Nicknamed “Three Stacks and a Rock” in honor of the town’s history and beloved landmarks, Morro Bay is an idyllic little waterfront town filled with diverse wildlife, one-of-a-kind artwork, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. 

The rock, Morro Rock, is a symbol of the beauty of the nature here, while the three stacks reference the three smokestacks that stand proudly over the town. Having been built half a century ago for a seaside power plant, they now sit abandoned and represent the tenacity and enduring spirit of the people who live in Morro Bay.

There’s never a bad time to visit Morro Bay, but you’ll find some of the best weather comes between early spring and late fall, with the hottest month being August. But even during the warmest times of the year, the day often starts out foggy. However, the fog typically burns off by midday. 

Be sure to pack a light jacket when you visit. You’ll appreciate having layers you can take on and off as the weather changes throughout the day, especially when you’re close to the water.

Morro Bay is home to many fun festivals that showcase the art and culture of this area. But there are two particularly unique festivals that draw locals and tourists alike. The Avocado Margarita Festival takes place in and around Tidelands Park and is usually held in the fall. 

While you take in stunning views, you’ll dine on gourmet avocado treats from the best bakers and chefs on the Central Coast and sip unique margaritas from renowned mixologists! This festival also features live music, including a Saturday night showcase over by the iconic Morro Rock.

If you’re visiting in spring for a weekend in Morro Bay, you may just arrive in time to see the Morro Bay Kite Festival, a one-of-a-kind weekend where you and your family will watch gorgeous works of art flying across the sky. From synchronized ballets by team flyers to kites dropping candy for kids, this family-friendly event is like no other. 

But no matter when you visit, there’s so much to do in and around Morro Bay that you may not know where to start when building your 3-day Morro Bay itinerary. We’ve compiled a plan to help you see the best the Morro Bay area has to offer, from paddling on the water into the sunset to dining with incredible views of Morro Rock. If you stick with these recommendations, you’re bound to have a fantastic time during your 3-day weekend in Morro Bay!

If you’re still deciding where to stay then make sure to check out our article on the best boutique hotels in Morro Bay!

How to Spend a Weekend in Morro Bay, California

Getting Around Morro Bay

If you’re spending a 3-day vacation in Morro Bay, you’ll most likely want to fly into the San Luis Obispo Regional Airport, which is about a half hour away from Morro Bay. This regional airport serves thousands of destinations, but most locations require at least one layover. The furthest east nonstop flight is to Dallas. The furthest north is to Seattle, while the southernmost continuous flight option is to San Diego.

If you’d rather avoid the layover required for a longer flight, your closest international airport option is San Jose International Airport. However, if you fly in here, you should expect about a 3-hour drive to get to Morro Bay. You’ll have to decide if the added travel time is worth skipping the extra stop. 

You may be able to book a shuttle or hop aboard a bus to get between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay if you fly into San Luis Obispo Regional Airport. However, regardless of if you fly into San Luis Obispo or San Jose, you may find it easier to rent a car. 

Much of our three-day Morro Bay itinerary would be better accomplished with the help of a vehicle rather than relying on public transportation or Ubering everywhere. Although certain areas of Morro Bay are very walkable, especially if you’re staying nearby the Embarcadero, you’ll need a car to help you explore locations beyond downtown. 

Day One: Explore the Embarcadero & Take a Floating Tiki Bar Tour

If you’re just beginning your 3-day Morro Bay vacation, you should kick it off by getting breakfast at Dorn’s Breakers Cafe. Although it may be a little chilly, toss on a jacket and grab a table outside. 

There is seating indoors, but the outdoor patio features a beautiful view of the iconic Morro Rock. Dorn’s homemade corned beef hash is a delicious choice, but the buttermilk pancakes are another great option if you’re looking for something sweeter.

Morro Bay Maritime Museum

From Dorn’s, stroll along Morro Bay’s Embarcadero. Here you’ll find unique shops, snacks, and art. Learn about Morro Bay’s history at sea at the Morro Bay Maritime Museum. Explore the handcrafted treasures at By the Bay Gallery. Or sip on some incredible blends in the cozy tasting room at Chateau Margene.

Chateau Margene

You can make your way down the Embarcadero and head toward Morro Rock. This symbol of the beachside town is a can’t-miss part of your 3-day Morro Bay itinerary. Morro Rock is a bird sanctuary for the peregrine falcon and other species, so you can’t climb the landmark. 

Morro Rock

However, you can take a walk around it, where you’re likely to spot otters, sea lions, and seals, in addition to the many bird species. If the weather is warm enough, you can sunbathe on Morro Rock Beach. The water is often rough here, but if you don’t mind waves, you can also take a dip in the ocean.

Head back toward the Embarcadero to grab dinner at one of the area’s best restaurants. Underneath the Inn at Rose’s Landing is Rose’s Bar & Grill, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating with picturesque views of Morro Rock. 

Rose’s features seafood cooked up in classic American fare, with some Italian and Mexican mixed in. With so many options, everyone is bound to find something they’ll enjoy. But we particularly love the lobster and shrimp tacos. 

Rose’s is also known for its cocktails, so don’t forget to order one alongside your meal. The Sunset Mimosa, with champagne, peach schnapps, and orange juice, is one of our favorites. Then, finish your meal off with the spiced vanilla bean crème brulée.

Want to sail off into the sunset as your first day comes to an end? Lost Isle Adventure Tours offers a unique way to get out on the water. This company provides tiki boat cruises throughout the day that give you a guided tour of the harbor. 

But the best time to hop aboard this floating tiki bar is for their sunset cruises. As the sun sets, sip on signature 1950s-style cocktails and keep your eyes peeled for Morro Bay’s friendly wildlife. The boat leaves from the Embarcadero, so as soon as you finish dinner, it’s an easy walk to get to the tour company. 

Day 2: Get Outside in Morro Bay State Park & Take a Sunset Kayaking Tour

The best way to start the second day of your 3 days in Morro Bay is by heading to Frankie & Lola’s Front Street Cafe, a local favorite breakfast spot. Known for its simple favorites, Frankie & Lola’s is doing breakfast right. If you’re looking for the best eggs benedict around, you’ll find it here.

Morro Bay State Park

After breakfast, take a quick drive or bike ride over to Morro Bay State Park. This 2,700-acre park boasts a saltwater marsh, lagoon, and natural bay habitat. You can set sail in the marina, but you can also hike and bike along many trails. 

From the marina parking lot, take the boardwalk path of the Marina Peninsula Trail, where you’ll meander through the estuary to see the salt marsh, mud flats, sandspit, and Morro Rock. For one of the best views of the estuary, first take the Quarry Trail, then the Live Oak Trail, and finish off on the Portola Point Trail. For a more challenging hike, take Cerro Cabrillo, where you’ll find wildflowers and great views galore.

Morro Bay State Park is also a favorite spot for birdwatchers. Although there are diverse creatures to find here throughout the year, you can venture to the Heron Rookery Natural Preserve located inside the park to see double-crested cormorants, great egrets, and great blue herons between February and June. From late fall to the end of spring, you may also find monarch butterflies roosting in some regions of the park.

Inside Morro Bay State Park, you’ll also find the Morro Bay Museum of National History. Not only does this museum boast panoramic views of the bay and Morro Rock, but it’s surrounded by lush gardens, which perfectly tie into the natural beauty of the park around it. 

Focused on the natural history of Morro Bay, you’ll learn about Native American life in the area, including how the Chumash used the native plants of Morro Bay in their daily lives. With so much cultural history in Morro Bay, there’s a lot to learn. This museum also focuses greatly on the impact of humans on Morro Bay’s natural habitats. 

Through hands-on exhibits, you’ll have fun while you learn how you can play a role in helping Morro Bay’s wildlife. Nature videos are also shown throughout the day, and you’ll often find special events here focused on the Chumash Indians, whales, sea otters, geology, and more.

Bayside Cafe

After your journey through the natural history of Morro Bay, venture back toward the marina to find Bayside Cafe, a waterfront cafe with an incredible view of the bay. This restaurant’s menu is filled with seafood favorites. If you’re looking for a great lunch, we love the salmon sandwich. 

But if you’re looking for an amazing dinner, the Coquilles St. Jacque, puff pastry with mushrooms and scallops sautéed in sherry and cream, is one of our favorites. Then, finish your meal off with the Tres Leches Cake. 

Sunset Paddle Tour with Central Coast Outdoors

End your day by getting out on the water in a kayak for a Sunset Paddle Tour with Central Coast Outdoors. This guided kayak tour takes you out on the bay about two and a half hours before sunset and finishes back at the docks a little after dusk, just as the moon is beginning to take over the sky. 

You’ll paddle your way through Morro Bay and stop off at the dunes of the sandspit. By the sand dunes, Central Coast Outdoors will have complimentary drinks waiting for you, as well as crackers, cheese, and fruit for you to enjoy as you watch the sun dip below the Pacific. 

These tours are dependent on the sunset time, which will change throughout the year, so be sure to check the Central Coast Outdoors website for meeting times. 

Day 3: Explore the El Moro Elfin Forest & Enjoy Dinner With a Bay View

Carla’s Country Kitchen

Carla’s Country Kitchen is an unassuming hidden gem, and it’s the best place to have breakfast on the last day of your 3-day Morro Bay vacation. This restaurant is mixing up unique spins on breakfast classics, like the shrimp, crab, and cheese egg scramble. If you’re looking for something comforting, grab the French toast platter, complete with eggs and bacon or sausage.

El Moro Elfin Forest

Hop in the car after breakfast for a short drive over to the El Moro Elfin Forest in Los Osos. This 90-acre area is adjacent to the Morro Bay Estuary and provides panoramic views. Inside this forest, which received its name thanks to the short stature of the Coast Live Oaks here, you’ll find more than 200 species of plants, 110 kinds of birds, 22 species of mammals, and 13 species of reptiles. 

Because of all these creatures calling this forest home, you’ll have to stay on the boardwalk path, which was built in 1999 to provide better wheelchair access and protect the sensitive environment. From this loop, you’ll walk through seven distinct environment types, each with its own unique flora and fauna. 

Throughout the year, the Elfin Forest offers three types of walks. The Third Saturday Walks are docent-led tours that give you a chance to learn more about the forest’s many creatures. During Discovery Walks, you and your group will decide on what you’d like to focus on and get an in-depth look at specific environments in the forest. 

Sketch Walks are a bit misnamed because you’ll be taking a seat in the forest to draw the beauty of the wildlife around you. Be sure to check the Elfin Forest website to see if any walks are happening during your 3 days in Morro Bay.

Beerwood

When you’re ready for lunch, venture over to Beerwood to have a drink in its garden, which is filled with local plants. Share some starters, or grab yourself a Beerwood Grilled Cheese, which has loads of Havarti, Gruyere, and white cheddar in between locally-made sourdough. Finish off your meal with a Chocolate Charcuterie Board, a selection of house-made chocolates served with seasonal local fruits.

After you’re done with lunch, you don’t have to go far to find another natural wonderland, Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. This preserve is on over 32 acres of land and is managed by the Morro Coast Audubon Society. In the winter, you’ll find many unique species of birds migrating here, but you’re likely to find wading birds in the freshwater ponds year-round. 

Sweet Springs is also an important breeding ground for many kinds of birds, like the California quail. Around early summer, you’ll find many fledglings just beginning to spread their wings and learn to fly. Nearby, you’ll also discover the Coastal Access Monarch Butterfly Preserve, where thousands of monarchs can be spotted, most often between October and February.

When you’re done birdwatching or butterfly-watching, head back to Morro Bay to end your day and your 3-day Morro Bay vacation at Windows on the Water. This award-winning dinner experience offers you a one-of-a-kind view of Morro Bay while you dine on incredible California cuisine. 

The nightly dinner menu changes based on the chef, but we love the Diver Scallops, cooked with bacon, Brussels sprouts, and a mushroom blend. Windows on the Water features an extensive local wine list that can be perfectly paired with your meal, but the restaurant also boasts many specialty cocktails. 

The Chef’s Apple Mule is one of our favorites, made with brandy, apple cider, maple syrup, and ginger beer. Don’t forget to grab dessert, which changes seasonally, and a glass of dessert wine to pair with your pick.

More Places to Eat & Drink in Morro Bay:

Morro Bay is known for its seafood, and you can’t find better seafood than at The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar. Featuring wine pairings from around California, you can go big with surf and turf or go for something simpler like blackened shrimp tacos. Either way, if you’re a seafood lover, you’ll enjoy everything on this menu.

Overlooking Morro Rock is Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant, which serves up some of the freshest seafood you’ll find in Morro Bay. Treat yourself to Captain Mark’s Tequila Splash Salmon, grilled salmon made with the captain’s special tequila marinade. 

For one of the best views of Morro Rock, dine at Blue Sky Bistro. This restaurant serves American and Italian classics, with the chicken piccata being one of our favorites. The best time to eat here is at sunset, when you can sit facing the water as the sun lowers behind Morro Rock.

What to do if you have more than 3 days in Morro Bay

Take a tour of Hearst Castle. Located north of Morro Bay in San Simeon, Hearst Castle was built by William Randolph Hearst in 1919. By the time he left in 1947, the monumental complex contained a twin-towered main building, three guesthouses, and 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and pools. In addition to incredible gilded architecture, this castle is also a museum of art and antiquities from around the globe.

Stroll through Montaña de Oro State Park, aka “Mountains of Gold.” This park, located in Los Osos, was named in honor of the golden wildflowers that cover its hills in spring. Walk along the picturesque Bluff Trail for one of the most spectacular views of the Pacific. Throughout this beautiful park, you’ll discover rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, coastal plains, flowing streams, stunning canyons, and flower-covered hills.

See a double feature at Sunset Drive-In, located in nearby San Luis Obispo. This hidden gem is like a relic of a lost time. With drive-ins being less common around the country, it’s a real treat to be able to spend an evening in one. Hurry to the commissary to pick up your snacks. Then get cozy under a blanket as you relax in your seat and watch a double feature on the big outdoor screen.

Spot the elephant seals in San Simeon. The Piedras Blancas Rookery is the only elephant seal rookery in the world that’s free, easily accessible, and open to the public every day of the year. Although there are elephant seals here all year round, up to 17,000 seals can be found here during peak times, which occur in January, April, and October.

Explore Estero Bluffs State Park in San Simeon. This park features scenic views of the Pacific and rich diversity throughout marine, intertidal, coastal salt march, and many more habitats. Keep your eyes peeled for the unique wildlife here, including several endangered species, like the snowy plover. 

We hope you enjoy your weekend trip to Morro Bay, California! Should we add something else to our 3-day Morro Bay itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

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