Add traffic-free to the list of things you are thankful for this Thanksgiving by spending Turkey Day in Morro Bay. 

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year.  With so many people trying to get to their turkey dinner you can be stuck in the congestion for hours.  Sitting in bumper to bumper stressing out about getting to your destination before the food gets cold, as you become increasingly uncomfortable in the car, is no way to spend your holiday.  Instead, head to the coast in Morro Bay where the only traffic you’ll find is the wildlife swimming by in the bay. 

How to avoid rush hour traffic on Thanksgiving Day:

- Come early to Morro Bay and enjoy the local spirt of Thanksgiving Day.
- Or plan your festive get-together over the weekend for more time to spend with friends and extended family. 

Thanksgiving Dinner

For delicious Thanksgiving fare, reserve you spot at one of these restaurants serving holiday menus.  Space is limited, so be sure to call early to make your reservation.

Looking to try a local holiday favorite?
Indulge in a local traditional holiday treat with seasonal Dungeness Crab.  Find it served at Morro Bay restaurants and available at our fresh seafood markets.  Be sure to pre-order your crab – it’s very popular.  Even after you leave Morro Bay you can place an order to be shipped home so you can enjoy Dungeness crab throughout the holiday season!

And if you’d prefer to branch out from the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, these restaurants will be open offering a variety of cuisines to ensure that you have a delicious holiday in Morro Bay.  Some business’ hours are limited – be sure to call to confirm. 

Volunteer

Maximize your thankfulness by giving back to others.  Volunteer to help cook, serve, decorate, etc. at the Morro Bay Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  Simply call Morro Bay Seniors at (805) 772-4421 if you are interested in helping.  The community dinner is hosted at the Morro Bay Community Center from 1-3 pm, and everyone is invited for the fun and a free meal.  

Get Moving

After filling up on Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll be ready to get outside and moving.  Take advantage of all the activities Morro Bay has to offer with a hike up Black Hill, kayak in the bay, or a surf at Morro Rock.  Create your own Turkey Trot through Morro Bay State Park along the Estuary or jog the Harborwalk and onto the hardpacked sand beach. 

Go for a Drive

There are many attractions that are easily accessible from Morro Bay, including one of the most scenic drive in the country.  Exit town and head north on California's scenic Highway 1 as it runs along the Pacific Ocean and affords breathtaking scenery.  You’ll find many spots along the way to stop and take in the vivid sunset.

Hit the Shops

What’s a Thanksgiving weekend without enjoying some holiday shopping?  If you are looking for gifts outside the big-name box shopping centers for the loved ones on your holiday list, discover Morro Bay’s artisan makers.  And frequenting these owner-operated stores is a great way to support Small Business Saturday.  From handmade glass beads and craft olive oils, to custom leather goods and fresh saltwater taffy, Morro Bay has a distinct #craftculture and is filled with unique products that make great gifts for the holidays. 

Avoid the stress, traffic jams, frenzied shops, and idle afternoons by spending Thanksgiving in Morro Bay this year.  Ditch the traffic for more time with family and friends.  There will be lots of delicious food, volunteer opportunities, outdoor adventure activities, and unique handmade gifts to ensure your entire holiday weekend is filed with thankfulness. 

Book your room today!  For more information visit morrobay.org or call the Morro Bay Visitor Center at (805) 225-1633.