Morro Strand State Beach, State beach in San Luis Obispo County, United States

Morro Strand State Beach is a protected beach in north Morro Bay along California State Route 1, on Estero Bay in San Luis Obispo County. A three-mile stretch of tan and grey sand, marked by long wind-formed ripples, runs between the southern and northern entrances, with a steep dark grey rock formation rising beyond the sand.

Morro Strand State Beach was formerly named Atascadero State Beach before taking its present name. In January 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed it for closure as one of 48 California state parks, part of a deficit reduction program. The park lies along California State Route 1 in north Morro Bay, fronting Estero Bay.

The beach was formerly called Atascadero State Beach before taking the Morro Strand name. Dogs are banned along parts of the sand to protect nesting Western Snowy Plovers, a small shorebird visitors may notice cordoned-off patches for. Fishing, surfing, beach walking and jogging are the usual activities here.

The beach is easily accessible through several parking areas and offers restrooms, picnic tables, and lifeguards during peak season. Early morning visits typically offer better parking availability, especially on weekends and in warm months.

Dogs are banned along stretches of this beach to protect nesting Western Snowy Plovers, a small shorebird that lays its eggs directly on open sand. The birds rely on the same wind-rippled surface visitors walk across, so keeping to the wet sand and avoiding posted nesting areas matters.