Transportation

Getting To Morro Bay

Getting here is part of the adventure! Morro Bay is tucked along the central coast of California, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles with some of the world's most epic road trip scenery. Whichever way you take, enjoy the journey through rolling hills, vineyards, and farmland or along dramatic rocky coastlines and sandy beaches. Once you spot the avocado ranches and Morro Rock, you know you've arrived.

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
Direct Flights
Getting Around

Transportation Options 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.

Traveling SOUTH from San Francisco: Take U.S. Highway 101 south to Atascadero. Exit on State Highway 41 west, then head south on Highway 1. Exit at Main Street in Morro Bay. Total drive time: about 4 hours. For an alternate, even more scenic route take Highway 280 south to Cupertino. Connect to Highway 85 south, and then take Highway 17 south to Santa Cruz, exiting to Highway 1 south through Big Sur and ending in Morro Bay. Total drive time: about 6 hours.

Traveling NORTH from Los Angeles: Take U.S. Highway 101 north to San Luis Obispo, exit north on Highway 1 to Morro Bay, take Morro Bay Blvd. exit. Total driving time: about 4 hours.

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.

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.

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. In fact, most visitors are pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to explore on foot, by bike, or even by kayak.

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. The Trolley typically begins running on Memorial Day weekend and will run through the 1st weekend in October. View Trolley Route Map from Morro Bay Public Services.

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.

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.

FAQs

Do I need a car in Morro Bay?

Not if you’re staying in downtown. 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 is needed.

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 bike?

Yes. E-bike rentals can be found along the Embarcadero.

Is there parking in Morro Bay?

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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