General Information & Other Things To Do
TRIP CANCELLATIONS:
Field trips go, rain or shine! Ocean trips may be cancelled at the discretion of the Coast Guard or the ship's captain. Other trips may be cancelled at the discretion of the leader. Alternatives are in place if trips are cancelled.
DEPARTURES & TRAVEL
Field trips depart from Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, or as designated in the 'event schedule' at the times listed. Trips may also be designated as 'meet you there'.
GEAR & FOOD
Be prepared for rain and chilly weather. Dress in layers. Bring binoculars, scopes, and other essentials. Poison oak is a possibility on walking field trips.
OCEAN TRIPS
Dress warmly and bring rain gear. No ice chests or scopes permitted. If prone to motion sickness, take appropriate measures beforehand.
BOX LUNCHES
If a trip runs through mealtime, bring lunch or snacks. Box lunches may be pre-ordered through Bear City Social and picked up at the festival.
WATER
We will have water available to fill your own reusable bottles.
FIELD TRIP ETIQUETTE
To make your excursion pleasant for all, please observe the following:
- Turn off cell phones.
- Speak quietly and avoid loud noises.
- Avoid wearing nylon and other "rustling" fabrics.
- Stay behind the leader so the leader can spot and identify birds.
- Once you have seen the bird, give others a chance.
- Refrain from using scented lotions or perfumes.
- And please, no dogs.
Take one of the Self-Guided Nature Adventures described on this website (map of locations is also available at the Community Center).
Morro Bay Maritime Museum - Check out their flyer
Morro Bay Art Association: A special bird-themed art exhibit as part of Morro Bay's celebration of the Bird Festival.
JANUARY 6 - FEBRUARY 16 2026 - For the Birds
RECEPTION: SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2-4PM
The "For the Birds" art exhibit offers a unique artistic experience that showcases a diverse range of mediums, from paintings to sculptures, all inspired by our avian friends. Visitors will have the opportunity to support and discover the talents of local artists who bring their unique perspectives to the theme of birds. This annual exhibit celebrates the vast array of indigenous bird species and all things bird-related, centering on the rich avian life found along the Central Coast of California. This region is home to a diverse array of bird species, each uniquely adapted to its coastal and terrestrial habitats.
For bird watchers and art lovers -
While enjoying all that the Morro Bay Bird Festival has to offer, take a short trip up the coast and enjoy our wonderful new exhibit at the Cambria Center for the Arts.
In the Gallery, we are featuring Central Coast artist Roné Prinz. Roné’s creativity shines through with color, keen imagination, and plenty of birds. Our local artists also shine as they display their works inspired by the beauty and diversity of our avian world.
Cambria Center for the Arts
1350 Main St (in the old grammar school building)
Cambria, CA 93428
| Business Name | Type | Discount | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coalesce Bookstore | Retail | 20% off | https://coalescebookstore.com/ |
| Dress Your Soul Boutique | Retail | 25% off one item | Dress Your Soul Website |
| Estero Bay Art + Craft | Retail | 10% off | https://esterobayartandcraft.com/ |
| Lavender Blu | Retail | 30# off | Facebook Page |
| Los Osos Rexall Drug and Gift | Retail | 10% off, excludes prescriptions | https://www.losososrexalldrugandgift.com/ |
| Paula Radke Art Glass | Retail | 10% off | https://www.paularadke.com/ |
| Poppy | Retail | 30% off | Poppy Website |
| Smoobage | Retail | 10% off | Smoobage Facebook Page |
| Bayside Cafe | Restaurant | 10% off, excludes alcohol/desserts | http://baysidecafe.com/ |
| Beerwood | Restaurant | 10% | https://www.thisisbeerwood.com/ |
| Carla's Country Kitchen | Restaurant | Free coffee or tea with purchase of meal, 10% off in retail gift shop | Carla's Facebook Page |
| La Katrina Mexican | Restaurant | 25% off, excludes alcohol | https://lakatrinamexicancocina.com/ |
| Morro Grill | Restaurant | 10% off | Morro Grill Menu |
| Shine Cafe | Restaurant | 15% off | Shine Cafe Website |
| Carlock's Bakery | Coffee/ Bakery Shop | Buy one pastry, get one pastry 50% off | Carlock's Bakery Menu |
| Groggy Scallywag Coffee House | Coffee Shop | $1 off any coffee or pastry | https://www.groggyscallywag.com/ |
| The Human Bean | Coffee Shop | Complimentary bird themed sticker to attendees | https://thehumanbean.com/blogs/stores/ca-morro-bay-morro-bay-rd |
| Top Dog Cafe Bar | Coffee Shop | 15% off | https://www.instagram.com/topdogcafemorrobay/ |
| Yokoso Coffee | Coffee Shop | 15% off drinks | Yokoso Facebook Page |
| Morro Bay House of Jerky | Specialty Food | 10% off | https://www.morrobayjerky.com/ |
| Carousel Taffy | Specialty Food | 20% | Carousel Taffy Website |
| The Dough Connection | Specialty Food | 10% | Dough Connection Website |
| Sweet Reef Boba and Taiyaki Morro Bay | Specialty Food | 10% | Sweet Reef Bob & Taiyaki |
| Lor Coaching Studios | Service | 10% | https://www.lorcoachingservices.com/ |
| Coastwine | Wine | 10% | Coastwine Website |
| Deovlet Wines | Wine | 2 for 1 wine tasting or 20% off bottle purchase at our tasting room: Tasting Fees: $25/person, redeemable with 2 bottle purchase | Deovlet Wines Website |
Morro Bay - Visitors Guide
Visit San Luis Obispo - You will land on the Morro Bay page, but you can explore countywide on this site.
https://morrobaymaritime.org/
Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce - A free guide to the local business community and a sponsor of the Morro Bay Bird Festival
Central Coast State Park Association
Morro Bay State Park - This is the official site and includes a link for reservations
Hi Mountain Lookout - A local Condor tracking site.
Morro Bay National Estuary Program
Morro Bay and Beyond - Hwy 1 travel guide
Hi Mountain Lookout - A local Condor tracking site.
Central Coast Outdoors - Outdoor activities throughout the Central Coast, including kayaking Morro Estuary