Unlock Secret Season: Why Fall is the Best Time to Visit Morro Bay

Fun fact: summer actually isn’t the best time to visit Morro Bay. It’s true! If you want the sunniest coastal weather and fewer crowds, fall is a stellar time to take a little trip to California’s Central Coast.

September through November is what the locals call Morro Bay’s Secret Season. This time is a perfect gateway to our town’s activities, wine, events, sunsets, and vibes at their very best. Let’s break down what makes Secret Season so special, and set you up with everything you need to plan the ultimate fall beach getaway.

What is Morro Bay's Secret Season

Don’t tell anyone, but Morro Bay’s Secret Season is the sunny sweet spot between summer and the holidays when the weather is warm, the ocean air is perfectly salty, and the usual summer crowds have thinned out. Other folks call this time of year “Indian Summer”, but we just call it great. If you’re a fan of cozy sweater weather that isn’t too cold, this is the place for you!

Why you’ll love it:
1. Better weather: Warm days, cool nights, and plenty of sunshine.

2. Fewer crowds: Enjoy wide-open beaches and trails practically to yourself.

3. Special deals: Hotels and inns offer seasonal discounts you won’t find in summer.

4. Epic sunsets: Six miles of west-facing beaches means nightly golden hour magic.

5. Local events: From wine festivals to happenings at the harbor, fall is full of festive things to do.

Secret Season Deals & Discounts

Another secret for you! Book direct with any of the following accommodation options and save on your stay while you’re getting salty:

Pacific Shores Inn - Save 10%
Rockview Inn & Suites - Save 10%
Coastal Breeze Inn - Save 15%
Fireside Inn - Save 15%
Harbor House Inn - Save 15%
Beach Bungalow Inn & Suites - Save 20%

Weather in Morro Bay

We would never leave you out in the cold when it comes to temperature.

September: Warm and sunny with highs in the 70s— ideal for water sports and wine tasting.

October: Cooler but still mild, with average highs in the mid-to-high 60s— fantastic hiking and kayaking weather!

November: Crisp mornings and sunny afternoons with highs in the low-to-mid 60s, plus fewer visitors. Be sure to bundle up for evening bonfires and sunsets.

Things to Do in Morro Bay

Get Splashy: Water Sports

Summer crowds always have a habit of leaving just when Indian Summer comes around, washing over Morro Bay with sunny temperatures throughout the fall season. Perfect weather to get on the water, if you ask us! This is the time to paddleboard, kayak, surf, and fish your heart out; just don’t forget to check the tides, since higher tides make paddling easier and allow you to venture farther into the National Estuary.

Morro Bay offers totally unmatched conditions for paddling, and is also home to many aquatic plants and critters for you to spot! Avoid disturbing our seafaring friends by giving them plenty of space when you’re on the water.

Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals: Estero Adventure, A Kayak Shack, Morro Bay Paddlesports, Sub Sea Tours

Tours: Central Coast Outdoors (kayak tours from ½ day to sunset paddles), Morro Bay Paddlesports (paddleboard nature tours of the bay).

Get Viticultured: Wine Tasting

With two wine regions—Edna Valley & Paso Robles— easily accessible from Morro Bay, we’re really at the center of all things viticulture. Many wine touring companies will even pick you up at your hotel, so you can enjoy a relaxed afternoon of vino without worrying about who’s taking the wheel!

If you’re staying at a local hotel, Morro Bay’s wine tasting rooms are within walking distance, including, Vino Estero, Absolution Cellars, and STAX Wine Bar!

Get Golden: Sunsets on the Beach

If your sunset pictures have been looking a little subpar lately, let us introduce you to Morro Bay’s six miles of beaches. Facing due west, every evening on these sandy shores ends with a sky bathed in golden hues of pink, orange, and purple. Claim a spot on the beach or head to one of the dockside restaurants for dinner with a view.

Get Spout-acular: Whale Watching

Secret Season in Morro Bay goes beyond gorgeous sunsets and tasty sips— it’s also prime humpback whale watching time! These oceanic giants migrate along California’s Central Coast every year, and fall is one of the best seasons to catch them splashing around off the shore. Hop on a local whale watching tour and you might spot other critters like dolphins, otters, and sea lions too!

Whale Watching Tours: Los Isle Adventure Tours, Maya Sailing Adventures, Morro Bay Landing, Sub Sea Tours, Pacific Charters

Morro Bay Whale Watching