Hike-in Required
No
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Morro Bay is formed by a 4-mile-long sand spit south of the town and harbor of Morro Bay. This sand spit is a part of Montana de Oro State Park, and the day use parking area makes a great jumping off point for a peaceful day on the beach or the more strenuous all-day hike out to the end of the spit, literally a stone's throw from Morro Rock.

From the parking area, the wide, well-maintained gravel trail winds down about a quarter mile to the dunes, where it turns to soft sand for the last few hundred feet. In March the wildflowers can be spectacular, but any time of the year is beautiful on the stunning beach that stretches as far as the eye can see in either direction. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Pleasant short hike to the beach. Beautiful dunes. Wildflowers in spring.

Cons

Dogs aren't allowed on the beach.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Wildflowers
Big vistas
Sand Dunes

Location

Nearby Adventures

Santa Maria Valley + Santa Lucia/La Panza Mountains, California
Santa Maria Valley + Santa Lucia/La Panza Mountains, California

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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