Memorial Day Weekend in Morro Bay

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. It means longer days at the beach, cookouts in the park, and late nights chasing sunsets.

Here's to the last minute getaway...pack up the car and head to Morro Bay for a weekend of Memorial Day summer fun!

Memorial Day Weekend Events
Memorials Museums & Parks
Outdoor Adventure
Dining

Memorial Day Weekend Events

Art in the Park

Date: May 23-25, 2026
Time: 10am-5pm
Location: Morro Bay City Park | 734 Harbor St

Art in the Park is an annual event in Morro Bay that occurs Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends. Stroll through the park to see artwork by local artists and makers, and take home a sweet souvenir if something catches your eye.

Waterfront Market

Date: May 23-25, 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Location: Giovanni's Fish Market Parking Lot | 1001 Front St.

Shop from local vendors and enjoy tamales, knitted and crocheted items, dog apparel, plants, home decor, jewelry, candles, incense, sweet treats, and more.

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Memorials Museums & Parks

Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum

Address: 801 Grand Avenue, Suite 102 | San Luis Obispo

Just down the street from Morro Bay is the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum, which honors veterans through exhibits, events, and programs. For an example of some of the things you can see at the museum, check out their exhibits page here.

Morro Bay Maritime Museum

Address: 1210 Embarcadero

This museum highlights Morro Bay's military heritage, with exhibits detailing how the U.S. Navy established a WWII Amphibious Training Base that reshaped Morro Bay and supported wartime operations. Visitors can also explore historic vessels and technology tied to naval service.

Anchor Memorial Park

Address: 925 Embarcadero

While not specifically dedicated to military veterans, this park was developed as a memorial to local commercial fishermen who were lost at sea. It's a nice place to visit, especially during Memorial Day weekend, to enjoy waterside views and a picnic.

Outdoor Adventure

To kick off the unofficial first week of summer, take a hike along the Morro Bay National Estuary or take a long bike ride on one of the trails in Morro Bay.

With over 6 miles of continuous beach, there’s lots of space to spread out and lots of room for fun. Pick up a kite from Beachfront Kites and head to the dunes. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and spend the afternoon out on the water.

More sunlight this time of year means more time to find the perfect sunset spot. As the sun begins to set around 8 pm, secure a spot at one of the first-come, first-served public fire pits near Morro Rock (please be aware that fires are not allowed on the beach). It’s a great spot for s’mores under the stars.

Dining

After a day full of adventure around Morro Bay, you’ll need to refuel, and what better way than with a cookout along the waterfront in Tidelands Park? Stop by one of our two fish markets (Dockside or Giovanni’s) to get some fresh Morro Bay seafood to cook on one of the public grills. Or order food to go from one of the local restaurants and enjoy it picnic style along the waterfront with a view of Morro Rock.

Insider's Tip: The Morro Bay trolley is back for the summer! It makes it easy to get from Morro Bay State Park on the south side of town to the shops and restaurants in North Morro Bay. And riding the old-fashioned trolley makes for a great photo op.

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