking up some seafood at Giovanni's and eat on the beach. Watch out for pesky gulls that will snatch your food at every opportunity. If you don't mind going for a short walk, definitely check out Cairn Park on the other side of the rock and keep your eyes peeled for groups of otters floating in the bay.
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Sally W.

Yelp
Amazing place to stop by to take in some fresh air and glimpses of California's nature. Here's some of what you can expect to find: Many restaurants to choose from for your seafood fix. People casually strolling alone, with friends, and with their cute dogs. A ton of free parking. Cute sea otters chilling in the water enjoying their best life. Definitely worth a stop!
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Mike V.

Yelp
Home sweet home. I have to admit, I really miss Morro Bay and the great weather. Every time I come home and see Morro Rock it always brings back great memories of home, family, and friends
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Carl N.

Yelp
A small town with many splendor. Morro Bay is a coastal city in California. It's known for Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic mound at the end of Morro Rock Beach. Morro Rock is a volcanic plug in Morro Bay, California, on the Pacific Coast at the entrance to Morro Bay harbor. It's a causeway connects it with the shore, making it a tied island. The rock sits within Morro Bay State Park, home to lagoons, trails, sea otters and a bird-rich saltwater marsh. It has many public parking lots so you can enjoy the scenery this town has to offer including the Morro Rock. I have been here a few times including today. There is something about this volcanic rock where I sense and feel it's raw energy and power. I come to this town to get away from LA life and replenish my soul or clear my head. ;p Anyway, it's time to conclude this short but meaningful review. Overall, I enjoyed my time here and you will too. I highly recommend to stop by and see this amazing giant rock.
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Bonnie G.

Yelp
Beautiful State Park. Lots of free parking, super easy beach access , surfing, kite surfing diving boogie boarding , lots of otters & seals on the harbor side and the ground squirrels are fun to watch too! Never ending possibilities here . The estuary side of the park is very peaceful , looking forward to the actual park re-opening
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Elizabeth M.

Yelp
Very peaceful beach with great views. Its a bit far from the southbay but, its worth going to. I went and took highway 1 and its amazing coastal views. However, if you take this route it does take longer than taking 101 freeway. Once i arrived at the beach i was stunt on how pretty this state park is. The morro rock its breathtaking on how big and beautiful it is. You can explore its surrounding and can knowledge yourself on this historic beauty. As for the beach its a lovely beach. You can find sand dollars all over the beach and if you're lucky some beautiful seashells. Would highly recommend coming to this beach its very peaceful and not overcrowded.
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Britt C.

Yelp
When driving up to Morro Bay Rock it looks so amazing. I love coming here and walking around. Lots of surfers, and people just chilling by the water. You can see the sea otters swimming around. They are really fun to watch. I saw lots of people with dogs on leashes. There is also a bathroom that comes in handy after walking around the rock and down on the beach. I think this is a must do when visiting Morro Bay. Pictures definitely come out better from a distance. Some nice restaurants in Morro that you can sit outside and look at the rock. It looks beautiful. We did see a couple people fishing on the South side if the rock. They looked like they were fighting with massive amounts of kelp. Didn't look like a good place to fish.
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Edward A.

Yelp
A little foggy today, this interesting landmark didn't really do much for me (because of the fog and diminished visibility). Located in a sleepy town it kind of looked like a movie set. It wouldn't surprise me if this town - or parts of it - were in a movie sometime. Lots of character I'd probably return if in the area to hope for a better look.
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Mitch R.

Yelp
Beautiful place on both sides of the rock either the calmness of the bay or the crashing waves of the beach. In 2020 I loved to come to the jetty and stack some prayer rocks what a beautiful site thousands of prayers and blessings!!
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Kaitlin R.

Yelp
We decided to pull over to view the rock on a whim and it was well worth it. We pulled off on Atascadero and then parked to walk on the first path we saw headed to the beach. We walked through the dunes and saw beautiful purple and pink flowers. This was a great stop. The beach was beautiful, the waves were crashing, and it was not crowded. There is more parking closer to the rock. We did not check it out but we enjoyed our view. Dogs must be leashed. We were lucky and spotted a Peregrine Falcon.
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Till W.

Yelp
Seriously come here if you want to see a volcanic plug and passing through the Central Coast. It is free to see and you can even park right next to it! Morro Rock is huge! On a foggy day, it actually looks like a volcano.
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Josephine C.

Yelp
On a Saturday morning in July, we arrived at 8:30am to see morro rock but it was foggy. Free parking and only see surfers at the beach. The rock is huge in size and see flock of seagulls flying around the rock. We couldn't go other side of the rock since it was close. We left after staying at the rock for 30min. It got too chilly.