For one of the most dramatic backdrops you’ll find at any beach in the state of California, head to Morro Rock City Beach in Morro Bay. Morro Rock, the gigantic volcanic plug that looms over all of Morro Rock City Beach’s visitors is a 580-foot tall, absolutely awe-inspiring protected natural landmark.
When you’re not gazing in wonder at the gigantic rock, or snapping endless photos of it, you’ll enjoy the typical everyday beach activities of swimming, surfing, fishing, and picnicking at Morro Rock City Beach. You’ll likely find, however, that even everyday activities are made a bit more exhilarating when done in the presence of Morro Rock.
Location
Coleman Drive in Morro Bay
Activities
Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, birdwatching, fishing, kite flying, picnicking, photography.
Sandcastle building is popular at the beach.
Lifeguards are only present in the summer from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. so be prepared to swim at your own risk.
Dogs are allowed on the beach provided they are leashed.
Amenities
Restrooms, lifeguards (summer only), and picnic tables.
Day-use parking lots are available.
Climbing on Morro Rock is strictly prohibited. Do not climb on the rock.
Nearby Attractions
Morro Strand State Beach is right next door to Morro Rock City Park. There you can swim, sunbathe, hike, fish, and birdwatch. They have bathrooms, picnic tables, hiking trails, and campgrounds for a scenic overnight stay.
Coleman Park is just on the other side of Morro Rock. There you’ll find bathrooms, picnic tables, a boardwalk for walking and jogging, basketball courts, and a bike path. Dogs are allowed in the park provided they’re leashed.
The town of Morro Bay is less than ten minutes away from Morro Rock City Beach, where you’ll find a ton of things to do. There’s the Morro Bay National Estuary, a Heron and Cormorant rookery, Morro Bay State Park, the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum, and several other beaches to visit.
Fun Facts
Morro Rock is the 23 million-year- old remains of an extinct volcano, known as a volcanic plug. A volcanic plug is created by the hardening of magma at the area where an active volcano vents out onto the surface of the planet. The Native American Chumash and Salinan tribes considered the rock to be sacred land. Once you see it in person, you’ll understand.
Morro Bay is the setting for the sequel to Pixar’s Finding Nemo, 2016’s Finding Dory. In the film, Morro Bay is the main character Dory’s hometown.