Morro Rock Reviews

We stopped on our way to Pismo Beach. It is pretty impressive sight and lots of wildlife in the area as well.

Stop by and wait a while - you'll see sea otters and lots of sea birds. There are lots of bars and restaurants, and it's easy to park. The views out onto the beach are spectacular. This was a great day trip and I highly recommend this beautiful place

How could one not love Morro Rock? I enjoyed looking at it, taking photos of it, and walking around as much of it as one can.

I wish we could walk all the way around, I wish cars weren't allowed to park around it, I wish there wasn't ugly fencing blocking off a little beach next to it, etc.

I love Morro Rock and only want it better.

Got to go, great area, great eateries, super people, good shopping, great history. Will be back, close to Cal Poly in San Luis Obipso

Lovely place.
Great to walk along the harbour. You may get to see some otters which often sleep in the harbour area.
Plenty to see and so hear.

Good bars, good food and easy to navigate

You can go up close to Morro Rock and you can see the sea otters . There was a Surf Camp by the bay.

A must see. Great to park near embarcadero and walk. Great for dogs. Lots of instagram shots. We're not big time nature folks but even we appreciate how peaceful morro bay is and especially the rock.

Morro Rock did not disappoint! We enjoyed our walk on the bay. There are seals lounging around for view, sailboats in the bay, and a great variety of restaurants to eat at all along the bay.

I had a wonderful walk around the Morro Bay Rock and the beach was phenomenal great shells and lots of sand dollars very clean and neat saw no trash.

Beautiful views from the beach. The rock is a volcanic plug from an ancient volcano. Great views all around.

Watching the sunset by the Morro Rock from the dinner table, with sea utters and sea lions playing in the water beside you, was truly a magical experience.

Well of course you need to see Morro Rock! Sure, it's just a big rock, but the views of the surf and nearby Morro Bay are memorable. The rock is impressive. The surf is impressive. The beautiful clean gulls were cool. We spotted otters. And surfers and a whole lot more. It gets busy out there during the tourist season. wear comfortable shoes. And enjoy.

If you are lucky to get a clear day, Morro Rock in Morro Bay is even more impressive. Morro Rock is one of nine small volcanic peaks, or morros, in the area. A short walk leads you to a breakwater, with the harbor on one side and the crashing ocean on the other side. Climbing the rock is prohibited because of the endangered falcons that nest there.

Always a great place to walk around, to go birding and watch sea otters. You also see sea lions and lots of wildlife. We love to go to Morro Bay and wonder around this area.

Not sure if you could climb it but the beach next to it was pretty clean. We parked in the bigger parking lot next to the rock. We were there about 5pm and it wasn’t too crowded. We had a lot of fun especially collecting sand dollars. I have never seen so many. Only complaint is that there’s no parking lines so people just park anywhere as you like so it gets a little dangerous because you don’t know who’s coming or going. The other is that I didn’t see any showers to rinse off. Otherwise it was a beautiful sunset.

Literally, you can't miss this landmark if you are in or near Morro Bay. The rock is protected as there are Peregrine Falcons that nest near or on the top. This means no climbing on the rock. But there is a path to walk and the rock is pretty cool.

My girlfriend went to a wedding in Morro Bay a couple years ago, and really wanted to come back for my birthday weekend. I had never been further up the coast than Santa Barbara and was excited to explore the fabled central California coast a bit. Morro Rock did not disappoint! It dominates the landscape (when it’s not covered in fog), and is a 5-10 minute walk from downtown Morro Bay. We explored the breakwater that’s south of the Rock with my girlfriend’s dog, watched the boats going in and out of the bay, and saw tons of marine life (sea birds, sea otters, seals, leopard sharks). There are beautiful, colorful protected dunes that flank the rock on the northeast side. I was planning on surfing at Avila Beach while we were staying in Morro Bay, but there was great surfing right next to the rock, 5 minutes from our hotel room! The water temperature was 50 degrees in mid-May, I surfed in booties and a hood and I’m glad I did. The huge stacks from the water treatment plant are adjacent to the rock and offer an interesting visual contrast. Morro Bay is a sleepy seaside fishing town, full of little shops and great restaurants.

Morro Rock looks like it would be awesome to climb, but if you try to scale it you’re gonna get arrested.

I would love to come back to Morro Bay and surf the Rock again in late summer, when it’s warmer and less foggy. But it was still a great place to visit in mid-May, and you should definitely spend a couple of hours at the Rock if you’re ever in the area.

Morro Bay beauty on a January day In the new year 2019. Blue skies and 60 degrees!
worth it to travel here and the whole central coast

Nice to sit in the sun looking out over the bay with boats coming and going as well as looking at Morrow rock. Seals playingin the harbor is also fascinating!

This is a mammoth of a rock! We didn’t drive up to view Morro Rock, rather, we took a kayak tour to get a better view of it. It’s beautiful and worth a drive to the base of it to see this marvelous sight.

only spent 0ne night and a morning in this lovely laid back little town.lots of free parking down by the water,there are loads of individual shops to browse,look out for the garden centre/come shop,one of the best we have ever seen!
if you get a chance try the galley restuarant( which sits right on the waters edge),great sea food!
this little town is a real gem,give it a try.

Morro Rock is a large volcanic plug that has been exposed following eons of erosion of the softer rock that once covered it and now dominates the views around the city of Morro Bay. Located at the mouth of the protected harbor, the views around sunset are spectacular with the sun setting behind the large monolith and the harbor in the foreground.

Along the thin strip of land between the harbor and the ocean that connects Morro Rock to the mainland, there is lots of parking where one can get out and see the ample wildlife that inhabits the bay. While one may see cranes and other seabirds, harbor seals, and colorful starfish on the rocks at the water’s edge, the large colony of sea otters that use the protected waters are the clear highlight. Visiting late in March, it was the end of the pupping season and we were fortunate enough to see many mother otters still raising their young shortly before they head off on their own. The colony here is quite large and we were able to see about a dozen mothers with young and some came quite close to the water’s edge where we could get a good look.

Nice place to spend a couple hours. We spotted 5 or so otters floating on their backs and diving for dinner. It would have been great to watch them from a kayak.
The mist fun was watching the squirrels. Obviously they have been fed before. There seemed to be a lookout squirrel. As soon as he spotted you putting your hands in pocket or bag oodles of squirrels appeared.
We did see kayak rental places. There is a protected area to paddle in. The waves on the other side of the jetty we're pretty large. I wouldn't venture out there but saw others.
All and all, a good place to spend some time outdoors.

The Strand beach next to the rock is a great way to beach walk and enjoy this monolith. But remember this is just the last of the volcanic plugs that match inland. Try Black Hill for a hike and view.

We made a stop here to see if we can catch a glimpse of sea otters (thanks to tripadvisor reviews). Morro Rock itself is very neat, we saw it from far away on the coastal highway and it looks quite surreal, a rock formation in the middle of the water. There was a lot of parking available. We were not disappointed - there were about 30 sea otters just right by where we parked and quite close to the shore. We were able to see and hear a couple of pups with their moms and some otters tied themselves up in kelp and were sleeping. They were so cute! Bring some binoculars to get close up views. Well worth the stop!

It's a rock. With the right lighting it is quite beautiful and there are lots of otters, gulls, squirrels and other wildlife to see. Nice rolling ocean waves.

Amazing views! Plenty of parking space, and right next to the beach where you can surf. There is a lifeguard

This is a must see in Morro Bay. This is the best nesting spot up on the rock for the birds. Bring binoculars. Rustic bathrooms, so be prepared for that, but a gorgeous spot to walk and explore all around the rock and see the sea otters as they swim by

Plenty of free parking along the waterfront & a couple of good little park areas to walk around, take pictures, & enjoy some wildlife. We saw a lot of Sea Otters when we stopped here for a break from the highway travel, super nice.

Great place to spend a little bit of time, leg stretch, grab some food from the many eateries here etc. It's quite peaceful & much more scenic than online pics had us believe. Enjoyed this waterfront much more than Cambria.

Will definitely plan to stop by the Morro waterfront again if in the area.

We love Morro Bay. There is a lot to see around the rock. A lot of wild life like sea otters, birds, & squirrels. Very nice beach and boardwalk. This is a must see if you are on the California Coast

Such a beautiful place to see. Definitely a site to see if you are in the area. There are many otters in the area. And beware of the squirrels! They come up to you needing food!

We returned to see amazing Morro Rock. This is a large rock in the Morro Bay area by the Pacific Ocean.

As one drives highway one, one gets various views of the rock as one gets near it.

There is a huge parking area. One can see the rock, read a historical sign, go to the beach, and also watch the sea otters in the estuary area.

Its amazing.

Beautiful place! Each night looking out at the rock is different based on the weather. Calm and peaceful. So many different species of birds!. They are awesome to watch and make for great wildlife photography. Well worth a visit!

Great place to stop by and see the majestic rock! Also Watch the sea otters and surfers. Plenty of free parking, public bathrooms and benches for viewing.

Parked in the town and walked to the front to see the rock, couldnt see any way to get nearer to it although obviously there is. I know you cant climb on it and I would have no wish to but some better signage to get to the footpaths would be good.
Funny little town, bit of a hippy/surfer place. small marina which spoils the view of the rock from there with all the masts in the way.
All spoilt by huge industrial chimneys along the coast from the marina
View of rock better from along the coast above spooners cove

So much beach and such a beautiful sunset. Easy to get to from downtown and the beach is filled with sand dollars and random sea shells.

Morro Bay's natural outcrop draws us all for close-up face time with this beauty. The adjacent harbor/marina offers some pretty awesome views of "The Rock" and the walk up to Morro Rock passes by the shallow and calm Otter nursery which always seems to have some otter babies with their moms.

Water sports facilities offer non-motorized paddle boards and kayaks for rent. And everything revolves around the majestic rock.

In our opinion, the two most ineteresting places in Morro Bay are the Embarcadero (best views of the rock) and the village-styled CBD on Morrow Bay Road and Main Street which is home to fun and unusual typically Morro Bay businesses.

Wonderful town to visit. Morro Rock great place to see. Beautiful flowers, surroundings as well. Traffic was a little busy and parking hard to find. Glad we took the time to visit and see this attraction as well!

The rock is quite amazing. I love the boardwalk. The otters spend a lot of time in the bay and are fun to watch. Bring some binoculars so you can see them better. Also, there are a lot of ground squirrels along the boardwalk who obviously get treats from tourists because they are not fearful of strangers. All around it’s a nice place to visit.

The rock is located next to a surfers' beach where unfortunately there was a fatal shark attack during our visit.

If you are traveling along PCHwy 1, make sure to stop at this picturesque town. Grab lunch at your Deli and sit down on a bench along the waterfront to simply enjoy the view.

The massive volcanic rock sits at the end of and , forms the Morro Bay Estuary .. Morro Rock can be seen from miles away in any direction .. In its immediate area there are Beaches , Wildlife , and the town of Morro Bay with numerous sights and attractions

While the rock is pretty much just a big rock, for some reason it is captivating. While in Morro Bay, you should walk along the Embarcadero, wander through the shops, and check out Morro Rock. You'll find yourself pulling out your camera and shooting pictures.

Pictures simply can't prepare you for the grandeur of this rock jutting up out of the ocean. Seeing it from afar is amazing but to truly appreciate it you need to stand at the base and look up. We did and we were amazed. The beach at Morro rock is great for walking and surfing and littered with intact sand dollars. Easy access is also a plus.

I highly recommend seeing this rock.
It really is beautiful from every angle and in every weather condition.
You can walk around a large part of it if you want to and you can drive up to it too. There are also some excellent beaches beside it where you can watch sea otters and seals, and chipmunks 🐿 I loved it

When visiting Morro Bay , you have to drive over top Morro Rock and visit the beach. You'll see otters playing in the water, birds and lots of funny squirrels in the rocks. Follow the gated off road around to the ocean side or stay on the calm bay side , its all good.
Moro rock is the last in a chain of extinct volcanoes called "the Nine Sisters" ... see if you can spot them all as you head south on hwy 1.

Must visit rock beach. Sea otters , brown palican best weather in summer to be . Kayaking , fishing, whale watching, golf course is really nice .

We walked along the boardwalk near the Rock several times during our stay, stopping to watch the surfing

Morro Rock is a granite volcanic peak or morro. There is a nice walk with the crashing waves from the ocean on one side and the harbor on the other. Endangered birds nest on the lock and sea lions can be seen in the water below. Nice for a stroll.

First time here and it was perfect weather to explore Morro Rock. The walking path was easy and just enjoyed the sea breeze and sun.

Visited it for a drive and lunch and it was a quaint town with Morro Rock, but didnt find it nothing especial

But if you are in Pismo, then its worth a visit and an ice cream or lunch

Morro Bay has managed to maintain a small, sea-side atmosphere. Good food at a number of bay-side restaurants. It's worth a visit.

From a distant Morro Rock is beautiful, big, and intimidating!
You can easily walk over from the boulevard.
On one side you have surfers and on the other otters.

However you aren’t allowed to climb it, or walk around it. So it’s just a big, big, big rock. And be aware of the birds... the rock is covered in feces.

During sunset you get great pictures, though.

Morro rock was impressive but was partially covered with a fog. It was still nice to see waterfowl and an otter swimming in the water.

just stopped to see the rock, but enjoyed good while there watching surfers, and otters! so cool to see them, also clean restroom if needed

No directions needed to get to Morro Rock once you are in Morro Bay, CA. Sitting on a spit in the bay, it is instantly visible from the shore and easily accessible by foot or car. It is a volcanic plug, the remains of an ancient volcanic eruption about 25 million years ago. After the igneous rock spewed by the volcano eroded the plug made of dacite remains. A walk from shore to the rock and a stroll as far as you can go around it, will take less than hour. The beach just below the rock is wide and sandy; sea otters and California squirrels are easy to spot. All, tourists, locals with dogs, sea otter and squirrels, seem to be having a good and laid back time.

Wow, what an amazing place to visit. We walked around one side until we reached the rock garden, which covers the ocean end. We stopped and watched the otters play in the water near the parking lot. It's really an amazing geological structure, too.

Morro Bay is small quiet town. If you are looking for a quiet peacefully town without the usual crowds then this is the town to be. It has some great sea food restaurants for lunch & dinner. But the rock by itself is overrated. One can just go near the rock. One cannot climb or even walk around the rock. The beach is nothing great either. Just enjoy the quiet town.

The Morro Rock completely dominates the marina and the surrounding beach area. That is all to the good because it is very picturesque. One caveat is that near the rock is some sort of local factory with three large chimney type stacks. That is a real eyesore to put it mildly. Otherwise, there is plenty of parking near the marina and it is free.

A lovely destination when in the area for the day with lots of restaurants, fun wharf and of course the Morro rock..... when the fog clears!

You can see the Morro Rock from anywhere in Morro Bay, its is almost 600 feet tall.. It used to be an island out in the harbor but back in the bad old days they built a causeway out to it, which means you can drive right up to the rock. You can't climb on it but you can get close.
Peregrine Falcons nest and live high up on the rock and they are the stars of the wildlife show up high.. If you are lucky you may see youngsters learning to fly and hunt, or s poor seagull becoming dinner. They are fascinating and this is the best place I have ever found to watch them..
Along the water there is a kelp forest where is a favorite hideout for Sea Otters and you can get pretty close to them when you are out of the rock..Seals and other creatures are great to view from here.

Love the Rock! Morro Bay has done such a great job of utilizing the Rock as an attraction. A boardwalk all the way from the downtown parking lot to the Rock with the Bay on one side and the ocean beach on the other. Kiyackers, boaters, people, otters, birds- a great morning, evening walk!

This is one of the most serene, tranquil, wonderful spot on the Central California Coastline. Morro Rock is an idyllic backdrop for Morro Bay, it is the last of the (Nine Sisters) extinct volcanic peaks along Highway 1 from San Luis Obispo.

The 581-foot (177 m) Morro Rock is one of 13 volcanic plugs (remnant necks of extinct volcanoes), lava domes, and sheetlike intrusions between Morro Bay on the north and Islay Hill on the south, all in San Luis Obispo County.

See our visit on YouTube Video # 9DCaNEBw80c

This is a great place to see, and learn more on the volcanic past of the region. the rock is impressive when you come close, and the whole Morro Bay is really nice. Plenty of sea otters and seagulls as well as sea lions. Be aware of the seagulls near the rock - quite unexpectedly they can bomb you with theyir loads. :-) And there are thousands of them there! All in all this is a nice walk from the site of the city itself, relaxing and on the way you can see plenty of sea life, nice boats, too. If you have proper shoes, go ahead towards the end of the penninsula - the views of the ocean are terrific, but be careful with the rocks. On the right from the rock there is a perfect place for surfers - usually it is windy there, so conditions for surfing are great. Also the beach is nice and wide, so you can enjoy some sunbathing, too.

Weather is beautiful. A little windy at The Rock
We love Morro Bay and The Rock. When we visit Morro Bay we usually stay at a hotel on the water with a view of The Rock.

Went for a hike to the Rock. Beautiful Beach to walk on. You can see the Ocean from here. Just a wonder to see up close.

Nice little rocky walk cum hike once you walk around the bay and it’s a worthwhile trek to hit the tip of the bay that is majestically guarded by the Morro Rock! Otters and seagulls frolic merrily in the sea-spray so be sure to have your shutter ready.

With this iconic landmark visible for a great distance along the coast, you have to stop by to see the wildlife and vessel traffic through the mouth of Morro Bay

Got to hike around rock and see a lot of sea otters, as well as squirrels, and a ton of hoodoos built by students.

How this rock is out of the earth is amazing. Nice and peaceful area with plenty of parking. Easy to social distance with some people wearing a mask and someone. Definitely a must when visiting Morro Bay.

This reminded me of the haystacks in Oregon. Easy access, nice views of otters, pelicans, and bay. Nice trail for strolling, beach on the other side. Went several times during my stay.

A good stroll around looking at bird life. Wonderful. But a bit of a tidy up of the paths and information boards wouldn’t go amiss.

What a great way to spend a few hours! The weather can be iffy in Morro Bay, sometimes foggy, sometimes windy, but a trip to to see Morro Rock is always work the effort. Although my husband and I live only 25 miles from Morro Bay and often visit, we brought our grandchildren here last summer and they just loved it. When we parked near Morro Rock, there was so much to see. They especially were intrigued and delighted by the sea otters just offshore in the bay. They are so delightful and intriguing to watch. When they were "done" with the sea otters, we walked across the parking lot to the north side and then walked along Morro Strand Beach. What's not to love, even in the fog?

We visit family in the area a few times each year and a day isn’t complete without walking to the rock. There is always something interesting. We have always been able to get good views of sea otters (left side as one is walking toward the rock). Crossing the large parking lot on right side there are always surfers and it’s fun watching. On our last visit there was a surfing competition so we got a glimpse of the surfing world. You can walk part way around the bay side of the rock and sit and watch the sea. It’s a peaceful place. The air is fresh, views lovely, and even the three smoke stacks have grown on me.

Cool rock located right off the coast of Morro Bay. Climbing on the rock is prohibited!! You can visit the area surrounding the base of Morro Rock. That's it, though.

Morro Rock is simply very photogenic! Something calming about just looking at that darn rock from a distance.

So, if you are driving along Hwy 1 in the Central Coast...do yourself a favor and check out Morro Rock. Very cool rock indeed.

Alright! It’s a really big rock. It’s beautiful sitting in the bay. Not much to see up close.

Grab a beer or coffee on the dock of the bay and enjoy the bay— it’s all good.

We couldn't believe how huge this rick was! Sea otters,harbor seals hNg around here too. A quaint fishing town.We stayed a extra night.

We were only in town for a couple of hours, for a wine break from Paso Robles, and this impressive rock dominates the local landscape.

The area was great with nice up close views of the rock. The otters were fun to watch and it was very relaxing.

About 576 feet tall, Morro Rock on its namesake bay, was formed about 23 million years ago from the plugs of extinct volcanoes. The Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named the rock “El Morro” (Spanish for crown shaped hill) in 1542.

Morro Rock is one of a chain of nine coastal volcanic peaks imaginatively named the “Nine Sisters of San Luis Obispo County”. Historically the native American Chumash and Salinan tribes have lived close to Morro Rock for several thousand years.

A causeway connects Morro Rock to the shore which makes it a ‘tied island’. Morro Rock was exploited for several years until 1963 for hard dacite granite blasted from its base, which in fact has altered its basic shape. The dacite granite was used to build breakwaters for Morro Bay and Port San Luis Harbour.

The rock is now protected as the Morro Rock State Preserve. It is today designated as a California Registered Historical Landmark and also became a State Landmark in 1968. Climbing or quarrying the rock is now strictly prohibited. However, you can get a close up view of this majestic rock by driving on the Embarcadero Road which takes you to its base.

Morro Rock has now been designated as a bird sanctuary for the peregrine falcon and other bird species such as gulls and cormorants. This bird habitat serves as their nesting site, with the avians resting on narrow shelves upon the steep rock face.

Sea lions, sea otters, elephant and harbor seals can also be seen in the waters near the rock. Aquatic creatures on the rock include hermit crabs, mollusks and coral. One can also spot squirrels and lizards on the rocks.

Although climbing and disturbing the birds is prohibited by law, the rock itself is open to the public at all times and is free to visit. Strategically located restaurants offer you a table with a view of Morro Rock!

Morro Bay is a scenic, soothing, unhurried place. Adjacent Morro Rock Beach is well worth the walk, to just relax on the sands. Other nearby places worth visiting include the Morro Bay Marina, Anchor Memorial Park and Morro Bay State Park.

This was probably my 4th visit to Morro Bay. In my opinion, it’s the perfect weekend getaway destination. Strolling along Embarcadero (walkway along the bay) seems to be what most people do. The huge volcanic rock in the middle of the bay is beautiful to see and makes for fantastic photo ops. Besides eating and shopping, I noticed other fun things like Whale Watching, Kayaking and Harbor tours. I like the fact that the hotels / motels are usually available at a reasonable cost and they are just one block away from the bay. The atmosphere is so laid back and I enjoy all the eateries and shops. Great place to bring your family for the day.

When in Morro Bay you must walk out to the rock, beautiful place.
On the way you'll encounter sea otters, a variety of birds and other sea life.

Morro Bay strand is always a delight to explore. Clean beach, plenty of shells and gorgeous views of the rock. Plenty of parking near the rock 🪨 seagulls can get food aggressive so be careful.

We enjoyed looking at the rock from a number of locations. It is quite a geologic spectacle. Reminds me of Canon beach rock in Oregon. As we understand it, there are actually 7 similar rock outcroppings heading inland from Morro Rock. You can see them as you head south down hwy 101.

Sea otters and geologic history all in one. This rock is so amazing, stunning visually and the walk around it is interesting...we saw marine life and pounding waves. It can be cold and fog rolls in depending on time of day and year, so bring a jacket.

Morro Bay's famous rock is also its famous landmark...and that's just it, its just a giant rock that actually looks better from afar than up close. But its free to visit it and the surrounding parks and beaches are lovely.

Most importantly...SEA OTTERS!!! Up until this point in my life, the only place I ever saw sea otters was a Sea World, which is sad. At Morro Rock you can find a "raft" of sea otters just hanging out in the bay. Whether swimming, lounging, eating, snuggling or whatever...they're just freaking adorable!

We were only going to stop here if we had time, and I am glad we did. We spent about an hour and a half here walking around the rock, watching the birds, and enjoying the cacti that were blooming.
There was a naturalist there at the time and he told us the history of the bay and how the the sea otters have returned. We saw about 5 sea otters playing while we were there. They were fun to watch.
At one time there were 300,000 sea otters along the Pacific coast, but they were hunted for their fur until only about 50 remained. The otters eat sea urchins which eat the kelp that provides food for fish and birds and a place for the otters to hide their young. When the otters were over hunted, the sea urchins became overpopulated and ate all the kelp, so the fish and birds were no longer abundant.
Now that the sea otter population is returning, they are keeping the sea urchins under control so the kelp is returning. Along with the kelp many fish and birds have also returned.
Morro Rock and Bay are interesting places to see wildlife and enjoy a pleasant walk. We enjoyed our afternoon here.

We had a great time visiting Morro Rock! Walked around with dogs on leash, found parking even though there was an event going on!

..watching the sea otters as they play.
We spent a delightful couple of hours watching the sea otters and their pups playing very close the shore. I had been on a sea otter safari in Moss Landing a few days before but got much better pictures and views from here. We drove to the parking area, wandered along the path and sat on the rocks watching them, the birds and the kayakers in the water. We also saw a peregrine falcon pair on the rock and local ornithologists were there to answer questions. Morro Bay is a nice town to spend an afternoon in and the local campsites are great.

A great walk on the shore watching the sea lions sunbathe, bars and restaurants. We stayed in San Luis Obispo, which did not hinder the tour by being very close. It's a quick ride, even though I've seen tourists leaving by boat.

Excellent place to stop with kids. Big dirt parking lot was easy to get in and out of - even in the summer. Kids loved to go out on the jetty at the end of the rock. When the tide is out it’s a giant tide pool and you can see crabs and all sorts of wildlife. Our family had a blast for a quick hour stop. Plus, it’s free!

Morro rock is actually a volcanic plug. I walked around the rock during the sunset, and the rock was more complicated and interesting that I had imagined. Near the rock, you can spot a plenty of wildlife, including sea otters!

We had a great walk along the shore here. There is good accessibility for those with scooters or wheelchairs on the walkway. Lots of seabirds to watch when walking out to the rock.

This is a great state park with views in all directions. Toward the east you get views of the Embarcadero. To the north you have a beautiful coastal view with kitesurfing closer to shore. Above you see the rock and the many birds nesting on it. To the South you have sea otters and sea lions playing in the water.

There was so much more than we expected to see.

The beauty of morro bay rock ka to see it in all the different times of day and weather patterns. Loved going behind the rock to see all the rock pile formations

First time I notice a rock, a little stressed 🤭

Good pebble, beautiful shape, beautiful size, good taste.
Going around is funny, we are told that we will meet seals and otters, but the truth is that we mostly meet EARTH squirrels!

I don't know if we realize the crazy, the EARTH squirrels!
Instead of living in trees they live under the EARTH!
And for the unfortunate ones who want to eat taste them there, be careful because the squirrels come out of the EARTH to try to steal it from you.

But to stay more DOWN TO EARTH, it was a detour worth it.

Drive down to The Morro Rock for a spectacular view of the beach and the ocean waves. It is an easy drive, plenty of parking and nice hikes.

Great spot to come spend time watching the otters and then we walked around the rock to the ocean and looked at all of the rock sculptures people have built. We then go speak with the docents about the otters, we talk to the scuba divers to ask what they saw, then over to the telescopes to see the People keeping an eye on the Falcons. There are people out there on kayaks and small boats too

We stopped by Morro Rock on our way back from Pismo beach. It takes about 30 minutes from 101. Nice place to stop by and have a short walk if you have extra time. Next to it you can see the bay and the beach.

this is just a huge rock but it’s worth a look. It juts out at the end of a walkway.
You cannot walk all around it but it’s a nice walk to see it up close.
Morro is a nice little town with lots of shops and restaurants. Plenty of parking. Free when I was there in may not sure if they charge in the summer months.

Make sure to catch the sea otters in the bay! Lots of great restaurants and shops along the marina, recommend a visit!

What a beautiful landmark! This was a great place to stop for a photo opportunity! Lots of free parking.

Traveling up the coast of California and stopped at Morro Bay to check out the Morro Rock. Impressive.

Beautiful little coastal town with quite a bit going on at the waters edge. Many restaurants and places to hang out and view the rock.

Seals rest out on a small island not far from the shore, where you can see and hear them. Fun to watch.

Great little spot for a quick stop while driving up the Pacific Coast Highway. Free parking is available on the main street, making the stop a must.

Beautiful, peaceful place, stayed at Local hotel, lots of charm and cool little shops. Found a bead shop and a shell shop with lots and lots of goodies.

This was our first time visiting the area and we were pleasantly surprised to find morro rock. It was an awesome and unique experience. Will definitely be returning with my kids.

Morro Bay is iconic! Great scenery, great people, great seafood with a low key small town feel! One of the best kept secrets in California!

Clearly this is a longstanding landmark and visitor hotspot. We stayed two nights locally and despite the chilly cloudy weather in July, we enjoyed the location. Viewing the wildlife sea otters and birds is bound to be interesting for animal lovers and the local society that gives information right there at the rock seaside about sea otters is a bonus. They even provide binoculars to view up close.
The walk from our hotel to the rock was only about 20-25 minutes slow stroll and we spent about 40 minutes up there, it’s enough to see and take in the views.

Always a nice walk about and good location for an otter sighting (or two or three!). Easy drive to the parking lot... trail is accessible. nice run/walk as well.

Morro Rock is a stunning site as you set eyes on it as you travel on Pacific Coast Highway 1. You can drive out to the Rock, it’s connected by a causeway.

Not sure what the big thrill is here. It's a rock at the end of a sand bar, possibly from a now extinct volcano. Not really exciting. You can park nearby and walk to it, just beware of birds overhead.

Best Comfort Inn on west coast! Friendly, clean, good beds, great location. Nice parking garage. We even got a star on our door!

Great views of the rock at different spots in Morro Bay. The beach can be very windy so hold onto your hat! Fun place to find sand dollars.

Very unique. We love the Morro Rock and the whole Bay. Very beautiful! The weather was perfect in March, warm and sunny. We'll be back!

If you enjoy bird-watching (especially Falcons) or just watching the waves come in, this is your place. Morro Bay has all the basic services you need and a nice State campground for your tent or RV.

The walk from downtown out to the far side of the Rock was captivating. We set off in the sun, only to watch a sea mist gradually roll up and swirl around, enveloping the whole rock and the beaches as we moved forward; the coast disappeared completely from our seaward vantage point. And then it all cleared in 30 minutes and the views and the clear blue sky were back. We walked all the way there and back and enjoyed seeing so much on our stroll. Sea otters in the harbor too – at least that is what another walker called them.

Why is this an attraction?!its just a huge rock. You can’t even. Walk around it. The only positives are free parking and it’s a nice spot to watch the sunset from.

Check it out. Big Rock, can't miss it. And you shouldn't. 🙂 Baywatch beach, cool caves, fun trail around the rock. Rock is not climbable.

We went to see the Rock in Morro Bay on our way from Los Angeles to San Francisco. This was on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.

Due to pressure on time we spent about 20 minutes on the beach and left after taking photographs. We saw the Rock again from Malibu where it looked like the rock was jetting out of the ocean.

We enjoyed our visit to this unique natural beauty and do certainly recommend all to visit this structure.

Am informed that the sunset is unique at this beach with the Rock.

Munir D.

Great place for a beach walk before breakfast or after to work off the pancakes. Loads of parking nearby too.

We were at the Visitor Center in San Simeon and mentioned to the staff that we really wanted to view sea otters. She indicated one of the best places was Morro Bay. The directions we received were: “We should look for the three smoke stacks and the large rock and you will find sea otters”. I had some doubts but she was correct and we had a great afternoon watching and photographing these social animals. There were between 20 and 30 otters in the area most of them within 25 yards of the shore. (Follow Coleman Drive until you are at the large parking lot beneath Rock)

Great place for photo opportunities! We were on the deck where the restaurants and and the fishing boats are. It's just beautiful. You can see seals and/or sea lions as well as sea otters. The otters are feeding on clams in the bay and it's great to watch.

After breakfast we took a walk to Morro Rock. There were a lot of sea otters playing a lazing about that you could watch. We walked along the path and then the beach on one side. The other we sat and watched the surfers. A beautiful day with beautiful scenery.

We decided to do a mid-week getaway, the week after Labor Day. The town was nit crowded, but still lively. The cafes and shops were mostly open, though some observed casual hours.

We walked from our hotel (at the far end of Embarcadero) to Morro rock and enjoyed the clean air and the nature.

We also checked out some galleries and enjoyed some great food. Hofbrau was my favorite eatery.

We took our dog- Morro Bay is very dog friendly. If you travel with your pooch, this is an excellent destination.

If one is feeling the: "locked in the box" sorts, Morrow Bay allows the mind to wander into the forever ocean, enjoy great eats, play in the sandbox & return to the simplicity of being. Before swimming check, if it's safe from flooding of raw sewage per fires. Fun gift shops. Great transit system. (Only? I had "do people drive around all day?".) used to Big Sky Mt.

Beautiful! What a gorgeous view!! Easy walk around the base. Nice path. Loved seeing the sea otters.

After you have the best French dip at the Hofbrau take a walk to the end of the path m you can walk or drive

This is the best kept secret on the coast, and The Rock is a great place to park for the day and just take in the scenery around you. Right on the ocean, you can hear the waves, or park facing the Rock for a quiet place and a view of the bay. Love this place, come many times a year to visit.

Bring your binoculars, camera, sunglasses, hat and sweatshirt. Morro Rock is a national treasure with an upclose look to wow your senses. Read the guideposts, stroll amid chirping, singing, cheeping peregrine falcons. You will leave a changed person, nothing fresh ocean air can't put into perspective.

Our son's high school graduation trip was a road trip from San Diego up the California coast. The view did not disappoint

Watched the sea otters swimming and having “lunch “ in nature. Saw seals and heard them loudly converse. Saw a lovely heron.

Its an interesting płace to see, not an obvious płace to stop from LA to Big Sur but very nice one :)

Lovely coastline and friendly people around eagger to tell stories regarding the Rock. The bay has a nice vibe and great for a day trip

The beach by Morro Rock was a great place to see the Sea Otters. There were also Seals and a lovely sunset. The Whale watching tour was enjoyable; although that day we did not see any whales, the Captain of the ship tried hard to find some for us.

Morro Rock is a huge piece of Morro Bay's architecture, people come from all over to drive highway 1 and see this.

Wherever you are on the Embarcadero “THE ROCK” Morro Rock is like none other. Enjoy it from any vista

You'll know when you have arrived in Morro Bay because of its iconic Morro Rock. I love looking at it on sunrise and sunsets. This nice little town can be explored in a day. There's certainly lots of sea life including sea otters, sea lions, cormorants, sea gulls, and ducks. The sand dunes provide a natural barrier against the more powerful waves which give this little town some calm water. It makes staying in hotels closest to the water very peaceful and restful.

Drive up the the base and park. From there you can walk a pathway perhaps a few hundred yards before the terrain becomes to difficult. The best views are at a distance.

We spent a couple of hours at Morro Rock. There's so much to see on the way. My favorite sight is the wildlife, especially the sea otters playing in the water. There were sea lions fighting for a spot on the ledges of the boats that were docked there. Watch out for the squirrels though! They acted like they don't like tourists and will run towards you! We passed a PT boat, and walked along the boardwalk to the beach, then over to the rocky breakwall where we sat and watched the waves crashing over the rocks. The other side of the rock was calmer and you can spend some zen time with the Ocean there. It's totally worth it to walk out there and enjoy the sights.

Huge huge rock, very cool to look at from the town and to venture over to walk around with lots of wildlife to see.

Fantastic place, great to see the Sea Otters and Seals in the bay. Highly recommended. Would also recommend 456 Embracado Inn & Suites. Good quality accommodation.

Morro Rock and the Bay are beautiful sights and great places to spend a couple of hours walking and admiring the views. Sea lions are everywhere around here, either swimming or lazying on one of the wooden floats.

There is plenty of parking around the marina and there are also public toilets (important when you're driving up the Pacific Highway!).

TThe beach goes on for miles, even when there seems like a lot of people it is so open. You will be able to walk the shore and find thousand of sand dollars and shells. The water is freshening cold. The peace you will find listening to the wave to calm any day.

A nice walk around the sea side of the rock where there are loads of sea birds and a few mighty crashing waves. You need fairly robust shoes but it’s worth a walk to the end. You cannot climb the rock as it’s crumbling, nor can you circle it, but it’s a fine walk. And there are sea otters in the cove.

Such a fun beach to walk with kids. There are tons of sand dollars. My son loved picking them up. Such a great place to go!

You can drive and park at the base of this rock then hike part way around it. There isnt a path all the way around.

This is one of our favorite places to come and relax. We stay in our RV at the Dunes and just enjoy the beauty.

You can drive along the rock and the walk out even furthur , the size is awesome! Read the ifo on the boards for some great info on the Rock, lots of birds to see and the Otter love to float near there also.

The close yet respectful distance to the otters along with a nice background makes watching and photographing them here perfect. We have visited most of the west coast from Alaska south, including the Moss Landing area, and find this location to be our favorite for Sea Otters.
The location is at the edge of the large parking lot next to the rock. One can often view them from the car.

There area clean toilets, swings for the kids and surfing on the other side of the short peninsula. After watching the otters you can move to other spots for occasionally beautiful sunsets.

Several great dining choices are available in the area. If you can dine early, like 5 -5:30 PM, you can often get seated quickly without a reservation at the more popular restaurants. See dining suggestions.

For photography, you will find that the light is best in the late afternoon BUT BEFORE the shadow of Morro Rock messes up the shot, AM shooting is difficult since you will be mostly shooting into the sun.
Watching them can be addictive, and when the weather kicks up it can be cool so have layers handy in the car.

Absolutely gorgeous in person! Easy parking & access to the beach & Morro Rock, will definitely be back! We had a short visit but it was well worth it. Must see

I went there around noon in a very hot day but it has a nice breeze there.It is a best place for people how love biking and they can start from State park all to the end of promenade that you you can visit Ottos and Morro Rock together.It is so clean and very convenient for walking or biking.
Lots of restaurants with ocean view but I didn’t try them and maybe next time.

The rock is a wonder to view and the beach to the north of the rock (parking lot) is a great place to walk which we enjoyed one evening. Unfortunately it was too windy during the day light hours which was a disappointment for us.

Always fun to see this iconic landmark. If you get a sunny day, it's so pretty. We saw fisherman, tourists rowing, 2 otters with a baby, a seal, and lots of birds.

I lived in the area in 1991, but had always wanted to visit here, and, of course, Morro Bay is defined by the "Rock." You CAN'T MISS IT!

Morro Rock is a great landmark and a defining Central Coast view. The geography of the Morro Rock and the other lava domes that comprise the Nine Sisters is very interesting. You can park near the rock and walk around to the back or “ocean side” of the rock.

We stayed at the Embarcadero Inn (see our other reviews for this hotel) and visited Moro Rock twice during our stay, once at sunset and once at sunset, both were incredible. In the evening, it was INCREDIBLY windy and made it hard to completely enjoy, but the morning visit was wonderful. There is plenty of beach to sit and enjoy, surf, picnic, and stare at the massive rock.

My wife and I visit morro rock and it was truly amazing, we first went there 30 years ago and this time was wonderful,I recommend it for a great walk.

The view of Morro Rock is impressive from afar and up close. The sea life is fun to watch especially the sea lions. Take the time to drive out to the base of the rock. When close to the rock you can really see how big it is.

Beautiful quiet little town, lots of outdoor things to do. My regret was getting an Airbnb a bit away from town. The view was nice but ambiance was not the same. Adding all the fees on Airbnb was not worth the stay. Should have stay at a hotel in town, more walkable and places to enjoy.

Morro Rock is an amazing landmark. It is home to hundreds of birds and the bay next to it is very calm and fun to take a fun Tiki Boat road around the bay and enjoy an adult beverage...and if you are lucky you might catch a double sunset!

We spent 2 days in Morro Bay and noticed a few things. The marine layer / fog is not unusual in the summer, so if it’s sunny blue sky, make time to walk out to Morro Rock or at least take photos. Cause fog can come in fast. The first day we were kayaking and it was overcast but visibility was ok. That afternoon, it was so thick, you couldn’t see across the bay and we had to get almost to the base of the Rock (beach parking lot) to see anything, and even then couldn’t see the peak.

One of the must see places in California. The northern beach is dog friendly and stretches for miles. The southern side of the rock has a boardwalk and a small beach. The rock is really impressive especially during sunset. Because of Covid, there were few people around which meant that some places were either closed or were only take-out. Nevertheless, we had plenty of free parking (something unthinkable pre Covid). We enjoyed long walks. Pretty much everyone had a mask on and was observing social distancing.

It's a rock! What else can I say? It isn't Mont Saint Michel or Sugar Loaf (yes, I have been to those places), and there's no cable cars running to the top, but it is a unique little bay with a nearly 600 foot rock sticking up where it appears to be out of place. Anyway, enjoy the view which can be even better if you choose one of the fine restaurants on the waterfront.

The rock is a staple in the Morro bay. Incredible views and excellent picture ops. The California coast at its best! Cheers!

It's there, you are there, go. Don't make a special trip, but do check it out if you are in the area

This is one best sites to see in Morro Bay. You can walk part of the way around the rock. If you have time, you can walk from town. Or with limited time, you can drive closer to rock and then walking trail.

It may seem that it is "just a rock" - but seriously - this is an amazing force of nature. Juxtaposed with an excellent background of the bay, home to flocks of birds, and then natural wildlife swimming about. Plus, the boats in the bay make this place a great area to visit. Bring your camera!

The Morro Rock area has plenty of parking in between beachside area ( bathing and surfing) and rocky area (plus secluded beach areas) where you can watch the sea otters, boating or people fishing.
It has public restrooms.
It was a great place to escape the heat from inland cities. Dogs should be on leash.

People in this town are weird. Stay away. Creepy too. Reminds me of a Twilight Zone episode. Dont visit if you are alone.

Wonderful views from the boardwalk. Suggest making dinner reservations and get there early to watch the sun set behind the rock.

Morro Bay, esp. Morro Rock is definitely worth the drive AND more importantly, worth @ least a two night's stay, if your drive was more than three hours. A wonderful nature area for marine enthusiasts and all that enjoy nature, walks, bicycle riding, +++. Morro Bay and Morro Rock is for everyone, including families which enjoy the outdoors.

A lot of wildlife around the rock and in the water. We saw birds, sea otters, chipmunks, chipmunk feeding humans, surfers, and interesting people on the beach and at the exercise bars. This is a nice park with free parking and restrooms. The beach north of the rock is wide and sweeping. The day we were there, at least 40 surfers were enjoying the big waves.

It is very cool that this huge rock is sitting right near the ocean--also the water right by is full of otters. Easy to drive out and park and enjoy the view on a bench.

You can see Morro Rock long distance, but go up to the Park, where there is plenty of parking, and walk around looking up to see the variety of birds that make it home. In the Bay we saw seals or otters to far away to determine. Meanwhile, read the signs that tell you the history of the Rock. It's a good way to break up travel, or to get a little exercise. Lots of restaurants in the town nearby.

Moreover rock in amazing.
Walk around it and see many birds, sea otters and lots of people enjoying nature without any hike at all.

I was at Morro rock a few years ago but only walked on the beach. On this trip, I discovered the side by side walking bike path. It was wonderful! It ran along the water.

We were looking for something to do so we drove over to check out the rock at morrow Bay. It was super easy to find. There was a large parking lot with restrooms. We only spent about 10 minutes here, snapped a few photos and checked out the beach with the surfers. It was cold the day we were here but I imagine it gets busy in the summer when the weather is nice as there is a nice crescent shaped beach. If your here stop for a picture but dont go out of your way.

We love going to Morro Baby and hanging out on the beach by the rock. Very clean beach. Love the fog, great food, walking either on the beach or embarcadero. Love watching all the animals swimming around.

Drive over the causeway, park and enjoy. You can't climb the rock but you can certainly take photos, fish, relax on the beach, swim and traipse around. There are two beaches. The larger strand will be the busiest with lifeguards during the summer season. The other is at the end of Coleman Drive, by the improvised rock garden and faces the village and Embarcadero. Once, when I was very much younger, you could drive the circumference; but no longer.

Nice walking and some wildlife. Park on the north side and be entertained by the surfers. Looks best in the evening. Best viewed from the docks in town at sunrise and sunset.

You can walk about 3/4's the way around. Mainly harbor entrance views. Can Not Climb the Rock. Lots of parking. Ocean waves there too.

Love visiting MB and was glad to of been able to get away for a few nights... No need for car, just leave it at hotel and walk everywhere - in town, embarcardero, out to Morro Rock, to beach...

A wonder of nature. A beautiful place to build a town around. Magnificant Landmark. Took many photos Totally merzerizing --just loved it.

You have kiwi birds walking around. Otters swimming around. The brach is huge. You can spend hours sitting at the beach enjoying yourself. Close by is a nice fresh fish place if you are hungry.

A gorgeous location... too bad the plant takes away from the view. Just look the other way for otters in the water, birds above & sand in your toes. Drive across to park to the left & walk along the rock or go to the right for a nice sandy beach. We had a nice afternoon here!

It is a beautiful place to visit wonderful sunsets around the rock. There is a great place to park at the base of the rock where you can watch surfers in one direction and if you park the other direction you can watch the boats coming and going. Love coming here for our getaways.

Ok, they're both big rocks and the end of a land mass but that's about where it stops. There is no way you'll fit an international airport on Morro Rock. It's WAY smaller. Still very unique though.

I walk here almost every day, you can't imagine how beautiful this place is. No matter where you are it's gorgeous

Morro Rock is - a rock. And not a very pretty one. What is most interesting however, is how the rock separates the long bay from the ocean. The parking lot on the ocean side was the most laid back parking lot I have every seen. A huge flat lot made of crushed rock and sand and no lines to delineate where the parking spots were. But people were very orderly and kind of made their own lines. People were very friendly and it was a lot of fun.

Morro Rock is a volcanic plug, located at Morro Bay, California. It's about 180 feet (177 meters) high, prominently located at the entrance to Morro Bay harbor. You can drive or walk to to the rock. The view is interesting, but not memorable. Don't mix it with Moro Rock, which is located in Sequoia and Kings National Park, CA which is amazing, impressive, and memorable. This is my humble opinion.

Great view, can’t miss it natural wonder . Walk near it and be amazed at its size. Careful of falling rock.

As the center piece and well know feature of Morro Bay, the Rock has an amazing history. It is a volcanic plug, home to rare and endangered birds and a mystical place for Native Americans of this region. Everyone should come stand in it shadow at least once.

It is gorgeous in every light - morning noon or sunset. Especially sunset. Enjoy watching the surfers right next to the rock

Went to the 29th Estero bay contest today Morro Bay has been packed for the event. It is a big deal in California where people come from north and south to participate. Even the local sea otters get into it!!!

If your in Morro Bay you must take a short drive out to the "Rock". Take a walk and check out the otters who lounge just offshore in the bay and then walk PAST the rock on the bay side to find a truly interesting "Cairn Garden". I'm not sure who started stacking all the old debris to create hundreds of Cairns but it was a quite a shock to discover them, I even created one of my own. Great little side trip.

This is a giant landmark rock near beach. We passed by this rock while in a boat ride to go whale watching. Some pieces of the rocks may fall so obey warning signs about the off limits location near it. We also visited the rock and walked around the park. I cant imagine going on top of it and see the view from there.

Located inside park with the beach. We enjoyed watching sea otters and birds.

Good place to enjoy nature and de compressed.

Beautiful at sunset - a must see walking along the wharf. Noisy seals were fun too. Make reservations for dinner if you’d like a sit down place

We we're fortunate enough to check into our hotel just as the sun was setting. I was able to get a quick photo of Morro Rock in the late afternoon light. It appeared even more stunning in the early morning light. I will definitely come back to Morro Bay and would like to see the Rock up close during low tide.

It’s worth seeing, whether you stay or just stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. The sea otters in the bay were an unexpected sight.

A natural wonder. Beautiful scenery with so many beautiful birds nesting all over the rock. Until you get up close you have no idea how big it really is. Loved the area and the scenery, wish I had binoculars.

This is a great place to visit. Morro Rock is stunning, and the estuary Bay is full of birds, seals, and others. On the other side of the Bay is a large beach, also worth visiting. The town itself is close by and pleasant with some nice stores and restaurants.

"The Rock" is iconic with this area and definitely a point of reference. Restaurants nearby as well as boat outings.

We stopped here en route south & it was beautiful! It’s a beautiful stretch of beach to walk on as well. The coast is so beautiful in Ca.

Morro Rock is quite impressive Free parking In the area and nice walking paths. Take time to sit and watch the otters.

We had dinner at Great American Fish Company and our table had and incredible view of the rock, sea lions and fishing boats

So the Tock is just one of the morros in the area but is the best known I think. Nice views from many spots in town and the walk along the waterfront was nice. Look for otters!

Huge natural rock formation at Northern end of beach area. Rising hundreds of feet, visible for miles. Beach hiking, day use, tidal areas, lots of stuff for the kids, ample parking.

Worth driving closer to the rock and exploring it. I am sure there is a lot to do around the place and a couple of days would make it worthwhile - the wildlife, boat tours etc. This was the first time we had seen it on our drive from the Bay area to Los Angeles. There was lots of parking and people were walking on the long beach along Morro Bay. Unfortunately, we were pressed for time and had not done much research but definitely it is a place worth coming back to.

What more is there to say.... if you like looking at big rocks (actually an ancient plug from a volcano) this is your place. Dominates the landscape of the area.

See the big rock. You can drive next to the big rock. Don’t drive into the big rock. The big rock is Morro Rock because it’s in Morro Bay— I guess.

Reminded me very much of the Oregon Coast - Haystack Rock in particular. It was early evening when we visited, almost sunset. There was still a wisp of mist surrounding the top.

Beautiful place for a nice walk by the ocean or just watch the surfers and the waves. Lots of parking. You can relax on one of the benches or follow the pathway for a nice walk. There is a nice little marina and it's close to downtown.

Morro Rock leaves an impression in one's memory that will last a lifetime. A beautiful walk around the southern base, watching sea otters frolic and play in the sun, and a short but silky sand beach provided wonderful memories. Fresh sea air was much needed during a difficult time for so many. The COVID19 Pandemic has caused a statewide lockdown. One day we will look back and really appreciate how nature made us feel calm ... we already feel it!

Beautiful location, plenty of restaurants reasonably priced. Sunsets are beautiful, family friendly, easy beach access. Trailer camping near by.

We were lucky. A group of sea otters we frolicking by the path as we enjoyed this walk. It’s worth doing this if you are in Moro bay.

Good to be back and visit Morro Rock at this unusual time. It was cold and windy, very different from the hot weather in Southern California. Many people surfing, swimming and fishing near the rock and parking was not a problem even for our RV. Easy to social distancing.

I have visited here on every trip to the West coast. It’s a beautiful area and the rock is the focal point. Great views, lovely walks and a quaint seaside town. If you are in the area stop here.

The story of how Morro Rock came to be was written at the base of the massive rock. It is beautiful there and lots to take in. So many things to see in that area. Be sure to spend some quality time there.
Minnesota travelers

Be sure to walk around the rock to the left of parking for incredible animal watching: sea otters asleep in the morning, seals, sea lions, and thousands of birds. Takes about 15 minutes, depending on how long you want to watch. They've done a good job protecting the area.

Peaceful, relaxing location. Able to spend time shopping, and relaxing around the water. Taking in all the sights and sounds Morro Rock brings. You will see the sea lions, otters, and birds. Walking out around the rock and just enjoying the ocean.
We also enjoyed how quant the town is, and the only complaint is the lack of breakfast locations.

Morro Rock juts straight up as a pillar of rock. It it isolated from the test of the hills and is surrounded by ocean on one side and beach on the other. It is beautiful in many kinds of weather, clear or with fog wrapping around it.

It was a nice relief from the hot tempetures of Sol Cal. An enormous amount of seals, sea otters and all day and night noisy sea gulls.

You will be surprise by the beauty and quietness of this side of Morro Bay. You can build serenity pyramids and have a quiet time to reflect.

We were on a trip down the coast and decided to have Morro Bay be one of our nights stay. The rock is a fun little stop but it was very windy on the day we were there. If it was a nicer day the beach would have been nice, they even have fire rings and changing stations right in front of the rock. If you are there during low tide the rocks to the left of the Rock on the beach have great little tide pools to explore. Lots of sea anemones that the boys enjoyed finding them.

We drove our RV here at 5 pm on a Saturday. No problem parking. The beach is nice, sandy, some dunes. Apparently there were food booths set up earlier but they were closed up when we got there. Good place to watch the surfers, see pelicans, the squirrels which live in the rocks.

Enjoyed the beaches around Morro Rock, and had a fabulous time going on a whale watching tour.
The walk from the beach around Morro Rock to the town is nice, there are a lot of restaurants that serve fresh fish.

Cool to learn a little of the history of the rock and how it was formed. A short walk around and you will see many different animals and great sunsets.

beautiful sunrise. we walked the calm bay side first. lots o friendly folks birding, dogging, and walking/running. it was calm, beautiful and serene. then walked to the other side with surf, surfers and lots of action. it is a pretty little town, got our croissants, scones and coffee at buttercup and it was an all around pleasant morning.

Defines the area. Amazing wildlife. Actual fishing village.amazinly long beaches, especially at low tide.

The iconic morro bay rock is a must see destination. Beautiful beach and harbor with lots of wildlife including a large variety of birds and our favorite the otters. Don't miss out on this unique place. Fantastic biking trails. Great place to shop and eat. Always a wonderful place to go visit.

Beautiful day for a beautiful ride to Morro Rock. Driving up the coast and this was a "must see"! Did not disappoint!

The road to the rock is an easy access from the embarcadero. There is plenty of parking,. There are hiking trails, picnic areas and great views of the town and Morro Bay.

Me and my wife took a nice Sunday drive to Morro Bay to see the big waves and to watch the local surfers do their thing. It was amazing how many people come for all over to test out the waters locally. Morro Rock is an amazing site in its self, and then you can’t help but wonder how this rock formation came to be. This is a great day trip for anyone wanting to enjoy the coast and the local embarcaderro shops and restaurants.

Great walking path up to the rock. You can also drive right up to the rock, plenty of parking. A must see if you are in Morro Bay

If you want to have a laid back relaxing time on the beach, Morro is IT!
The rock is interesting, captivating and a great view. Sacred place for native people so you can’t go out there, but it’s just fun to look from different angles at different times.

Take a long walk down the beach and you’ll find some smaller rocks that act like upright tide pools.

Go south of the rock to the lagoon and you’ll probably see some otters up close.

Stroll the tiny tourist street and grab a bite in one of the funky restaurants with a view of the rocks.

If you are kayaking, be brave- there is some serious tide action that will wear you out.

Great for kids, families, teens, suffers, couples, older folx.. everyone.

Rarely a ton of people once you get away from the area close to the rock. Pull up by the beach and enjoy!

I don't usually rate rocks, so I'm a little out of my area of expertise. Personally I prefer sedimentary to volcanic rocks, so I couldn't give it 5 stars. But as a navigational aid this rock seems pretty handy, so I like it. This is a big rock. If you like Giant rocks you'll be disappointed, and if you're into tiny rocks this one will be way to big for your liking, so not a 5 star rock. However, if you are into large rocks the size of a small island.. well this is the rock for you!

Nice scenery, surfing beach on one side, channel on the other. Plus all the usual California seaside wildlife, so all in all a nice place to take a short easy walk near the ocean. Looks like fishing might be OK on the channel side.

The rock is a staple of the area - and a landmark. It's really a whole area not just an attraction. The stacks across are unsightly - but the rock let's you know where you are! There are two beaches around it - one pretty good for surfing. The other is a little inlet and you can watch the boats go in and out - I wouldn't swim there - but people do. Off the parking lot and opposite of the main beach you can walk down a dirt path to the jetty and spy all the "cactus faces" along the hill and sometimes you can see the Coast Guard doing drills. Going back to the main beach facing Morro Rock - you can surf depending on the weather. If you go downtown to eat - most restaurants on the water will have a pretty good view of the Rock.

Nice easy hike along the boardwalk. First there are many places to walk. Also some great places to take a picture of both the rock and the water. Watch for the sea lions and otters in the water. If you are there on a windy day take a walk across the parking lot and watch the surfers on the north side. Finally a short walk past the power plant puts you at a number of water front Restuarants.

Good birding in vicinity of rock. Parking available. Nice beach walk nearby. Try Ascot hotel nearby and gallery restaurant for lunch.

It’s a great wind block depending which way the wind blows! We rode our bikes around the area and enjoyed stopping at various vantage points to enjoy the views. Mt bikes or hybrids work a lot better than road bikes with skinny tires as the wind can create some good sand drifts on the bike paths.

We cruised by Morro Rock and if you want to see Sea Otters up close this is the place- nice little hike around and the otters were right next to you- you see lots of behavior, diving, eating, grooming, napping, playing all right next to the shore. Visit in late afternoon

The rock was first mentioned by a westerner when Juan Cabrillo first sailed past it in 1540, and entered it in his ship's log, before proceeding down the coast to infect everyone with various diseases. You can understand why Morro Rock is considered a sacred spot by local indigenous peoples. Beautiful place, with lots of sea otters (8:30 a.m. is the best viewing time - they are still wrapped in the kelp beds, sleeping), and be sure to keep walking until you can't get any further. There's a wonderful, spiritual place where people have built more than 1000 rock towers. Be sure to build one yourself and thank the universe for the wonders of nature, except for the people who were screwing on the beach, clearly inspired by something or other.

i visited morrow bay area during Christmas..weather was wonderful..so many places to eat..beautiful view of the iconic morrow rock ..go to the Montana de oro state park as well ..highly recommended for a mini vacation..kid friendly too

Truly an awesome place with seals and otters every where. Beautiful walk to the end. A must do while in Morro. Large parking area but an RV may be challenged in season

Morro Bay is laid back and a great place along Pacific Coast Highway. Easy to drive to wine country and so much to do outdoors. Quiet and relaxing. No hustle, no bustle.
Sunsets are beautiful and the massive indescribable Morro Rock reminds you of how small your presence is here. Look at the correct angle and see an old man's face. The town is drive-able, park-able, walk-able, and quaint. Waterfront offers all sorts of water activities, tours, and excursions. Plenty of antique shopping, boutiques, a variety of eateries, bars, music, art galleries. All very, very laid back living. Friendly people, dog friendly town. State park offers hiking, bird watching, and plant spying, beach lounging and Uber surfing waves. Easy access to 101 and 1 for drives north and south areas of the PCH. Loving it here.

If you wanna see the great view, this is one of my recommend places. If the weather is good, you can enjoy more than you expected!

Next to the Morro Rock you will see an amazing sunset, the otters swimming so close and the seals on the beach. Nice to just sit there and relax.

It's a big rock. My wife and I had a pleasant time on the path walking by the rock and on the beach as well. It honestly felt more crowded than in town. Just not a lot of appeal for me about the rock itself. The beach is great though.

It’s nice because it can be seen for quite a distance. Certainly its quite large at Morro Bay. It’s protected so you can’t climb on it.

An amazing and beautiful place to visit!
This was an amazing experience and in our mopinion the best way to see the beauty of Morro Bay! Cal Coast Adventure s!
Our guide Barrett was both knowledgeable and friendly.on these incredible assist e-bikes. The views from all different locations were incredible but the best for last was our ride ont Morro Rock itself and viewing the adorable sea otters A must do!!

We visited Morro Bay on a cloudy day and while it is perfectly fine it is nothing special. It seems popular with local tourists, plenty of children, but, I am afraid it had a little bit the charm of a slightly dated british sea side town.

Morro Rock is an iconic view at Morro Bay, beautiful and majestic, it’s worth the short drive to see it as it’s visible from almost all waterfront areas.

Make a point to catch sunset. Also walk around the rock.. You will see surfers, boats, paddle boards. A nice stop.

Took the short drive out to the parking area on the rock and found a very nice nature area with pretty walks and excellent views of the rock. The rock is a very unique feature and it's cool to get some good pics of it.

Yes it’s just a rock but the size is impressive. Nice that you can drive up to it with plenty of parking. The wildlife and rock formations are wonderful. You can’t walk all the way around but it’s still a good hike. We ate dinner along the waterfront before visiting the rock.

Quiet calm bay w seals and paddle boarders and sand dunes. Cute downtown w shops and easy strolling close to state park and golf course

You can see the rock from miles away! It was well worth a short stop to take a few pictures and continue driving up to Big Sur!

This spot defines the coastline. It is a wild contrast to the power plant towers that at a couple of hundred yards away. Breakwater makes for good crashing surf. Nice.

This sounds cool until you actually see it then you realize it's more that just cool it's pretty amazing to have a rock like this in your bay. Beautiful Bay and Morro Rock is certainly amazing'. So beautiful to view and see and made the sunset pretty amazing too.

Morro Rock is imposing and remarkable. Wonderful to hike around. Unusual rock formation. Sound of the waves is like drumming when echoed off the cliff face.

On our twice-a-decade-or-so visits we usually approach the Rock from the Harbor, but his time, we approached it from the beach to the north. A different perspective that served to make the Rock all the more impressive. It amazes from all angles, really, and you rejoice that it is protected forever from, say, some bozo blasting out some luxury home sites at its top. It's for the birds! As for the humans, we get a nice, flat paved walkway with colorful interpretive signs on the harbor side and a beach view from the other.

Been coming here for years, but the sight of Morris Rock never ceases to amaze. Even though you cannot climb on it, it is incredible at the sheer size.

A magnetic pull of some kind brought me to this place....I've been a tree hugger for decades, now a complete ROCK HUGGER! Enjoying it from our room at the Front Street Inn, to hanging out at the base of it, with birds in your face, it is a special place to visit. Heading back there in a month!!!

We really love it, we went to the rock and watch the otters for a couple of hours, we walked the beach. really really nice and peaceful

We were lucky on our visit to watch a colony of sea otters who were lounging & playing the full day we were there. We also took the Lost Isle Tiki Boat tour where we learned some amazing facts & history of Morro Rock.

Nice thing to see. Plenty of wildlife around the water. Only stopped for a little while as we wanted to get to Monterey as there was a lot more things to do there.

I went with the inlaws to California for the week and we came to Morro Bay mainly to go on the whale watching cruise. The large rock (long extinct volcano), is hard to miss even in the fog. While we didn't get to see too much of it at first because of the fog, when we came back it cleared up. Definitely a cool thing to see and plenty of birds hanging around it.

A Big Yes !
Just stayed 2 nights in room #222
I highly recommend this motel
Good location, clean, great amenities
Nice staff Great breakfast station included
Microwave small fridge,hair dryer.
I will be going back

Morrow rock is big, about 600 feet high and looks like a half a football sticking out of the ocean..It is also old, estimated as 25 million years old and was caused by long extinct volcanoes. From the shore it looks like an island but there is a causeway and you can drive out there. At the right angle you can pose a picture on the beach with the sunset and Morro Rock and your girlfriend framed by both of them. This is a great picture spot.

It's been about 25 years since we took the roads through the central coast. Morro Rock looks well cared for. The parking is organized and easy. Access to the East side of the rock is flat.

You can drive right up to the base of the rock and park your car. There was quite a large gathering of sea lions resting, playing, and eating. There was a group of people there that offered you free binoculars to look at the sea lions up close. They even had a belt on display. A must see for adults and a great granny and educational experience for children.

If you are animal lover or a nature history buff, stop at morro rock. If you come at the right season, you can catch a glimpse of mommy sea otter clean baby sea otters. Squirrels are also often sighted at this location.

It was a beautiful landmark. Lots of shells on the beach. The sand is nice and soft on barefeet so no worries. And clean sand, no broken glass, trash, or dog feces. This is a good time as long as the weather permits.

It is an impressive sight. The whole bay is gorgeous, and taking a walk through the town at dusk is a thing to do. Sunsets , looking at the Rock, are beautiful.

Big volcanic rock, great sandy beach and playing large family of sea otters all within walking distance. Fun for everybody in the family. Sunset was really impressive.

As another person said, there isn't too much to do here: surf, fish, walk. That's and it. It's still cool to come check out the rock, people watch, and wander around a bit. Free parking and decent restrooms are always a plus.

My favorite place to go to; this a great place to visit and meditate. The area around it has great places to eat and enjoy various types of food.

We liked Morro Rock so much last year we returned this year. The sea otters, birds, rock related things, and proximity to town and wharf make it quite an attraction.

Morrow Rock can be seen from most if not all aspects of Morro Bay it was in most of our photos as you can see in our feedback.

Great place to see otters and their babies and sea lions Nice walk all along the Embarcadero. Morro rock is very impressive

Stopped here on a quick trip up the coast. Followed the poor signage and as a result ended up seeing parking lots on both sides of the rock! we went back and parked on the bay side of the rock and walked out to the end of the trail. Truly impressive! Be sure to look for the Peregrine Falcons!

Such an amazing place to walk around and explore! The beach is beautiful and there’s plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. I especially loved all the sea otters!

The Surf, the air, the water, the food, the camping, the awesome hotels.
Bike riding, walking through the bird sanctuary.
Paddle boarding the bay.

Beautiful view, great weather, enjoyed watching kids in the water, (water was calmer then usual in this area today) lots of parking & areas to walk and see Morro Rock & see ocean view! Great for pictures & video taking, small picnic & camping (RV) area close to water,

Morri Bay is a pretty little coastal town. There is not much to do but we took a short detour to see Morro Rock which is a neck, a small rock resulting from a volcanic breach. Differential erosion has meant that this very resistant igneous rock now forms a 176-metre mound. The Morro Rock is part of a well-aligned series called the Nine Sisters. Interesting.

Located right on the bay and boardwalk,this restaurant couldn't have been better. Service was attentive and warm. View was unsurpassed. We're still talking about the food one week later. Fabulous fish tacos and super clam stew. Best meal we had in a long time.

A big old rock at the north end of the bay with plenty of parking and a nice quarter mile boardwalk out to the rock (or you can drive out there and there is also parking but more limited). The main attraction are the year round sea otters (about 30 of them) that live on the south side of the rock - apparently they move from the "Otter viewing pier (it's on google maps), another 1/2 mile south, to the south side of the rock in the PM. It was a rare and fun experience to just watch them for 30 minutes, well worth the time.

We were disappointed this rock, it's really nothing social and definitely not worth a stop unless you are into geology. There's some pretty decent marine life and we did spot seals. But overall, nothing special.

We drove out to see the surfers and check out Morro Rock and right at the base, between the large boulders around it, there lived some very territorial squirrels. They screamed at us as we inched closer, protecting their homes and provided a lot of entertainment to my kids. Hilarious!

There is nothing to do here except look up. If you look down into the water you will probably see seals, sea lions, and see otters.

Morro bay is a nice fishing village during the week and a major tourist destination on weekends. Great food, beaches, and weather make this great town a fantastic place to visit.

Well worth the trip from Claremont, CA to see this fantastic volcanic plug. Free parking. Great walk. 100% recommend to all.

Nothing wildly exciting but if you are in Morro Bay it is worth a look. The highlight for us was not the rock itself but the sea otters who were feeding in the estuary to the south of it beside the car park. They (three of them) were no more than 50-60 metres out from the shore, duck-diving for shellfish or something and then floating on their backs to eat whatever they found. We had seen them in Monterey as well but not feeding.

Read about the history, then go walk out there and look up. Read how it was mined until 1964 too--and you can see where some of that rock ended up.

Had fun walking around the walk as far as you can. Saw surfers in the morning on the west side of the driveway into the park and otters on the left side (facing east) of the driveway in the bay. Lots of fisherman off the rocks. If you look closely, you may see some birds in the shrubs near the base of the rock. A very neat visit.

This is an adorable town and I can easily imagine spending time here during the summer. There appeared to be a lot of activities around the rock, which is accessible by car or via dedicated walking and biking paths that are separate from the road. There were people of all ages, and with strollers, put and about in the area.

Date of Visit: Friday, Dec 13th, 2019

Whenever we visit California, we always make sure to make a visit to Morro Bay, and Morro Rock.
This is an iconic attraction, that is a beautiful place to visit.
The Rock and area is a great place to stop and take in the scenery, and enjoy some time relaxing.
You can watch surfers do their thing, watch Otters frolic in the surf and much more.

Have a great visit to Morro Bay and enjoy the shopping, good dining opportunities, and the amazing scenery. there are also sea lions you may spot frolicking in the water as well.

You won't regret it.

This is a beautiful place to stop. The views are wonderful and ther are otters always in the bay. You can also see sea lions. Fun place to walk around and visit.

Worth the trip for a day to spend on the bay in the shadow of this monster of a rock - very cool natural site!

We went after dinner and there was plenty of parking. We walked as far as we could and enjoyed the wildlife. Very pretty views.

We went fishing at Morro Bay, near the Rock. Very nice parking lot and walking trails. Although the beach is small, it’s a great place to dig your toes in the sand of the ole Pacific. Restrooms and water fountains available and relatively clean.