The seaside fishing village of Morro Bay, California provides visitors with a delightfully scenic experience. The area offers year-round activities such as swimming and strolling on the beaches, hiking and biking the trails, as well as visiting the many nearby attractions. Book a stay at a Morro Bay vacation rental today. Check out the top family-friendly activities in and around Morro Bay.
1. Relax on the Beach
With so many stretches of gorgeous sand along this coast, you can seek out a new spot for your beach chairs each day. Morro Beach, adjacent to Morro Rock, is great for surfing. Coleman Park is superb for wildlife watching and has restrooms and a basketball court. For a dog-friendly space, head out to North Point Beach where your furry friend can run free with your kids.
2. Check Out the Sea Otters
Climb aboard the Lost Isle Tiki Boat, and cruise out to see the cute California sea otters and noisy sea lions. This wheelchair-accessible, family-friendly adventure tour also stops at Morro Bay’s natural spit sand spot so you and the kids can feel the fine powdery sand between your toes.
3. Take a Guided Kayak Tour
The Morro Bay sand spit protects the area from the larger ocean waves, making it an ideal location to learn sea kayaking. Take the kids to Central Coast Outdoors, and paddle out on a guided tour of the Morro Bay National Estuary to view the local wildlife. In addition to sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions, you can spot many different bird species. A short paddle trip is ideal for younger children, while the half-day paddle is suitable for families and includes time on dry land to climb the sand dunes.
Find the perfect Morro Bay vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Go for a Hike
Fill a backpack with drinks and snacks, get the kids into their hiking boots or comfortable sneakers, and take the hike up Black Hill for some fabulous views across the bay. This three-mile round trip climbs to around 600 feet and travels through a hillside of pine trees. Dogs on leashes are permitted, so your family pet can join in the fun and get some exercise.
5. Fly a Kite
The wide, sandy beaches of Morro Bay are great places for kids to learn to fly a kite. If you don’t already have your own, drop by Farmers Kites Surreys and More on Front Street, and treat the kids to a colorful kite or two. Try hiring a four-person surrey to explore the area in style, though make sure the kids join in the peddling. Before you leave, pick up a windmill to take home to your backyard as a memento of your fabulous vacation.
6. Go for a Bike Ride
The Inn at Morrow Bay has bikes for the entire family. Hire a set of beach cruisers or try a couple of tandem bikes to get everyone on the move exploring the area. Their bike rentals come complete with free helmets and locks, so you’re ready to set off safely. The bike rental is just steps away from the beach and is typically open seven days a week.
7. Visit the Aquarium
The small, family-run aquarium in Morrow Bay is a lovely way for your kids to meet the local sea life up close. For a small charge, you get a bag of food to feed to the seals and sea lions. There are also tanks full of fish and octopi to admire, and kids under five years of age enter for free.
8. Visit the Natural History Museum
The Morrow Bay Natural History Museum is full of hands-on exhibits to thrill and educate the entire family. Encourage your kids to learn about the area’s ecosystem, the effects that humans have on the land, and how to protect our living creatures and natural world. Children ages 16 and under enter for free, and there is a small charge for adults.
9. Create a Masterpiece
The Art Center at Morrow Bay runs summer art classes and family workshops where youngsters can develop their skills and learn new techniques in painting, drawing, clay, print, or mixed media. The center provides all of the supplies. Classes run according to different age groups, and the lessons adapt to meet the needs and interests of the students.
10. Visit Hearst Castle
Take the trip out to Hearst Castle, located around 30 miles up the coast from Morrow Bay. This amazing estate was built by William Randolph Hearst and named La Cuesta Encantada, which is Spanish for the Enchanted Hill. Explore the twin towers and view the ancient works of art as you tour the guest houses, terraced gardens, and fountains.
11. Peruse the Shell Shop
Stop at the Shell Shop on Embercadero before your vacation ends to admire the magnificent shells and let the kids choose a memento. This family-owned shop is world-famous for its sea clams and rare specimens on display behind glass cabinets. Browse the handicrafts, unique jewelry, and artifacts, and take something special home to commemorate your family’s time by the sea.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Morro Bay vacation rentals on Tripping.com.