Where is Morro Bay, California

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Morro Bay is a coastal city on California's Central Coast in San Luis Obispo County. It sits about 15 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo and 25 miles south of Paso Robles along the Pacific Ocean. The city is known for Morro Rock, its working harbor, waterfront, and nearby beaches. Morro Bay also provides access to scenic coastal parks and marine wildlife.

Location Map of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, California

Where is Morro Bay Located in San Luis Obispo County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County, in the U.S. state of California.

Morro Bay Map, California

About Morro Bay Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Morro Bay Located?

Morro Bay is a city located in San Luis Obispo County, California, the United States. It lies on California's Central Coast along the Pacific Ocean, about 15 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo and about 25 miles south of Paso Robles. Cayucos is roughly 6 miles north, while Pismo Beach is about 25 miles southeast. Morro Bay is positioned near 35.365° North latitude and 120.850° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 10,757 residents. The city covers about 10.33 square miles, or 26.75 square kilometers, including land and water areas. Morro Rock is the city's most famous landmark and rises prominently beside the harbor. The Morro Bay estuary is also an important habitat for birds, fish, and other coastal wildlife. A unique fact about Morro Bay is that Morro Rock is one of the last remaining volcanic plugs in a chain of nine peaks known as the Nine Sisters, stretching across San Luis Obispo County.

boring cities and the county line, is shown in the embedded map above, which you can zoom and pan to explore further.

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Morro Bay City Facts

CityMorro Bay
StateCalifornia
CountySan Luis Obispo County
CountryUnited States
RegionCalifornia Central Coast
IncorporatedJuly 17, 1964
Founded1870s
Total Area10.33 sq mi (26.75 sq km)
Land Area5.91 sq mi (15.31 sq km)
Water Area4.42 sq mi (11.45 sq km)
Elevation62 ft (19 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 10,700
Population (2020 Census)10,757
Population Density1,820 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (PST/PDT)
ZIP Codes93442, 93443
Area Code805 and 820
Major HighwaysUS-1 and CA-41
Public TransitSan Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
Major AttractionsMorro Rock, Morro Bay State Park, Morro Strand State Beach, Morro Bay Harbor, and Morro Bay National Estuary
Official Websitehttps://www.morrobayca.gov/

Distance from Morro Bay, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Cayucos, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
  • Los Osos, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
  • San Luis Obispo, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Atascadero, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
  • Cambria, CA – 24 miles (39 km)
  • Paso Robles, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Pismo Beach, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Arroyo Grande, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
  • Grover Beach, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
  • Templeton, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
  • Santa Maria, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Lompoc, CA – 76 miles (122 km)
  • Santa Barbara, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
  • Salinas, CA – 125 miles (201 km)
  • Monterey, CA – 145 miles (233 km)
  • Santa Cruz, CA – 180 miles (290 km)
  • Fresno, CA – 150 miles (241 km)
  • Los Angeles, CA – 235 miles (378 km)

Top Attractions in Morro Bay, CA

  • Morro Rock – A massive volcanic plug at the entrance to Morro Bay and one of the most recognizable landmarks on California's Central Coast.
  • Morro Bay State Park – A coastal park with trails, birdwatching areas, a marina, and views of Morro Bay and Morro Rock.
  • Morro Strand State Beach – A long sandy beach offering walking, surfing, wildlife viewing, and views of Morro Rock.
  • Morro Bay National Estuary – A protected coastal estuary that supports wetlands, fish, shorebirds, and other wildlife.
  • Morro Bay Harbor – A working harbor with commercial fishing boats, marinas, waterfront restaurants, and opportunities for boating.
  • Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History – A museum overlooking the bay with exhibits about local geology, ecology, and Native American history.
  • Black Hill Trail – A hiking area with elevated views of Morro Bay, Morro Rock, and the surrounding coastline.
  • Embarcadero – The waterfront district along the harbor with shops, restaurants, boat services, and views of the bay.

Airports Near Morro Bay, CA

  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) – 30 miles
  • Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) – 52 miles
  • Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 135 miles
  • Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) – 120 miles
  • Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) – 155 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Morro Bay city website and local government records.

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