ADDRESS

Toro Lane
Morro Bay, CA 93442

HOURS

Open Year Round

CONTACT

Morro Bay

AMENITIES

Camping, Lodging, Picnic Facilities, Restrooms, Trails, Wheelchair Accessible

Morro Bay is a waterfront city in San Luis Obispo County, California. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay is known as one of the most visually spectacular communities in America. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of year round activities including oceanside golf, kayaking, sailing, hiking, fishing, surfing, biking, bird watching, kite flying, shopping, fine dining and miles of unspoiled beaches. The town’s breathtaking natural beauty and extraordinary choices for accommodations make Morro Bay the perfect choice for anyone seeking a natural escape.

WHERE THE WHALES ARE

It’s uncommon to see whales come into our bay, but there are incredible vantage points from our beaches. You won’t want to miss out on visiting Morro Strand State Beach and the bluffs overlooking the water. Take Highway 1 North, and turn left at the Yerba Buena stoplight. Make another right turn to go through a small neighborhood that leads to a quiet, secluded parking lot on a bluff. This is an amazing vantage point of Estero Bay which is a favorite spot for the whales to play and feed. Bring your camera and a sack lunch — the view is irreplaceable — and enjoy the spectacular panoramic ocean view complete with breeching and feeding Whales. The creatures can be seen from anywhere on this beach, from the bluff parking lot to the end of the beach next to Morro Rock

Gray whales are common mid or late December through April, sometimes later. Humpback whales are common April or May through October/November, sometimes December. Minke whales are the most abundant baleen whale in the world, but small, fast and hard to observe or track at sea. They are probably more common than is known by sightings. Common dolphins are occasional, but when seen can be in pods or mega-pods of hundreds to several thousands.

Risso’s dolphin is occasionally spotted. But, when seen can be in pods of 10-25, sometimes more.

MAP AND DIRECTIONS

TRAVEL TIPS

Location has benches for viewing.

VIEWING GUIDE

View our guide on how to watch marine animals from shore.

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