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Morro Bay is a gorgeous waterfront city in San Luis Obispo County, California, that is a wonderful place to live or visit. The charming feel of the town, along with its setting within the unspoiled natural landscape, make it an ideal Central California coastal destination.
Planning activities for a day out is easy, especially when there are lots of free things to do in Morro Bay, CA, for visitors of all ages. From beach excursions to hiking trails, to art galleries to museums, you can find the perfect way to spend your day and not spend a fortune, like the top options highlighted below!
Morro Strand State Beach
A beach day is always a great time, with the Morro Strand State Beach offering free parking and a short walk to an expansive shoreline. Spend the day watching the waves, birds, and boats, or take a dip in the water. Beachcombing is very popular here, with lots of sand dollars, shells, and other treasures the tide brings in. Location: Off Highway 1
Black Hill Trail
The Black Hill Trail rewards guests who hike to the 610-foot peak of this volcanic rock formation with a stunning 360° panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The 2.5-mile round-trip trail takes around two hours or less to complete at a very moderate pace, but most visitors pack a lunch to enjoy while taking a break at the summit. The climb is steeper near the peak, but overall the trail is suitable for all ages if in good physical condition. Pets on leashes are allowed. Location: Trailhead - enter Morro Bay Golf Course, turn right at the first junction and travel 0.8 miles up (unsigned) Black Hill Road to the end
Morro Bay National Estuary Program
The Morro Bay National Estuary has a nature center open all year, except Christmas and New Year's Day, and 2,300 acres of waterways and coastline for guests to explore by kayak or by foot on the hiking trails. The Sandspit protects the estuary from the ocean, which provides a serene haven for visitors who come to watch the hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife that make the mudflats and salt marshes their home. Location: Estuary: 1 State Park Road / Nature Center: 601 Embarcadero #11
Fiona Bleu Gallery and the Shell Shop
Both the Fiona Bleu Gallery (900 Embarcadero) and The Shell Shop (590 Embarcadero) are great places to visit as you stroll through the city. The Gallery features original artwork in an array of styles sure to delight the eye and senses, with intriguing pieces for sale you can take home.
The Shell Shop is a fun stop to browse the central coast's most extensive collection of shell species. You can select shells, jewelry, and gifts for a unique souvenir to remember your day, or look at the displays and wonder at the intricacies of design found on every shell.
Morro Bay Offers Days of Free Fun
While enjoying all the free things to do in Morro Bay, CA, you can enhance the day and experience Morro Bay Butcher and Deli. You can stop in for sandwiches and sides to build a perfect picnic lunch to take along to any fun and free activities Morro Bay offers!
