Morro Bay State Park is a state park on the Morro Bay lagoon, in western San Luis Obispo County, on the Central Coast of California. On the lagoon's northeastern and eastern edges in the park, there are saltwater and brackish marshes that support thriving bird populations.
Morro Bay State Park features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay's northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.
Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Morro Bay State Park boasts over 2,700 acres of woodland, saltmarsh and shoreline habitat. The diverse ecosystem marks an important stop on the Pacific Flyway, and the park serves as a seasonal home to over 100 species of migratory birds. This coastal refuge is also the site of a sizable great blue heron rookery, where from February to June you’ll find the giant birds nesting in a small eucalyptus grove near the park entrance. And even though the natural environment presents some access obstacles for wheelers and slow walkers, access upgrades have been added to the park, so everyone can enjoy this birders paradise.
Museum of Natural History
A visit to the Central Coast of California is not complete without a stop at the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay State Park. The museum offers activities for all ages: nature walks, exhibits, lectures, puppet shows, videos, docent led tours and special events.
Visit the Chumash garden along the side of the museum and learn how the Chumash used native plants of this area in their daily lives.
The Museum of Natural History is within minutes of the Heron Rookery, Morro Bay State Park, Montaña de Oro State Park, the El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon's Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. The museum overlooks Morro Bay which is both a State and National Estuary.
The Morro Bay Museum of Natural History makes a good first stop in the park, as it offers a comprehensive overview of the natural features, geology and avian residents of the park. The museum is located near the park entrance, in back of a volcanic hill known as White Point. Accessible parking is located in the front lot, with good directional signage to the accessible trail that winds around the hill to the museum entrance. And just in case you miss the signs, take the trail on the left, as even though the one on the right is shorter, it’s not wheelchair-accessible.
There’s level access to the museum and gift shop, and an accessible unisex restroom is located near the entrance. Inside there’s plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair around the interactive exhibits which focus on the natural features, cultural history, geology, oceanography and wildlife of the area. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions and to help identify the bird life around the marina.
One of the highlights of the museum is the bayside observation deck, which features barrier-free access and offers a panoramic view of Morro Rock. Created over five million years ago from hot magma that rose from the Earth, this Morro Bay landmark is now a protected nesting area for peregrine falcons. Cormorants, loons and brown pelicans also frequent the area near Morro Rock, so make sure and bring your binoculars.
Camping
Family Campground: Three RV campsites with electric/water hookups (#24, #26, and #29) and nine tent campsites (#47, #60, #91, #99, #108, #113, #114, #130, and #132) are generally accessible. Restroom/shower combo buildings are generally accessible, including pathways to them.
Group Campground: At least one space and accompanying restroom/shower is generally accessible.
Campfire Center: Adjacent to the picnic area, the campfire center is generally accessible, including parking and the path from the parking to the campfire center. Generally accessible restrooms are adjacent to the Camp Host (site #135).
Picnic Area
Adjacent to the campfire center, generally accessible picnic tables are dispersed in a lightly wooded area. Some visitors may need assistance with the route to the picnic tables, which is across compacted soil. Generally accessible parking is available. Generally accessible restrooms are adjacent to the Camp Host (site #135).
Trails
The Marina Peninsula Trail is an 0.70 mile accessible loop trail/boardwalk with dynamic views of Morro Bay and Morro Bay Estuary. The surface is compacted soil and boardwalk. This trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes. Trailhead and accessible parking are located at the east end of the Morro Bay State Park Marina parking lot. Accessible restrooms are located adjacent to the Bayside Café.
The Museum Trail is an 0.1 mile accessible paved trail from the museum parking lot to the Museum of Natural History. Accessible parking is located at the museum parking lot. An accessible unisex restroom is at the museum.
Exhibits/Programs
Morro Bay Museum of Natural History: The museum is accessible, with interactive accessible exhibits. Accessible parking and restrooms are available.
