Top Sights in Morro Bay

Morro Bay, California, offers visitors activities like golfing, sailing, and wildlife watching. When you stay at the Blue Sail Inn in Morro Bay, you’re close to it all! Our hotel is steps away from waterfront shops, dining, and area attractions. Planning your trip but don’t know where to start? Here are the top sights in Morro Bay!

Morro Rock

Morro Rock is a 576 foot tall old volcanic plug that sits off the coast, making it one of the most prominent sights in Morro Bay. It’s the defining feature of the town and is a California Registered Historical Landmark. The rock is part of a chain called The Nine Sisters, which includes similar volcanic structures in an area that stretches from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. Morro Rock is the largest and the last peak in the chain.

The area is also a bird sanctuary and is home to gulls, Peregrine falcons, and Cormorants. There is a beach which is a popular destination for photoshoots, sunbathing, and weddings. You can also enjoy water activities such as sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Sign up for a guided tour at one of the boat rental locations in downtown Morro Bay.

A jetty connects Morro Rock to the town of Morro Bay. Visitors get to the rock by walking down a boardwalk that starts on the Embarcadero.

Embarcadero

The Embarcadero is Morro Bay’s downtown waterfront street and is teeming with shops, restaurants, museums, and a marina. You’ll also get a stunning view of Morro Rock and the bay as you take a stroll down the street. Bring binoculars to view the vast amount of birds who make their home in the marshes around Morro Rock. You may even spot a sea lion or two!

There are several boat launches from the marina in the Embarcadero. From local fishers supplying the area’s restaurants with the day’s freshest catches to whale watching tours and chartered yachts, there’s something for every boating enthusiast.

Dining and shopping options abound around the Embarcadero. Get fresh seafood and clam chowder at Dutchman’s, Off the Hook, or Giovanni’s Fish Market. Or, toast with a glass of wine from the Morro Bay Wine Cellar. There are many boutiques along the Embarcadero selling handcrafted items like soaps, nautical gifts, and seashells.

Several galleries showcase local artists and crafters in the area, and museums help visitors learn more about the area’s history. The Morro Bay Nature Center offers several exhibits to learn more about the first settlers and the history of Morro Rock. You can learn about the different species of wildlife that call Morro Bay home as well. There is also a skateboard and maritime museum.

Morro Bay State Park

Get up close to Morro Rock and see the saltwater marshes first hand at Morro Bay State Park. This park is home to Morro Rock, the beach, and two more peaks within the Nine Sisters volcanic plug chain, and offers a variety of activities such as camping, tours, sailing, fishing, and even an 18-hole golf course.

The Morro Bay Museum of Natural History is also located in the park. The museum educates people of all ages about wildlife in the area using nature hikes, lectures, video presentations, and tours. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the museum is temporarily closed.

It’s good to note that the area around Morro Rock can get up to 30 degrees chiller than inland areas, so bring a jacket and wear layers when you visit.

Visit the top sights in Morro Bay

The Blue Sail Inn is close to all the things downtown Morro Bay has to offer. Spend your day’s sightseeing around beautiful Morro Bay and get even more dazzling views when you return to your room. To learn more, check out our Morro Bay area guide!