Outbound Collective logo

Photograph the Rock at Morro Bay

Morro Bay, California

4.8/5
based on 5 reviews

Description

Added by Josh Currie

Morro Bay is your classic, quaint beach town. For those who love everything coastal it's a great spot to hang for the weekend or even a day trip.

Morro Bay is located west about 13 miles of San Luis Obispo. Typically Pismo Beach and San Luis are the go to spots when traveling to that area, but after spending the day there I would highly recommend giving it a visit!

The first thing you'll see when pulling into downtown Morro Bay is the massive, perfectly shaped rock jutting out of the ocean. Like any human, your instinct will be to find your way out there, climb to the top and claim it for your own! But unfortunately once you pull up, which is about a mile drive from downtown, there are signs posted everywhere shaming such behavior. But don't be disheartened just yet, there are plenty of activities to keep your interest. There is ample parking right at the base of the rock in a dirt lot and the best part is that it's free!

In front of The Rock rests the picturesque bay where you can rent sailboats, paddle boards, kayaks, and just about every floating object to splash around on. Looking out to the ocean, on the right side of the The Rock you'll see Morro Bay State Beach, which is a long stretch of sand and a great beach break. To the left of The Rock is a long jetty stretching out a couple hundred yards into the sea. Feel free to clamber on the rocks, but if the swell is big you'll absolutely get soaked. There is also a smaller long boarding wave coast side of the jetty in the bay itself, which is quite unique. You can't quite circumnavigate The Rock on land but I'd say you can get about 3/4 the way around without getting wet.

Between fishing, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, playing in the sand and tide pools, The Rock really does have everything you would want to do outside by the water.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography
Running
Surfing
Kayaking
Bathrooms
Beach
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Scenic

Photograph the Rock at Morro Bay Reviews

If you love otters, this is the place to go.šŸ¦¦ The otters like to rest here in the kelp beds. The best is when the babies are out. Walk along the path, towards the jetty, to see big waves crash. Great seafood nearby to grab a bite. On the other side, a big beach to watch the surfers brave the waves.

Good place to surf while others can hang out on the beach and take pictures of the rock. It's a popular spot in central california

This old volcano is now an icon of the PCH. Its a great stop towards the southern terminus of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Really fun surf spot on the central coast of California. Really cool rock! Great for pictures, as you can't climb it, but still a fun place to explore. Love the town!

Morro Bay is a great place to visit. The town itself is relatively small and cozy, which adds to the overall charm. Even if you were trying to miss The Rock, you couldn't. It's a massive mass that can be seen for miles down the coast. Definitely and iconic CA spot!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Quarry and Park Ridge Trail Loop

Baywood Park & Pier

Cayucos Pier Trail

Camp at MontaƱa de Oro State Park

Spooner's Cove

MontaƱa de Oro Bluff Trail