Not everyone dreams of wintering at alpine chateaus or tropical bungalows— some believe that the best way to spend winter is on the shores of a charming seaside town, luxuriating in its quiet, welcoming tranquility. If that describes your idea of a good time, you’re going to love the vast array of activities and events offered in Morro Bay during these later months of the year. From paddleboarding on the Bay, to chowing down on some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted, to celebrating the season with the Morro Bay community, this coastal getaway is a place that redefines what it means to be a “Winter Wonderland.” Keep reading for some of our favorite ways to enjoy winter in Morro Bay. For more trip ideas and inspiration, check out the rest of our blog!

Getting Some Vitamin Sea

Vitamin Sea

You may think it’s too late in the season to get on the water, but Morro Bay’s temperate winters allow water sports enthusiasts to enjoy year-round access to the activities they love. Explore your way across the Bay’s protected waters in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or grab a surfboard and try your hand at taming some of Morro Bay’s challenging winter waves.

If you’d rather stay on land, don’t worry— you can also enjoy Morro Bay’s beautiful outdoors with a hike through its scenic untouched wilderness, a stroll on the beach with your furry friend, a bird-watching excursion in prime migration territory, or a ride on one of the many bike trails that take you around the Bay. The sky's the limit in Morro Bay, and we invite you to explore every nook and cranny during these tranquil winter months.

Hooked on Fresh Seafood

Hooked on Fresh seafood

Morro Bay’s fresh local seafood— including salmon, Dungeness crab, Morro Bay oysters, and lingcod— makes it a must-visit for food-lovers from all over. Our town is home to several multi-generational fishing families, who work tirelessly to get the catch of the day onto the plates of foodies across the coast. Check out the local fishing markets to take home wild-caught fish and other seafood— Dungeness crab is particularly popular during the holidays. If seafood isn’t really your style, no worries! Morro Bay has a large variety of other restaurants, where you’ll find everything from family and pet-friendly eateries to upscale wine tasting bars.

Celebrate the Season

Celebrate the season

Morro Bay has an impressive year-round calendar of events, and the fun definitely doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. From dazzling boat parades to Christmas markets and everything in between, we invite you to join us during the holiday season for community fun that knows no end. 

lighted boat parade

Join us on the Embarcadero, and get ready to be mesmerized by this radiant, buoyant display of holiday cheer. Every year, the Rotary Club of Morro Bay organizes the Lighted Boat Parade, a stunning procession of watercraft through the bay, each decorated to the nines in order to claim the top prizes of the night. The Lighted Boat Parade has been postponed to December 10, weather permitting. Please check out our website for updates and more information.