Our outdoor playground feels no seasons. Thriving on the coastline of California, Morro Bay is a summer-lover’s paradise with bright sunshine and miles of trails, beaches and bikeways to explore.
Skip this year’s family summer vacation and plan your getaway for this January. With no summer traffic, lower hotel rates and several FREE activities, your trip to Morro Bay will stretch dollars and beat your budget. Check out a few of our kid-approved FREE activities available in January:
Monarch Butterflies
Wintertime brings bright orange hues to our eucalyptus trees, meaning the monarch butterflies have migrated from their home west of the Rocky Mountains to our little seaside village. They recreate their homes high in the Morro Bay State Park, where they rest in groups on the eucalyptus branches.
Come learn about these unique creatures during a guided butterfly tour: January 6th, January 20th, February 3rd, or February 17th. Meet at the Morro Bay Golf Course Clubhouse at 11am for a short hike to the viewing area. For more information, contact Josh Heptig at (805) 781-1318.Enjoy their visit before they migrate home this spring.
Marine Safari
Our bay creates a special environment that attracts a variety of marine mammals and animals. Whether you’re walking along the shoreline, paddling a kayak, swimming in the waves or reclining in the sand, you’ll catch a glimpse of a few of our furry friends.
How many can you find? Here’s a checklist to guide you:
- Sea Otter
- Harbor Seal
- California Sea Lion
- Gray Whale
- Sand Dollar
- Peregrine Falcon
- Snowy Egret
Post pictures of your safari on Instagram and #MorroBay for a chance to be featured on our social media pages!
Restaurant Passport
It’s nearly impossible to visit Morro Bay and avoid the luring smell of fresh-caught seafood. Walking along the Embarcadero or downtown areas, the aroma will guide you to some of the best restaurants.
This January and February, all hotel guests will receive a FREE Restaurant Passport to savings at 9 local eateries. Make your dollars last through several delicious deals: FREE clam chowder, FREE pastries, FREE appetizers and MORE! For more information about our Restaurant Passport, click HERE.
Cycle through Savings
Bicycles encouraged! Our small town has several bike-friendly paths that will guide your family through the historic storefronts, Morro Rock, and beachfronts.
For an easy ride to Morro Rock, arrive at the parking lot across the street from the smoke stacks. This trailhead has a bike-friendly path that concludes at Morro Rock’s parking lot. Bring your lunch along and enjoy a picnic – there are several benches and tables to relax along the way.
For a more rigorous adventure, Black Hill trail is perfect for mountain bikers and outdoorsmen alike. The Morro Bay Golf Course’s driveway will take you to the trailhead. The end of the trail will surprise you with the best vantage point in town. Gaze upon the entirety of Estero Bay, Morro Bay, Los Osos and even Cayucos.
For more information about FREE family-friendly activities, call the Morro Bay Visitor Center at (805) 225-1633.