An Underrated Coastal City In California Offers Beautiful Beach Fun Off The Beaten Path

In between California's picture-perfect Pismo Beach and one of America's most quirky homes, travelers can find the underappreciated coastal gem that is Morro Bay. While not a hidden gem (the city attracts about 800,000 annual visitors), this destination often flies under the radar in comparison to other shoreside spots throughout the state. In fact, the numbers can be a little baffling. Despite beating out Pismo Beach in both population size and square mileage, Morro Bay sees 1.2 million fewer tourists than its neighbor to the south.

Don't mistake lighter crowds for a lack of attractions, though. Here, the intrigue begins with the odd, ancient wonder that is Morro Rock and doesn't end until you've had your fill of this region's stunning beaches, incredible parks, and fresh seafood. But even these points of interest don't paint the full picture of Morro Bay. A museum, nature preserve, and boardwalk encourage hours of exploration. When all of those exciting excursions tire you out, relax in style by visiting one of Morro Bay's seaside spas and resting your head at a cozy local inn. Got energy to spare? While this may not be one of the best cities to visit if you love to party, late-night spots like The Siren and Legends at the Old Circle Inn keep the action going until 2 a.m.

So, while everyone else is distracted by some of California's more famous and overcrowded beaches, consider treating yourself to a stay in Morro Bay. It might just become your new favorite vacation destination.

Morro Bay's wealth of activities and attractions make it easy for sightseers to curate an itinerary that prioritizes their personal interests. Still, there are a few places everyone should see at least once while visiting the region. One must-visit landmark is Morro Rock, the heart of Morro Bay. Created by volcanoes over 20 million years ago, Morro Rock rises to a height of 576 feet and watches over nearby Morro Rock Beach. Swing by this sandy stretch for some fun in the sun, or head to other local beaches like Morro Strand State Beach to the north or Baywood Park Beach to the south.

See even more natural wonders when you visit beautiful Morro Bay State Park. Voted the best California state park for camping, this 2,700-acre expanse is not only home to top-tier campsites but also to a lovely boardwalk, a golf course, the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, and a treasure trove of other interesting areas. For an up-close look at the park's lagoon, marsh, and bay habitats, rent a kayak. With a paddle in hand, you can glide past oyster farms, sand dunes, and — if you're lucky — adorable sea otters.

On land, Black Hill Trail provides hikers with an elevated view of Morro Bay's gorgeous landscapes. This 2.5-mile route also leads to a crop of Monterey pines known as Fleming's Forest. Before sunset, head back down the hill and toward Embarcadero Road, where you can watch the water shimmer during golden hour.

Before you can dive into all of Morro Bay's adventures, you'll need to choose when to visit. For peak summer vibes, vacationers will want to book their trip between June and August. These months offer the warmest, sunniest days of the year, making conditions ideal for kayaking. That said, if you've never been to a California beach before, prepare for colder waters than you might be used to on the East Coast. In autumn, temperatures drop further, but so do local accommodation rates. If you're always on the lookout for budget travel hacks, aim to visit during fall for the best prices.

When it comes to Morro Bay hotels and inns, travelers who want the best of the best should consider a stay at Andersen Inn. Boasting hundreds of five-star reviews and a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award, this chic waterfront property has just eight rooms. While snagging a reservation at this exclusive inn may prove challenging, those who have stayed here in the past say the experience is worth every penny. Looking for even more luxury during your Morro Bay vacation? Find Spa By The Bay just down the road from Andersen Inn. Located in an unassuming building on a tree-lined street, this spa invites you to lay back and relax for a deep tissue massage, facial, acupressure treatment, or all of the above.

In between indulgent spa treatments and scenic beach days, get a taste of Morro Bay's food scene at highly-rated local restaurants like The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar. For dessert, you can't go wrong with fruit tarts from La Parisienne, but make sure to pick them up early in the day before other customers snag all the best bites from the bakery case.