Visit Morro Bay
Morro Bay, California, a charming seaside town of approximately 10,000 residents, is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on Highway 1. Its main industry now is tourism, though there is still an active fishing fleet that has rebounded strongly in the past few years.
There are many places to stay (some with special Bird Festival offers - ask them about it) with three State Park Campgrounds in the immediate vicinity and many motels and vacation rentals.
Winter in Morro Bay is unpredictable. It can be cool, with day-time highs in the 50s to 60s and lows in the 30s to 40s, although it can also be warm. Rainy and windy weather is possible -- it rained heavily during part of the 2023 Festival, so come prepared! Field trips go rain or shine, although boat and kayak trips may be cancelled due to poor weather.
Festival headquarters is located at the Morro Bay Community Center, which is the blue-roofed building on the right, just before the first stop sign, at 1001 Kennedy Way in Morro Bay.
Photo credit: Bill Bouton (25+ year volunteer/bird festival leader)
Travel Information - Things to Do in Morro Bay and SLO County
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 Maritime Museum - Check out their flyer
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 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
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
Directions to the Morro Bay Community Center
DRIVING FROM THE NORTH: Access Highway 1 from either Highway 46 West just south of Paso Robles or Highway 41 West in Atascadero. In Morro Bay, take the Main Street exit and turn right. At the Quintana Road traffic signal, turn left. Turn right onto Kennedy Way.
DRIVING FROM THE SOUTH: Access Highway 1 North from San Luis Obispo. When you reach Morro Bay, take the Morro Bay Boulevard exit and as you enter the traffic circle, take the first right onto Quintana Road. Turn left onto Kennedy Way.
FLYING: The nearest airport is located in San Luis Obispo, 12 miles south of Morro Bay. United Airlines and U.S. Airways fly into the airport. There are taxicabs, but they are rare. Use your Uber app, plan on renting a car or have someone pick you up.