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Our MissionMorro BayState ParkThe mission of California State Parks isto provide for the health, inspiration andeducation of the people of California by helpingto preserve the state’s extraordinary biologicaldiversity, protecting its most valued natural andcultural resources, and creating opportunitiesfor high-quality outdoor recreation.Morro Bay State Parkblends rich history andunique beauty withdiverse resources —from Morro Rock to anationally recognizedCalifornia State Parks supports equal access.Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities whoneed assistance should contact the park at(805) 772-7434. If you need this publication in analternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov.CALIFORNIA STATE PARKSP.O. Box 942896Sacramento, CA 94296-0001For information call: (800) 777-0369(916) 653-6995, outside the U.S.711, TTY relay servicewww.parks.ca.govMorro Bay State ParkState Park RoadMorro Bay, CA 93442(805) 772-7434 2005 California State Parks (Rev. 2017)estuary teeming with life.
Morro Bay State Park looks out over thebay to wind-sculpted sand dunes. Guardingthe harbor entrance of the central coast’sMorro Bay, Morro Rock has been a landmarkfor mariners over the centuries. The parkincludes the Morro Bay State Park Museum ofNatural History, Morro Rock Natural Preserve,the Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, andthe highly acclaimed Morro Bay StatePark Golf Course. Amenities include amarina, restaurant, campground, and picnicareas. A butterfly grove sometimes hostsoverwintering Monarchs from November intoFebruary. The climate is mild year round.missions in California were established —drastically changing the lives of the nativepeople. Most of them left their settlementsand were taken into the mission system,adopting the agricultural practices of themissions. The number of indigenous peopledwindled in the face of European diseaseand diminishing traditional food sources.When missions were secularized in 1833,newly independent Mexico began grantingland to Mexican citizens. Four such grantswere made near Morro Bay. The MexicanAmerican War concluded in 1848, and in 1850California became part of the United States.PARK HISTORYNative People and Spanish ExplorersFor many millennia before Europeancontact, ancestors of the people who todaycall themselves Chumash or Salinan livedon the central coast. Seasonally, theytraveled inland, using the area’s marineand terrestrial resources.The first European overland expeditioninto the Morro Bay area was led by DonGaspar de Portolá in 1769. Soon after, the firstBecoming a State ParkMorro Bay became a popular touristdestination beginning in the 1890s. Aconstruction boom that peaked in the 1920swas halted by the economic crash of 1929,causing speculators to go bankrupt and newsubdivisions to languish as empty lots.The Cabrillo Country Club had openedon the present state park site a few monthsCCC-built “comfort station,” ca. 1934before the crash. The club’s developersdesperately sought a buyer, and theresidents of Morro Bay pushed for the Stateto acquire the land as a state park. The Statetook possession of the property in 1934.Civilian Conservation CorpsStarted in 1933 as one of President FranklinD. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, theCivilian Conservation Corps (CCC) createdwork for unemployed young men. The CCCarrived at the property on May 11, 1934, andbegan transforming the former country clubinto a state park. The finely crafted stonefeatures seen in the park today were builtby the CCC and are listed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places.Morro Rock from Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History
From left to right: Accessible Marina Peninsula Trail, California fuchsia, Museum of Natural History from Morro BayNATURAL HISTORYPlant and Animal LifeThe diverse vegetation in 2,700-acreMorro Bay State Park includes grasslands,freshwater riparian, saltmarsh, and coastalsage scrub habitats.The bay is an important stop on thePacific Flyway, providing seasonal feedinggrounds for more than a hundred speciesof migratory birds, sometimes numberingin the thousands.Heron Rookery Natural PreserveDouble-crested cormorants, great egrets,and great blue herons can be spottedroosting in trees on the point north of theMuseum of Natural History. Many activenests provide excellent bird watchingbetween February and June.Greatblue heronMorro Estuary Natural PreserveOnce endangered, the falcons nest high onthe rock, where they are well situated forIn this 800-acre wetland, fresh water mixestheir frequent feeding forays. It is illegal towith ocean tides. Estuaries are rich andclimb Morro Rock.productive habitats, providing spawninggrounds and nurseries for numerousMuseum of Natural Historywetland wildlife species.Situated high on White’s Point,On the southeast shore ofthe museum commands athe estuary, rare coastal dunespectacular view of the bay. Thescrub habitat — the Elfin Forest’smuseum’s interactive exhibitsdiminutive, wind-pruned oakshow how natural forces —trees — provides homes for a varietyincluding humans — affect Earth’sof mammals, birds, and reptiles.environment and all life.Trails follow the edge of theNatural and cultural interpretivePeregrine falconestuary and wind into the hillsprograms such as exhibits, hikes,above the bay.talks, and special events are offered byMorro Rock Natural PreserveThe spectacular rock at the entrance toMorro Bay is a 23-million-year-old volcanicplug; many similarly rounded and dramaticoutcroppings occur in a line between MorroBay and San Luis Obispo. Morro Rock ishome to nesting American peregrine falcons.the museum staff. Presentations are alsooffered for school groups to complementschool curricula. For more information andschedules, please contact the museum at(805) 772-2694. The museum is open dailyfrom 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving,Christmas, and New Year’s Days.
Marine Protected Areas in CaliforniaFormed as a result of the Marine LifeProtection Act, California’s marineprotected areas (MPAs) are marine orestuarine areas set aside to protect thediversity and abundance of marine lifeand marine ecosystems.California State Parks works with theCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife,the City of Morro Bay, and the Morro BayNational Estuary Program to provide abalance between wildlife protection andhuman recreational activities.The Morro Bay State Marine RecreationalManagement Area permits some limitedrecreational fishing and hunting. The MorroBay State Marine Reserve has the mostprotected classification, where all livingmarine resources are protected and mustremain undisturbed.When hiking, kayaking,and exploring the shores andwaters of the estuary, pleasegive wildlife space. If anyanimal such as a bird, otter,or sea lion notices you, backaway and give them enoughspace to rest, breed, and feed.See www.wildlife.ca.gov.RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIESActivities include camping,boating, fishing, water sports,hiking, biking, and bird watching.Marina —The small boat marina featuresrental canoes, kayaks, and a café. Kayaking isa popular activity in the bay, but to be safe,check the tide schedule before embarking.Golf Course — Located on the hills abovethe campground, this 18-hole course offersOverview of Morro Estuary Natural Preserve from Black HillThe Marinasweeping views of the bay, the estuary,Morro Rock, and the ocean beyond. Thecourse is open to the public and includes adriving range, pro shop, and café.Camping —The campground includes 134campsites in addition to two group camps,restrooms, showers, RV hook-up sites, andan RV dump station. Firewood is sold
Morro Bay State Park Golf Courseon site; visit www.firewood.ca.gov. Forcamping information and reservations, call(800) 444-7275 or visit www.parks.ca.gov.Picnicking — Picnic facilities are availablefor day use throughout the park.Trails — Hiking on the park’s many trailsis a favorite pastime. Mountain bikes arewelcome on many of these trails. These trailstake hikers along chaparral-, tree-, and grasscovered hillsides, with beautiful views of theestuary and mud flats. Please stay on trails.ACCESSIBLE FEATURES Museum of Natural History: parking lot,exhibits, unisex restroom, trailhead,picnic tables, and the Museum Loop Trail Campgrounds: picnic sites, restrooms,five campsites, and one group siteMountain biking in the Black Hill area Marina: unisex restroom, MarinaPeninsula Trail, and kayak launch ramp Trails: Inn at Morro Bay Nature Trail(1,000 feet) and Marina Peninsula LoopTrail and Boardwalk (.7 miles)Accessibility is continually improving.See updates at http://access.parks.ca.gov.NEARBY STATE PARKS Morro Strand State Beach2 miles north of Morro Bay on Hwy. 1(805) 772-7434 or (805) 772-8812 Montaña de Oro State Park3550 Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos 93402(805) 772-7434 Los Osos Oaks State Natural ReserveLos Osos Valley Road, Los Osos 93402(805) 772-7434PLEASE REMEMBER All natural and cultural features areprotected by law and may not bedisturbed or removed. Camp and park within designated areas. Dispose of wastewater and trash properly. Keep campfires in designated rings only. Do not gather wood. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Generators must not be used between8 p.m. and 10 a.m. Do not leave your dog unattended.Dogs must be on a leash (6’ maximum).Except for service animals, dogs are notpermitted on beaches and trails.This park receives support in partthrough a nonprofit organization.For more information, contact:Central Coast State Parks AssociationP.O. Box 445, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406(805) 548-0390 www.ccspa.info
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Marina —The small boat marina features Morro Rock, and the ocean beyond. The rental canoes, kayaks, and a café. Kayaking is course is open to the public and includes a a popular activity in the bay, but to be safe, driving range, pro shop, and café. check the tide schedule before embarking. Golf Course — Located on the hills above
