Morro Bay National Estuary
Tucked away in the southern coast of Morro Bay, thanks to Chorro Creek and Los Oso Creek filtering into the Pacific Ocean, lies a national estuary home to hundreds of animals and plants. Our estuary is 2,300 acres spanning from Morro Bay to Los Osos. It is protected from the ocean swells by the Sandspit and provides an essential part of the beautiful landscape of Morro Bay. Hikes around the Morro Bay Estuary.
Morro Bay National Estuary Preserve and its unique 800-acre wetland with salt marshes and mudflats are home more than 250 species of land, sea, and shore birds and dozens of endangered species all winter long, including Peregrine Falcons. Rent a kayak at the Kayak Shack and paddle through the waters of the back bay to see the wonders of this extraordinary natural haven. Discover two working oyster farms, meander through the back bay estuary channels that take you to a wildlife wonderland at high tide, or pack a picnic lunch and head out to the sand spit for a day on the beach.
Related Events & Stories
Your Guide to Discovering California’s Magical Wildlife
California has a truly astonishing amount of wildlife stretching across its near 164,000 square miles— from northern foggy mountains to…
Welcome to the Secret Season
Summer may be drawing to a close, but trips to the beach aren’t over. In fact, now is the perfect…
Take a Morro Bay Coastal Safari
Epic wildlife viewing awaits you in Morro Bay. Plan your coastal safari today!
The Best Ways to Experience Morro Bay
By vehicle, paddle, bike, or feet. Morro Bay lends itself to exploration by multiple modes of transportation. So, no matter…