Morro Rock State Natural Preserve (Morro Rock)

“Morro” is the Spanish name for crown. Named “El Morro” by Portuguese Explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542.

9 / 10
210
ratings
Address

Coleman Dr (at Morro Bay State Park) Morro Bay , CA 93442 United States

Comments / 39


Keywords:

otters squirrels seagulls scenic views free admission quiet volcano beach friendly staff
slonews

581 feet tall ♦ named "El Morro" in 1542 by Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo. The Chumash people can climb Morro Rock for their annual solstice-ceremony, but it is illegal for anyone else to climb.

Roderick Angel

Free admission , natural beauty, and a peaceful setting , all against the backdrop of a mountain sprouting straight from the sea.

Lara A.

If you want to climb up the rocks, the view from above is really cool! Just be careful, because not all the rocks are stable .

Jon Sanchez

One of the nine sisters. A string of volcanoes that dominate the areas landscape. Great place to visit.

Michael Morgan

So beautiful here. Went on a Saturday and parking was easy to find. Fun to bring a blanket and sit on the rocks or beach looking at the ocean. Make sure to go around to the back side of rock!

slonews

named in 1542 by Portuguese navigator Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who called the rock "El Moro" because it resembled the head of a Moor, the people from North Africa known for the turbans they wore.

Timothy McSwain

Beautiful sights of the ocean and other scenery. Just be careful if you decide to go climbing on the rocks, and don't let children try.

Anna C

What's so great about a rock? It's actually a volcano plug and it is HUGE! Lots of seabirds nest there, too. It's a sight to behold!

Lauren Bacon

Friendly squirrels and other nature creatures! Free to see and park !

Peter den Hartog

Go for the hike but.. Stay for the baby otters . Super cute !

Susie H.

Don't climb the rock! It's illegal except for a certain tribe on the solstice.

Artem Storonov

Huge rock in the middle of the sea! Very nice view

Amber Goldis

If you visit please do not feed the squirrels or seagulls !!! Thank you! ~All locals*

Lianda den Hartog

Beautiful spot and views of Morro bay.

L.D Ferguson

Peaceful and Relaxing

Pavan Kulkarni

pretty cool place to checkout.its like uluru ayers rock

Mary S

A huge rock !!!!

Anna C

This volcano plug is home to lots of birds and is so massive it kind of boggles the mind!

Rochelle Talwar

Not too many tourists , great views and calm surf .

JLynn

The ground squirrels are so fun to watch. They love carrot slices and will take them out of your hand.

Mary S

Very pretty area. Big waves.

Divya Mulanjur

Interesting place to stop on your way. But if you're short on time, skip.

eric bornemann

Leave the car and walk from town .

Rachna Vashistha

Fantastic Place...great view .

Charley Carlin

My dog loves it by The Rock here

Ken Meichtry

It is illegal to climb the rock. Just so you know…

emm vee

Bring bread to feed the squirrels ! Make squirrely friends!

Maureen Whitman

On the south side you will see sea otters frolicking

Tami Olson

An excellent off leash dog beach by Morro Rock

Josh Britton

Awesome extinct volcano core. There are usually otters in the water nearby.

Sara Benson

Don't feed the squirrels . It makes them aggressive enough that they'll bite your hand.

Charley Carlin

The dog loves to sniff and squat at the rock

Li Mew

Try to capture the wave in front of rocks

Charley Carlin

Seagulls by the hundreds all over the rock

Aimee Hanna

Dolphins, oh my!

Richard Agnew

Watch above you, birds everywhere

yuri bahniuk

it's like Niigata

Brian Friedman

Awesome. Totally awesome

Nika Blank

Завораживающий вид

Similar places nearby :

7.4
Trail
Top Of Black Mountain Trail

It's the perfect spot for taking photos of the sunrise. - Jones

Other Outdoors
Embarcadero

Great views of the rock and in the winter there are lots of otter pups in the water you can see from the shore. - eric bornemann

7.2
Fish Market
Giovanni's Fish Market

Best fish & chips I've had in a long time. Light batter, fresh cod & great with a beer. - Sarah Liz

7.9
Seafood
Tognazzini's Dockside Restaurant

BBQ oysters and tacos are great! It can get a little crazy and backed up on the weekend so go in the week if you can - Jessica Delaney

9.3
Zoo Exhibit
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

I could have stayed here all day! The seals are so fun to watch and they are super close to the boardwalk. They also have informative guides walking around, answering questions. - Rachel Wolfe