Cool & Unusual Things to Do in Morro Bay, CA

Morro Bay is a gorgeous coastal town with abundant dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. However, suppose you're looking for cool and unusual things to do in Morro Bay, CA. In that case, this list of activities will give you plenty of ideas for fun and memorable experiences!

Montaña de Oro State Park

A visit to Montaña de Oro State Park is one of the top kid-friendly things to do in Morro Bay. The park's unique landscape includes hills, canyons, sandy beaches, coastal plains, rugged cliffs, and the 1,347-foot Valencia Peak that provide days worth of family fun exploring and admiring the plants and animals. In addition, you can hike, bike or horseback ride the trails every day from 6 am - 10 pm and seek out one of the secluded beaches for a picnic or a swim.

Morro Bay Maritime Museum - Morro Bay, CA

For a free, short activity, the Morro Bay Maritime Museum is the ideal place to see preserved boats and underwater vehicles that shaped California's coastline history. Learn about the science and technology advancements in the maritime industry and enjoy a close-up look at "The Fleet," which includes a WW2-era tug, a cold-war era rescue submarine seen in the film The Hunt for Red October, a USCG Surf Rescue Boat, and so much more. The museum is on the bay across from the south T-pier, so it's easy to pop in and get a better understanding of Morro Bay's local history.

El Moro Elfin Forest - Los Osos, CA

The El Moro Elfin Forest in Los Osos, CA, is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is a must-see landscape full of 90 acres of Coast Live Oaks stunted by the local environment, giving the landscape an "elfin" appearance. Stroll the boardwalk and trails through seven distinct coastal environments and study Morro Bay's rare plants, animals, terrain, and views. You can explore on your own or schedule a docent-led walk to learn more about the park, take an investigative walk to focus on a specific topic, or even try your hand at a "sketch walk" where you stop and draw your impressions of the park's natural wonders. El Moro Elfin Forest is located on the southeastern shore of Morro Bay and the northeast side of Los Osos, about 2 miles south of Morro Bay.

Hearst Castle - San Simeon, CA

Celebrating 100 years of history, the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA is more than a grand estate of the late William Randolph Hearst; it's an encompassing journey through history. Truly one of the most unusual things to do in Morro Bay, CA, or anywhere in the US, you can fill your day by taking one of the specialized tours through the home, strolling the gardens, enjoying more than 25,000 pieces of art, and artifacts, and learn how this 165-room home and the sprawling property was shaped. The castle is popular and limits the number of visitors, so please reserve your booking online in advance to ensure entry.