How to make the most of your 4th of July - extend your holiday in Morro Bay with Patriots' Pride Week & Family Funday!
July 1st – 3rd
Kick your week off right by arriving in Morro Bay and checking into your clean and relaxed accommodations. No matter the size and requirements of your family, there is a Morro Bay hotel for you. Show your room key and ride the Morro Bay Trolley for free the entire weekend, beginning on Thursday. The Trolley is an easy way to get around town and a fun way to learn more about Morro Bay.
Spend your days getting active on the water. Check out the top five water sports in Morro Bay, the best locations for each activity and how to rent the necessary equipment. Or maybe staying on land for some birding, biking, golfing or hiking is more your speed. Head in to one of our local museums when you need a break from the outdoors, and spend your nights enjoying the sunset while eating fresh seafood along the waterfront.
Starting July 1st the Maritime Museum will begin tour operations of the P-520 USAAF Crash Rescue Boat from WWII. The P-520, served on the west coast during WWII, including a stint at Avila Beach for a period in 1944 and undoubtedly came into Morro Bay during that time. The P-520 was built in Southern California and is the only, fully intact, restored US Crash Boat in the world! Purchase your tickets at the Maritime Museum, park in the lot behind the museum and then head across the street to the boat located at T-Pier. The guided tour will include above and below deck access. And there is no ticket fee for retired or active military with ID July 1st-5th.
Spend Wednesday taking it easy at the beach and wandering around the shops in preparation for the full day of activities Morro Bay has planned for the 4th.
July 4th
The fun starts with the 10th Annual Morro Bay Mile skateboard race. Registration opens at 9 am and the race begins at 10! Skaters will start at Morro Bay High School, roll down Embarcadero Road, over the bridge, along the bike path and onto Colman Drive finishing at the Maritime Museum. Enter for a chance to win cash, product prizes, plaques and medals, or pick out a spot at the finish line and have a front row seat to the action.
Bring your bike, hang around Morro Rock and meet at the north side of Morro Creek Bridge at noon for a patriotic bike ride! Everyone is welcome to participate in this fun ride down the Embarcadero to Tidelands Park where bike valet will be available.
Spend the afternoon at the park with fun for the entire family. Enjoy the flag ceremony, live music, magic, kids’ carnival games and classic Americana food and beverage options. Try your hand at the Police Department dunk tank or take a Harbor Department boat tour. And at 2 pm don’t miss the 4th of July Paddle Parade. Dress in your patriotic red, white and blue, grab your nonmotorized vessel and meet at Coleman Beach for a paddle along the bay to Tidelands Park.
Stroll the waterfront and find FREE treats along the way. There will be a FREE popcorn stand at the T-Pier and FREE hotdogs for Veterans at the Maritime Museum. Many local businesses will also be offering special discounts for Vets. On the way back to Tidelands be sure to visit the sea otters and look for FREE Otter Pops in honor of our sea’lebrities. There will be activities in the park until 5 pm.
Avoid the noise and crowds with a quiet evening full of delicious food at a waterfront restaurant or sign up for a boat tour to see the Cayucos firework show.
July 5th – 7th
And the excitement doesn’t end with the 4th. There are more events to discover throughout the weekend in Morro Bay.
Art in the Park is an annual tradition started by the Morro Bay art community to give artists and artisans a place to showcase and sell their work all weekend. The festival also includes food and drink as you wander through the art stalls.
Spend a night at the theater enjoying a play from By the Sea Productions. The Liar by Pierre Corneille is currently showing Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Click here to get your tickets.
Bring the whole family, pets included, down to the local craft market on Saturday and Sunday. The Waterfront Market is free to the public and located at 1001 Front Street on the Embarcadero behind Giovanni’s Fish Market.
Head to Main Street and Morro Bay Boulevard on Saturday and take in the street farmers market between 2:30 – 5:30. Local produce, music and art will be available for your perusing pleasure. And visiting the Main Street Farmers Market is a great opportunity to take something from the Central Coast home with you!