Getting to Morro Bay and Getting Around

Getting Here

You don’t need a car to enjoy Morro Bay. In fact, most visitors are pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to explore the town on foot, by bike, or even by kayak.

With free parking, walkable streets, and scenic rides along the waterfront, getting around here feels more like part of the vacation than a task to check off.

Getting Here
Getting Around
Direct Flights

Getting to Morro Bay

By Car

Morro Bay is located along scenic Highway 1, just 15 minutes from San Luis Obispo, about 2.5 hours from Fresno or Bakersfield, and roughly 4 hours from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

By Plane

Fly into San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP), just 17 miles away. Direct flights are available from Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Once you land, you can take a shuttle, order a rideshare, or hop on the RTA Route 12 bus to reach Morro Bay.

By Train

Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight routes stop in San Luis Obispo. From there, a short bus ride on RTA Route 12 brings you to downtown Morro Bay.

By Bus

The San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers affordable service throughout the region. Route 12 connects Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo and Los Osos. Route 15 runs north to Cambria and San Simeon.

Getting Around Morro Bay

Once you’re here, skip the car. Morro Bay is best explored up close and there are plenty of ways to do just that.

Walk

Downtown, the waterfront, and the Embarcadero are all within easy walking distance of each other. From beach strolls to boutique browsing, you can cover a lot on foot without ever needing to move your car.

Bike

Cruise the coast, check out the state park, or just enjoy a mellow ride around town. Bring your own bike or rent one from local shops. Some hotels even offer free bikes for guests to use.

Looking for bike routes? You’ll find dedicated paths, low-traffic side streets, and plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Paddle

See Morro Bay from a new perspective on the water. The calm estuary is ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with views of sea otters, seabirds, and the iconic Morro Rock. Rentals are available right along the waterfront.

Horseback

Yes, you can ride horses on the beach here. Guided horseback rides at Morro Strand State Beach let you take in the waves, dunes, and coastal views from the saddle.

Trolley (Seasonal)

During the summer and on select weekends, hop on the classic Morro Bay Trolley. It loops through downtown, the Embarcadero, and North Morro Bay. It’s a great way to see the sights without worrying about parking.

Public Transit

Morro Bay Transit operates a year-round fixed bus route Monday through Friday, along with a Call-A-Ride curb-to-curb service for destinations within ¾ mile of the main route. The trolley also runs seasonally through downtown and the waterfront areas.

Direct Flights to Morro Bay

With a new direct flight from Dallas to San Luis Obispo leaving daily, travel to Morro Bay has never been easier. In a little over four hours, you can travel from Texas to Morro Bay. This direct flight also activates an additional 89 connections to Morro Bay’s closest airport.

There are a total of six direct flights to San Luis Obispo County Airport including Denver, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, and now: Dallas-Fort Worth. Making Morro Bay only a plane stop or two away from over 17,000 international and domestic locations.

FAQs

Do I need a car in Morro Bay?

Not if you’re staying in town. Downtown, the Embarcadero, and the waterfront are all walkable. For trips to places like Cambria, Hearst Castle, or Montaña de Oro, a car or regional bus makes things easier.

Are rideshares available?

Uber and Lyft do operate here, but availability can be limited, especially outside of peak season. Plan ahead or consider using the local bus routes.

Can I rent a golf cart or e-bike?

Yes. Golf cart rentals are available through Central Coast Carts and e-bike rentals can be found along the Embarcadero.

Is there parking in town?

Yes. Parking is free in most areas of Morro Bay, including downtown and near the waterfront. Weekends and summer days can get busy, so walking or biking is often the best move.

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