Morro Rock Beach and Morro Strand State Beach

North of Morro Rock, a long ocean beach runs up the Estero Bay shoreline. The south end, at the base of the Rock at the end of the Embarcadero, is Morro Bay's City Beach, often called Morro Rock Beach. Farther north, Morro Strand State Beach continues the sand along Highway 1, with day-use access and a campground at Yerba Buena Street.

Who comes here

Surfers, walkers, anglers, windsurfers and families share the beach. Morro Rock, the last of the Nine Sisters volcanic peaks, is a bird sanctuary for peregrine falcons and other species, so the Rock itself is off-limits to climbing.

Conditions

This is open coast, not a sheltered bay beach. The City warns that large surf can sweep over areas that looked dry, rip currents can be deadly, and the weather can turn quickly; never turn your back on the ocean. The water is colder than in Southern California, so surfers wear wetsuits. From about Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Morro Bay Harbor Department staffs two to three lifeguard towers on City Beach, usually 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wildlife and seasonal rules

Western snowy plovers nest on Morro Strand and the Sandspit, and nesting areas are fenced during the season. State Parks bans kite flying on Morro Strand from March through September to protect sensitive species. Dogs aren't allowed on the Morro Strand sand, and open fires and fireworks are banned on City beaches.