Over in San Luis Obispo County is an active fishing community that’s also one of the best little beach towns in California. Morro Bay boasts unique wildlife, artisan shops, premium wining and dining, and adventures on the water that you’ll never forget. 

The town is named for the bay that it overlooks, a harbor filled with both commercial and recreational small crafts. At the entrance to this harbor sits a towering 576-foot-tall volcanic plug dubbed Morro Rock.

Morro Bay is a perfect vacation destination for people who love being out on the water and being one with nature. From hiking trails to whale watching, this seaside town offers plenty of ways to spend time with the diverse local wildlife. And when you’re done with a day of enjoying all that the bay has to offer, you can sit back with a glass of wine at one of Morro Bay’s many tasting rooms.

Morro Bay is filled with boutique inns and resorts with stunning views of the bay, allowing you to wake up every morning to a sunset over Morro Rock. But with so many Morro Bay hotels to choose from, how can you pick the perfect one for your dream seaside getaway? Well, we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Morro Bay to ensure that you’re living in luxury while exploring this charming waterfront village.

Where to Stay in Morro Bay

Morro Bay offers plenty of historical adventures and landmarks, but most people come to this adorable seaside village for the waterfront views. If you’re looking for where to stay in Morro Bay, you most likely want to pick a place that’s within walking distance of the water. You’ll find that most of the best hotels in Morro Bay offer views of the bay itself, as well as the famous Morro Rock.

When looking for a place to stay around Morro Bay, you may want to head closer to downtown, specifically near Embarcadero Street. Downtown, you’ll find that you’re right on the water, giving you access to kayak rentals, boat tours, and more adventures on the bay. Plus, you’ll also be within walking distance of fine dining, wine tasting, and boutique shopping. 

The downtown area is very walkable and very pet-friendly. From coffee shops with outdoor garden spaces to thrift shops with unique vintage finds, there’s something for everyone in Morro Bay’s downtown area. And from Embarcadero Street, you can also take a waterside walk over to Morro Rock, where you’ll likely find sea lions, otters, and more stunning creatures that call the area home.

If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, you can also stay closer to Morro Bay State Park. Here, you’ll find hiking trails, golf courses, and campgrounds, as well as more water access for kayaking and paddleboarding.

The 12 Best Hotels in Morro Bay

1. Harbor House Inn

Located just two blocks from the Embarcadero, Harbor House Inn offers a quiet and luxurious retreat focused on family. All guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, heating, a refrigerator, a coffee and tea maker, and a microwave. 

For an additional fee, you can also rent a rollaway bed for more family members, and you’re welcome to bring the furry family members as well! Plus, this hotel is so family-friendly that kids under 12 stay free. 

With room temperature controls, high-quality mattresses and bedding, and darkened curtains, you’re sure to get a restful night’s sleep before you wake up to the sun shining over the Pacific out your window. Some rooms also offer a balcony so you can enjoy a cup of complimentary coffee in the fresh morning air. 

Other guest rooms include a fireplace, so when the air turns chillier, you can warm up by the fire after spending a day on the water. Every room features a private bathroom, which includes either a shower or bathtub. 

2. Sea Air Inn & Suites

Just a quick walk from Morro Bay State Beach and Embarcadero Street is the Sea Air Inn & Suites. Sitting one block from the waterfront, this newly-renovated hotel offers easy access to the beach, fine dining, wine tasting, boutique shopping, and more. 

With rooms featuring modern decor and a relaxing earth-tone color palette, you’ll have a restful time in your guest room or suite, giving you a break from the adventures you’ll be having during the day in Morro Bay.

Every room includes a private bathroom, personal climate control, a flat-screen TV with cable, free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, a microwave, a cozy seating area, and a coffee maker. Some suites feature a partial or full ocean view. The family suite includes a second bedroom in addition to the first bedroom and living area, so your family can have a spacious stay.

3. Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites

Tucked into a residential area, the Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites is just a short walk from top attractions like the Morro Bay Aquarium while also being a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown. This family-friendly and dog-friendly retreat has everything you need to ensure you have a perfect getaway, making this inn one of the best places to stay in Morro Bay.

All rooms include a flat-screen TV with cable, a fireplace, complimentary Wi-Fi, a coffee and tea station, and a refrigerator. Select rooms also feature a kitchenette, so you can prepare basic meals in your room whenever you’d like. 

If you’re staying with kids, you can rent a rollaway bed or crib. To help you explore all that Morro Bay has to offer, cruiser bicycles are available to rent as well. While all rooms include a private bathroom with a shower or shower and tub combo, the luxury king suite includes a jetted shower on one end and a large soaking tub on the other, along with Jack-and-Jill sinks. 

Depending on the season, the Beach Bungalow Inn may also offer breakfast delivered to your room each morning. But with so many delicious breakfast spots nearby (Dorn’s Breakers Cafe is just a four-minute walk away), you may end up with too many breakfast options to choose from. 

4. Inn at Morro Bay

Located nearby both the serene waterfront Bayshore Bluffs Park and expansive Morro Bay State Park, the Inn at Morro Bay is one of the best Morro Bay hotels if you’re looking for a quiet place to be surrounded by nature. This seaside resort is located on 4,000 acres of natural beauty, and staying at this pet-friendly retreat gives you a perfect place to unwind. 

From spending a leisurely day on an 18-hole golf course to taking a refreshing dip in a heated pool, you have plenty of options on how you’d like to get in some R&R. The outdoor pool area also features a soothing whirlpool spa. And when you’re ready to dine, you’ll love the incredible coastal cuisine at the onsite 60 State Park Restaurant and Lounge.

Each morning, you’ll wake up to a view you can’t get anywhere else. All guest rooms come with plush beds, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen HDTV with cable, and a Keurig coffee maker. Some rooms also include a fireplace and a private patio and balcony. If you’re wondering where to stay in Morro Bay that has it all, Inn at Morro Bay might just be the perfect pick!

5. Inn at Rose’s Landing

The Inn at Rose’s Landing is one of the best hotels in Morro Bay, thanks to its prime location right on the water on Embarcadero Street. Just outside your door are restaurants, shops, and water excursions. 

Each room is uniquely designed, but all feature plush linens, free Wi-Fi, Keurig coffee makers, HDTV with premium channels, refrigerators, and occupancy sensors that adjust the room temperature as you come and go. Some rooms also include an in-room fireplace, a bayfront patio, an outside fireplace and lounge area, coffee tables, work desks, and breakfast nooks. 

Because the Inn at Rose’s Landing wants you to have the most luxurious experience possible, you’ll find a complimentary bottle of wine and a signature box of Kelly’s Candies chocolate when you first check-in. Although there’s fine dining all around this hotel, one of the best places to eat is right downstairs at Rose’s Landing Bar & Grill, which has indoor and outdoor dining with a view of Morro Rock.

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com

6. Estero Inn

A little further down Embarcadero Street is another oceanside inn with beautiful bay views. Estero Inn boasts panoramic views, a romantic setting, and a perfect location for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

Amenities include soft linens, pillow-top beds, wet bars, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fireplace, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, a microwave, a walk-in closet, and free Wi-Fi. Every room is a suite, and every suite has a uniquely beautiful view. 

Choose between the Marine, Sunset, Bayview, Kelp Forest, Sandy Dunes, Morro Rock, Ocean View, and Parkside Suites, which all either have views of the water, Morro Bay, or the iconic Morro Rock.

The Estero Inn also owns Estero Adventures, where you can rent your own electric pontoon-style boat. From Estero Adventures’ private dock, you can head out on the water and get up close to Morro Bay’s diverse and breathtaking wildlife, from sea otters to harbor seals!

7. Hotel Avisa

Located just a block away from Embarcadero Street, Hotel Avisa offers a restful stay with premium mattresses, fresh linens, and pillow-topped beds. Each day, you’ll embark on your Morro Bay adventures, and each night, you’ll be sleeping in luxury. 

In each guest room, you’ll find free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with cable, a coffee maker, a heater, and a refrigerator. All rooms also feature a workstation, a private bathroom, and a sitting area, while some rooms also include air temperature controls and blackout curtains, which are always an added perk.

Many rooms have a view of Morro Rock and Morro Bay, and some rooms include a balcony for you to really take in the sights. Guests also have access to laundry facilities and a fitness center, just in case paddling around Morro Bay isn’t enough of a workout for you!

8. Morro Bay Sandpiper Inn

Just a short walk away from Embarcadero Street is the Morro Bay Sandpiper Inn. With Morro Bay State Park, Morro Bay Golf Course, and Morro Bay Museum of Natural History being less than a mile away, this hotel is one of the best places to stay in Morro Bay if you’re hoping to get out and explore

This hotel’s downtown location is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Embarcadero Street to ensure a very quiet and tranquil stay. But it’s close enough to the water to allow for most rooms to have ocean views. 

Each room is themed with aqua-green florals, providing a pop of color that’s soft and refreshing. Many rooms are also pet-friendly, so you can bring the whole family, including your dogs and cats!

Each room includes a private bathroom, as well as a sitting area, workstation, or both. Rooms also include complimentary Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a TV with cable and HBO.

9. 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites

Located right on Embarcadero Street and nearby Franklin Riley Park, 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites offers 29 stylish boutique guest rooms and four luxury suites with gorgeous vistas of the Morro Bay Estuary, Morro Rock, the Sandspit, and the Pacific Ocean. Just outside your door are all the fine dining, shopping, and water activities that Morro Bay has to offer – so the location can’t be beat!

All rooms include a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, a flat-screen television with cable and HBO, a coffee maker, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a sitting area, while some rooms also feature a balcony or a fireplace for extra comfort. Ground floor rooms are pet-friendly for animals up to 60 pounds, and no suites are pet-friendly. 

Most rooms have either full or partial views of the water. The family suite also includes a partially-stocked kitchen in case you’d like to cook on your trip, but with so many amazing restaurants right outside your door, you may decide on dining out instead.

10. Blue Sail Inn

Situated right next door to one of our favorite breakfast spots, Dorn’s Breakers Cafe, and steps away from Embarcadero Street, Blue Sail Inn is one of the coolest Morro Bay hotels. It provides spacious rooms with stunning views. You’re just a short walk away from Centennial Park and Morro Rock Natural Preserve, which puts you within quick reach of fantastic sightseeing, kayaking, and other activities. 

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a TV with cable and HBO, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a microwave. Most rooms include panoramic views of the bay, which you can take in from your private balcony. 

Select rooms also feature air conditioning, a wet bar, and a fireplace to keep you warm after you spend your days out on the water. To ensure your stay is exactly as you imagined, the front desk is staffed all hours of the day and night, so expect top-notch service during your stay.

11. The Landing at Morro Bay

The Landing at Morro Bay is just one block from the beach and a quick walk to top attractions like the Morro Bay Aquarium. The Landing at Morro Bay is one of the coolest Morro Bay hotels, thanks to its breathtaking views and proximity to all the beaches, restaurants, and shops this little fishing town has to offer.

All rooms feature either a patio or ocean view, as well as a private bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, a smart flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a microwave, air conditioning, and an electric fireplace to keep you cozy on chilly nights. Rooms are designed to be modern with a romantic flare, ensuring comfort and relaxation. 

Some rooms also include a private or shared balcony, but the property also boasts an open patio for all guests to use with views of the bay. After spending your days sipping wine on Embarcadero Street, come home to a plush bed and a warm fire at the Landing at Morro Bay. 

12. Pleasant Inn

Pleasant Inn is just a few blocks from Embarcadero Street, providing you with an easy, relaxing walk to reach all the adventures you want to experience on your Morro Bay vacation. This family-owned boutique inn was designed to be a blend of a quaint coastal cottage and a contemporary upscale resort. Each room is meant to fit the needs of every traveler, from the visitor who just can’t wait to explore to the guest that loves a night in.

All rooms include a flat-screen TV with Direct TV, free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, a microwave, and a refrigerator. However, some rooms also have a full kitchen to allow you to dine in during your stay. Featuring hardwood floors, open beam ceilings, and a deluxe pillow-top bed, you’ll feel perfectly at home at this gorgeous Morro Bay hotel.

That completes our list of the 12 best Morro Bay hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Morro Bay? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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