Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay State Park is a protected coastal area in central California containing tidal wetlands, an estuary, and dry scrubland vegetation. The terrain combines these different habitats where salt marshes meet open water and transition into upland brush zones.

The Chumash lived along this coast for many generations, relying heavily on the bay's marine resources for their survival. European arrival brought major changes to the landscape and people, and the area eventually became a protected reserve.

The visitor center explores how the Chumash people lived with the land through displays of traditional practices and resource use from the bay. Travelers walking through the exhibits get a sense of how the natural setting shaped human life here.

The park offers overnight camping with reserved spots and kayak rentals for exploring the bay waters. Free guided walks with park rangers happen regularly and help visitors understand the different habitats throughout the grounds.

The area holds several ancient volcanic remnants, with Morro Rock standing out for its distinctive conical shape rising sharply from the water. These geological formations took millions of years to develop and remain the defining features of the entire bay's profile.

Location: San Luis Obispo County

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=594

GPS coordinates: 35.34730,-120.82600

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:59