Nearby Cities

Morro Bay is not only located on the coast, but is accessible to many other unique cities.

To the North

Cayucos - A seaside town that began as a warehouse and wharf built in the 1870's, Cayucos retains a distinctly Western flavor and offers a quaint main street, beaches perfect for surfing and a public pier that doubles as a popular fishing spot. From an old-fashioned ice cream soda shop to a three-story antique store and a couple of excellent surf shops, Cayucos has shops and restaurants to delight you!

Harmony - A small village of working artists worth a stop and a look in the few shops, which sell the local artwork. Check out the population on the town sign. It makes you smile!

Cambria - Once a pioneering settlement of farmers, miners and dock workers, today Cambria is a magical seaside village tucked among towering pines, a 'destination' resort with accommodations on the oceanfront and in the forest. Here art galleries mix with excellent restaurants, an old-fashioned saloon, and boutiques that sell a variety of goods--from potpourri to antiques, from specialty garden items to clothes, from soldier figures to animation art.

San Simeon - A fishing village, an old-time pioneering community, a Western beach town, a working artists colony and a castle. The San Simeon area--best known for Hearst Castle visited by nearly a million tourists annually--offers a walk on the area's most beautiful beaches, known for their shells, moonstones and beautiful sunsets.

To the South

Los Osos / Baywood Park - This quiet community is the perfect spot to have a cup of coffee or lunch overlooking the bay. The site of one of our favorite state parks--Montana De Oro--where you can enjoy walking, hiking, wildlife viewing and beaches.

San Luis Obispo - Our "big city" of the area has a delightful shopping district complete with wonderful shops, outdoor cafes and flower stands. San Luis Obispo began as the Mission San Luis Obispo de Toloso that is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped plaza and includes a bubbling creek complete with ducks and fish.

Avila Beach - Beachgoers love Avila Beach--perpetually sunny and the warmest beach in the county. Home to the young at heart, this seaside town attracts families, college students, and water enthusiasts with its lure of the pier, deep sea fishing, mineral springs, tennis, golf barbecues and sight seeing.

Pismo Beach - One of the area's truly unique features is found in this seaside beach town, Pismo State Beach. All-terrain vehicles can be rented to go four-wheel driving on the seemingly endless dunes of California's only drivable beach--the Pismo Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. Horseback riding, body boarding, surfing, tide pooling, kite flying and sand castle building are just a few of the enjoyments at Pismo Beach.

Arroyo Grande - A delightful village of unique shops and restaurants--check out 'Old Towne' for an afternoon snack and stroll. Nestled in green rolling hills in the shadow of the Santa Lucia Mountains, wineries offer several tasting rooms.

Grover Beach - The entrance to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is nestled just off Highway 1. All-terrain vehicles can be rented to go four-wheel driving on the seemingly endless dunes or just experience driving directly on the Pacific Ocean coastline for miles. Other activities and festivals attract the entire family, including several community parks for fun, picnics and barbeques.

To the East

Atascadero - A relaxing afternoon at picturesque Atascadero Lake Park to feed the ducks and geese feels a bit like heaven on earth. The Charles Paddock Zoo is another favorite attraction. Atascadero City Hall, designated an historical landmark, is home not only to local government, but also to a museum displaying artifacts of Atascadero's early days.

Paso Robles - A place of wide open spaces, thousands of acres of vineyards, prestigious wineries, thoroughbred and Arabian horse farms, almond orchards and unspoiled lakes. Visitors drive along scenic country roads, enjoy the rural atmosphere and stop to sample the locally produced wines.

Downtown Cayucos

Harmony Post Office

Cambria, where the pines meet the sea!

Hearst Castle

The Bear statue created by artist Paula Zima guards the entrance to Los Osos which means Valley of the Bears.

Avila Beach is just a few miles South of Morro Bay off of Hwy. 101.

Pismo Beach is about a 5 minute drive south of Avila Beach.

For information regarding the entire county, please contact the San Luis Obispo Visitor's & Conference Bureau.