Whether it’s with family, friends, or a furry companion, making a traveling tradition or yearly trip is the perfect way to experience Morro Bay. And while the hot days of summer may be behind us, the quieter autumn shoulder season between summer and winter offers a tranquil— yet still fun-filled— backdrop for new traditions. Read on for a few of the best ways to experience Morro Bay with the ones you love this season, and be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more trip ideas and inspiration!
Where Family Memories Are Made
Morro Bay is the perfect backdrop for a coastal getaway with the whole family, no matter what age. Special moments are meant to be made here— Morro Rock has a charming way of making its way into every beach photo you take, and has acted as a beacon of treasured memories for countless families throughout the years.
Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities that are sure to keep everyone happy, relaxed, and entertained, from whale watching experiences to interactive museum exhibits. Awe-inspiring encounters with wildlife, extraordinary vistas, fun-filled visits to the beach, and adventures in California’s beautiful untouched wilderness lie around every corner, just waiting for you to discover.
When it comes to mealtime, we know that easy is good. Easy is great, even. That’s why Morro Bay offers a wide selection of restaurants that cater to every preference, from homemade comfort food at local cafes to fresh seafood on the scenic Embarcadero.
Paradise with Your Pup
Every pet’s favorite place to vacation? Morro Bay. With plenty of pet-friendly accommodations and activities, you and your furry friend will never want to leave this one-of-a-kind seaside getaway. The area has plenty of activities that are guaranteed to keep you busy, including pet-friendly hiking trails, beaches, boats and more! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take your (under 25 lb) pooch on a tandem kayak ride.
In Morro Bay, you’ll never have to leave your pup tied up outside. Many of the town’s boutiques and stores are pet-friendly, so they can browse right alongside you. If your pooch drags you inside the town’s beloved pet store, don’t say we didn’t warn you! And when it’s chow time, most restaurants have pet-friendly seating options, with dog treats and even special food menus to delight your furry friend.
We know one of the hardest parts of traveling with your pup is finding the perfect pet-friendly accommodation. In Morro Bay, you won’t have to worry about that— the area has numerous pet-friendly hotels, inns, and motels that would be happy to host you and your pet for a few nights.
Unforgettable Seasonal Events
For people who like being at the center of the action, Morro Bay is the place to be during these autumn months. The city has a variety of events and special activities going on throughout the season, from community dinners to scenic triathlons.
The Morro Bay Community Thanksgiving Dinner is an annual event that brings together the entire community for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. All are welcome to stop by for this free local event, and it’s a great way to spend time with a truly delightful community that loves to come together to celebrate good times.
More adventurous visitors are in for a ride (and a run, and a swim) with the Morro Bay Triathlon, an iconic coastal triathlon which takes participants across Morro Bay Harbor, along scenic Highway 1, and on the beach fronting the towering Morro Rock. Those who find the complete Olympic length course daunting can opt for the less challenging Sprint length. If you love triathlons, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more scenic route to swim, bike, and run across.
Love shopping local? Morro Bay offers several year-round markets where you can find everything from fresh produce to homemade goods. The Thursday Farmers Market, located just off Highway 1, gathers vendors from all over the area as they come together to share what they’ve made and grown. Stop by and enjoy the fresh ocean air and seaside views as you browse the local flavor. The Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market is another well-loved local market, held every Saturday of the year from 2:30-5:30pm, rain or shine. These markets are a fantastic way to support the local economy while finding quality, one-of-a-kind goods, gifts, and produce.
Speaking of markets, Morro Bay is a great home base if you’re planning on attending the Cambria Christmas Market, a beloved annual event located just half an hour away. This market, growing bigger and better with each passing year, is based on the traditional open-air Christmas markets of Germany and Austria, where vendors came together in a main square to share their wares. The Cambria Christmas Market is similar, with dozens of artisan vendors setting up stalls to sell handmade goods, local food products, home decor, jewelry, and more. Gaze in wonder at over 2 million twinkling Christmas lights, sit down at a cozy fire pit, or take your little one to sit on Santa’s lap.