Wide ocean views and soft sandy surroundings

Morro Strand State Beach

Here, sunlight glistens off unceasing waves and the ocean winds beckon to all visitors who are ready for a salty adventure. Spanning three miles, the beach is a protected coastal frontage park that overlooks the breathtaking Estero Bay.

As you venture along the sandy terrain and gentle dunes, you’ll find that the shore is simply a pleasant curve along the Morro Bay coast. Take in a cloud-steaked backdrop with Morro Rock and the blue expanse that stretches toward the horizon. Popular activities include camping, jogging, windsurfing, fishing, wildlife viewing, and so much more.

Morro Strand State Beach Experiences

Morro Strand State Beach is unlike any other sandy spot in California. There’s plenty of space for everyone to stretch out their legs or walk along the shore. Sunset chasers will enjoy watching unobstructed sights of the orange-hued sky. Keep an eye out for horseback riders, who may be trotting along the coast. With an onsite campground area, Morro Strand State Beach is the perfect daytrip location for ocean-soaked activities.

Know Before You Go

Location: The Morro Strand Campground is three miles south of Morro Bay
Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost: There is no entrance fee and parking is free, but overflow parking spaces for night camping are not available
Cell Service: Typically decent by the campground
Restrooms: Available at the Morro Strand Campground
Dogs: Permitted on leash at the campground, but are not allowed on the beach
Weather: Expect moderate temperatures as the beach is generally 30 degrees cooler than inland areas. It is recommended to dress in appropriate layers.

Plan Your Visit

There are several access points to Morro Strand State Beach, depending on your chosen activities and location. We suggest starting by the Pit for a full journey of leisurely strolling and taking in the stunning views. The Pit is nearest to Morro Rock and can be accessed via Atascadero Road exit off Highway 1. Driving west, the road curves and gives way to street parking and a sand parking lot. After you’ve parked, make your way through the dunes to the beach.

Hiking

Regarded as an easy path, the Morro Strand State Beach trail is 3.1 miles with a 16-foot elevation gain. The typical time to finish this trail is 54 minutes. With the beach’s expansive shoreline, each hiker has plenty of space to explore the path without running into others.

Wildlife

Morro Strand State Beach is teeming with a diverse array of wildlife. Gulls, terns, and shorebirds are just some of the birds that hang around the dunes. Keep an eye out for sea otters as they are often spotted swimming in the water from October to January, as well as March to April. With the nearby Morro Bay State Marine Reserve, dolphins, seals, and sea lions may make their way to the water by the beach.

Tide Pools

Revealed at low tide, tide pools can be found towards the end of Toro Lane by the North Point Natural Area. Gaze into these fascinating oases that are home to crustaceans, anemones, fish, and mollusks. If you watch the tide pools long enough, you’ll see snails gradually moving; mollusks that are sealed onto rocks; and colorful hues of the different sea anemones. Look for a bat star, an orange five-arm starfish that cleans algae from the bottom of the sea.

Camping

Choose between 72 campsites for tent camping and recreational vehicles at Morro Strand State Campground. Onsite amenities include a private fire ring and picnic table with water spigots at each campsite, as well as nearby flush toilets. There are token-operated shower facilities, an RV sanitation station, and a water-fill area available for visitors. Check Reserve California for current availability of RV electrical hookups at the Morro Strand Campground.

Maximum RV/Trailer Lengths:

Non-Hookup Sites: 24 feet
Hookup Sites: 40 feet

Pro-Tip: Support the Central Coast Parks Association by purchasing firewood from the campground. Proceeds support this educational organization which promotes conservation of the state parks of San Luis Obispo County.

Outdoor Things to Do

Surfing

Glide across the water as the wind guides you across Morro Strand State Beach. For a beginner-friendly experience, calmer waters are located by Windy Cove, which is located below the Natural History Museum.

Surf Perch Fishing

Visitors who are 16 years of age or older and have a valid California fishing license are permitted to fish at the beach. Cast your rod by a low tide, where you may catch barred surf perch and jacksmelt.

Horseback Riding

Equestrian riders can board their horses at nearby ranches and trot along the sandy coast of Morro Strand State Beach.

Kite Flying

Kite flying is a favorite pastime at Morro Strand State Beach, where steady ocean breezes and open sand make for ideal conditions. Just be mindful that seasonal restrictions may apply to protect nesting wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Morro Strand State Beach?

Dogs are allowed in the campsites and along the park roads on a leash that is not longer than six feet in length. However, dogs are not permitted on the beach due to the protection of the Western Snowy Plover.

Does Morro Strand State Beach Campground have showers?

Token-operated showers are available at the Morroy Bay Campground.

Can you swim at Morro Strand State Beach?

Visitors can swim to their heart’s content across the vast waters.

Is Morro Bay water clean?

The waters of Morro Bay are clean and provide safe opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and paddling. However, it is recommended to stay out of the water for three days after a storm, as storm runoff may place contaminants in the bay.

What time is check in at Morro Strand Campground?

Check-in time is at 2:00 p.m. and check-out time is at 12:00 p.m.

Where to Stay in Morro Bay

The coast is just steps away from hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and inns. Find your waterfront stay near the beach in Morro Bay, where you can unwind after a day of fun activities in our part of California's Central Coast. Grab a bite to eat at the Embarcadero, learn about the ecological beginnings of this region at the Museum of Natural History, and enjoy a boating tour across the bay.

Sandy memories are bound to happen at Morro Strand State Beach, where the cobalt waters seem to stretch endlessly towards the horizon.

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