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Morro Bay is calling! Considered one of the most beautiful portions of the Central Coast of California, Morro Bay is a haven full of natural beauty, scenic sights, and fun attractions. Use this list of natural wonders of Morro Bay to plan your visit to the area.
Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
From the end of October through February, more than 10,000 orange-and-black monarch butterflies flee colder areas to reach Pismo State Beach. Once here, these stunning creatures spend their time enjoying the shelter of towering limbs of eucalyptus trees in an estuary that flows to the Pacific Ocean. Travelers visiting this natural sanctuary to observe this migration event can access Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove using California State Highway 1 at Pismo Beach's south boundary.
Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop
Observing California's beloved elephant seals in the wild is a treat like no other! While elephant seals are most comfortable in the water, these majestic creatures will use their bellies and flippers to move on land. An adult can weigh up to 5,000 pounds! Viewing areas are open daily without fees or reservations at Morro Bay's Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop. Generally, the period from December to March is considered the best for viewing.
Morro Rock
Morro Rock is the landmark that most people associate with Morro Bay. In fact, the ethereal dune-filled beach near the rock is commonly used for commercial shoots and wedding photography. As one of the best natural wonders of Morro Bay, this 576-foot-tall natural structure does not disappoint in person!
Morro Rock stands proudly on the edge of the Pacific Ocean as part of a chain of volcanic peaks extending from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. This modern-day California Historic Landmark has actually formed nearly 23 million years ago! While climbing Morro Rock is strictly prohibited, visitors can get clear glimpses of the monolith by driving northbound on Embarcadero Road to access its base. One visit to the famous Morro Rock in person will make you understand why this landmark is known around the world as the "Gibraltar of the Pacific."
Morro Bay National Estuary Preserve
Welcome to the wilds of Morro Bay! Morro Bay National Estuary is an 800-acre wetland that is the habitat of more than 250 species. The full estuary here spans 2,300 acres between Morro Bay and Los Osos. When you come here to hike through estuary channels, you can expect to see falcons soaring over working oyster farms. Visitors can also kayak to enjoy views of the estuary's iconic sandspit from the other side.
Morro Bay State Park
While Morro Rock is the reason why most people visit Morro Bay State Park, this incredible park deserves much more attention. Morro Bay State Park is one of California's top destinations for fishing, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The beautiful lagoons and marshes here are teeming with creatures! Additionally, the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, which is housed within the park, is home to a stunning collection of exhibits focused on oceanography, geology, and Native American culture.
The Black Trail and Cerro Cabrillo offer exhilarating routes through pine groves that lead to stunning panoramic views for visitors interested in hiking. This is also a park where you can enjoy a little leisure if you choose. Morro Bay State Park is home to a marina, the Bayside Café, and the 18-hole Morro Bay Golf Course.
Experience the Natural Beauty of Morro Bay
Morro Bay's beauty is a gift that keeps on giving! While the popular natural wonders of Morro Bay offer plenty of opportunities to take in gorgeous coastal views, people who want a more rugged experience can take advantage of some hiking spots that are off the beaten path. This guide to great places to hike in Morro Bay will help you plan every step!
