Morro Bay is a coastal paradise for anyone who loves water sports, wildlife, sailing, seafood, and the idyllic laid-back California lifestyle. The famous volcanic Moro Rock overlooking the bay is now a designated Historic Landmark and peregrine sanctuary.
Stroll along the Embarcadero, relax on the sandy beaches, explore the shops and the working waterfront, head out hiking on a nearby state park trail, spot otters and sea lions, enjoy freshly caught local food or discover one of their awesome festivals.
Morro Bay is also a great base for exploring along California’s famous scenic Highway One, with cute waterfront hotels, quiet boutique inns and romantic B&Bs. Here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Morro Bay, Califonia (in no particular order)…
1. Inn at Morro Bay – a newly renovated, Instagrammable and trendy hotel with incredible ocean views
This appealing cool hotel is set right on the waterfront overlooking the ocean and the striking Morro Rock landmark. Located within the Morro Bay State Park, surrounded by 4000 acres of woodlands, it is a wonderland for the nature-minded to explore. The stunning location is a vacation paradise.
Whether you want to enjoy a great coastal getaway, explore the local wineries, or opt for a “Stay and Play” golf package at the golf club situated right beside the hotel, you’ll appreciate your resort-style vacation at the Inn at Morro Bay.
Even the foodies among you will be spoilt by the in-house restaurant serving fresh local seafood and regional cuisine and those celebrated crisp Californian Central Coast wines, complete with spectacular bay views.
2. Inn At Rose’s Landing – an upscale, unique and modern boutique hotel overlooking Morro Bay
Enjoy majestic bay views from the balconies or terraces at this delightful new boutique hotel. The inn offers the Roses bar and grill for casual dining upstairs, with a revolving local wine list, in a stunning ocean-view setting.
For an unexpected treat, each room provides a signature box of Kelly’s Candies chocolate and a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival.
Enjoy a new level of comfort with your own fireplace, views from your private deck, and experience every convenience with an impressive array of the latest amenities including coffee makers, HDTV, free Wi-Fi, and room service.
Along with a variety of ocean experiences and activities nearby, the Inn is a short walk from the Morro Museum of Natural History and the Bay Maritime Museum.
3. Anderson Inn – a contemporary, elegant and coastal-inspired hotel that is a favourite to stay for enjoying water sports
If you are looking for a cozy place to stay that’s also right on the beachfront, then Anderson Inn is ideal.
They offer a choice of various rooms with scenic balconies, whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and stunning harbor views, and of course all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
This intimate trendy seaside hotel comes with surprisingly sophisticated extras, like a massage and spa service and an in-house gallery showcasing handcrafted merchandise. Watch an inspiring sunset over the bay from the galley seafood bar and grill.
Located just a few steps from the waterfront, you can relax on the beach, enjoy some watersports on picturesque Morro Bay or take in the seaside wildlife like harbor seals, sea otters, and sea lions, and do a spot of birdwatching.
To book, check prices or availability for Anderson Inn
4. 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites – a tranquil, stylish and upscale hotel where guests can experience a relaxing stay
In a quiet location overlooking scenic Morro Bay, this traditional-style hotel offers beach access for guests.
It is a child-friendly and pet-friendly inn, offering all the modern conveniences you would expect including free covered parking and Wi-Fi, a delicious complimentary continental breakfast, and an indoor hot tub.
Travelers seeking relaxation won’t be disappointed by the 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites, with its elegant boutique quest rooms and balconies with views over the Sandspit, the iconic Morro Rock, the Morro Bay estuary and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
For adventurous guests, the inn is ideally located close to parks, shopping, eateries and the beaches along the bay for sightseeing and getting close to nature. And for the dedicated eco-lover, there are also several state parks nearby and the Museum of Natural History.
5. Masterpiece Hotel – a unique and charming, design hotel featuring an indoor roman spa
With a distinctive Spanish-Moorish-inspired architecture, the Masterpiece Hotel has something different to offer travelers. It is the ideal destination for a coastal escape or romantic getaway.
The hotel’s unique style sits well with the ambiance of Old Town Morro Bay. Discover local wineries nearby, and the hotel provides a free wine and cheese hour and a complimentary bottle of wine each evening.
What truly sets this modern hotel apart is its attention to detail, like the Roman-style spa bath with tiled mural walls depicting life-sized mythological characters.
The Masterpiece Hotel offers excellent packages like the Deluxe Romance Package featuring a bouquet of roses or a cheese platter on arrival with wine or champagne, complete with elegant wine glasses.
Or treat yourself to a Stay and Play Golf package, incorporating a golf course with spectacular panoramic ocean views.
6. Sandpiper Inn – a bright and relaxed inn very close to the bay which welcomes pets too
A bright, cute and quirky place which is very popular with visitors this little inn is both affordable and close to all the action too.
The decor at Morro Bay Sandpiper Inn is brightly colored, the vibe is relaxed and there are some nice homely touches here too as well as some good amenities like minifridges and microwaves. If you can opt for a room with ocean views, you won’t regret it!
A perfect base for water activities, including boating and kayaking the bay is within an easy walking distance and if you want to go a bit further afield then Morro Bay State Park is only a mile away. Oh and pets are welcome too bonus!
7. Blue Sail Inn – a modern and quiet accommodation that offers complimentary continental breakfast
For travelers looking for a quality budget stay, the Blue Sail Inn has a lot to offer. The establishment sits atop a towering bluff with magnificent views overlooking picturesque Morro Bay and the Embarcadero.
Located just a few minutes walk from Centennial Park, and the Morro Rock Natural Reserve there is always plenty to do. The shops and eateries are close by and there is sightseeing, local wineries to visit, and plenty of water sports to choose from.
The comfortable rooms have a coastal-themed décor and provide desirable amenities like coffee makers, fridges, microwaves and free Wi-Fi. You have a choice of rooms with fireplaces, private balconies, city or water views and even a wet bar.
For your convenience, the inn provides free parking, a delicious free continental breakfast and an outdoor hot tub for guests to relax and unwind.
To book, check prices or availability for Blue Sail Inn
8. Marina Street Inn Boutique Hotel – a themed, cute quirky-chic accommodation located within walking distance of local shops and restaurants
This charming little boutique inn offers several artfully themed suites with all the latest amenities to deliver a relaxed, pleasant vacation stay.
With free private parking, free WiFi, a shuttle service, and a free continental breakfast every morning, your comfort is assured. Your suite provides a balcony or patio with views of the landmark Morro Rock and water views.
Being located near the Embarcadero, most local shopping, restaurants and attractions are within walking distance and it’s just a five minute drive to the beach.
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, the Marina Street Inn is an excellent base to explore the estuary, watch the otters, go on a bird safari, or hire a kayak to enjoy some of the lovely nearby beaches.
9. Pleasant Inn – a charming boutique accommodation ideal for those seeking outdoor adventure
Decorated with quaint nautical-themed artwork, this unique little motel is just a three-minute walk to the waterfront on Morro Bay.
This charming boutique inn offers contemporary conveniences and amenities and is centrally situated in the delightful seaside village of Morro Bay. The Pleasant Inn is an ideal holiday getaway for families, catering to child guests and even welcoming your pets.
There are plenty of unique attractions and destinations nearby, including Morro Rock, the Giant Chessboard, the Morro Bay State Park, and the Sea Pines Golf resort, and for those more adventurous you can hire Kayaks, go fishing or experience a Sub Sea tour and whale watching.
To book, check prices or availability for Pleasant Inn
10. Gray’s Inn & Gallery – a cute, waterfront accommodation well equipped for a pleasant stay
Located right in the center of the happening Morro Bay Embarcadero, Gray’s Inn is surrounded by a rich and vibrant shopping scene and plenty of gastronomic dining choices.
Each fully furnished apartment also offers a large waterfront deck directly overlooking the ocean so you can experience the coastal marvel of Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Gary’s Inn has an in-house gallery and gift shop featuring a unique collection of Central Coast-themed art and gifts, crafted by local artists, including Robert Gray himself.
Nearby landmarks and attractions include the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum, the golf course, the Cayucos Pier, the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, Morro Bay State Park and Montana De Oro State Park, and of course Morro Rock.
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
