Inn at Morro Bay

The Inn at Morro Bay offers accommodation in Morro Bay State Park, close to beach and wildlife, with outdoor pool, just off the Pacific Coast Highway.

The Inn at Morro Bay: All Photos (c) Donna Dailey except where stated.

As we pulled in to park at the Inn at Morro Bay, we heard a loud and constant squawking noise. We looked up to the side of the inn and saw what seemed to be a cormorant rookery, with birds and nests filling the tops of the tall trees alongside the inn.

In fact it turned out to be a blue heron rookery, but there were more cormorants in it at this time of year. For wildlife lovers like us, it was the perfect welcome to Morro Bay.

We always try to stop off in Morro Bay when driving the Pacific Coast Highway, even if we don't spend the night there. There are often sea otters swimming around in the bay, and sea lions too, and cormorants and pelicans flying by.

On Morro Bay’s huge rock is a nesting colony of peregrine falcons. It’s a wonderful place for wildlife, even if you’re only driving through. But we’d never stayed here overnight. The Inn at Morro Bay was going to be perfect. At least we now knew where most of the cormorants were flying to - they were staying here as well!

Inn at Morro Bay: Accommodation

Some of the rooms are grouped around the outdoor pool, others face the sea, and some are spread around the grounds with their very colorful displays of flowers. Our room was 325, which had plenty of space, which we always appreciate when we have to spread our bags around. The décor was simple, with relaxing pale yellow walls, and a wooden floor mostly covered with a large rug. There was a fireplace in one corner, a desk, and bright white-shuttered doors led to a balcony from which we did get a glimpse of the sea.

We had to smile when we saw the entry in the Guest Directory for Car Wash: ‘The blue heron rookery and bird sanctuary adjacent to our hotel are a true highlight, however its proximity may affect your car! There is a coin-operated car wash in Morro Bay…’

Photo courtesy of The Inn at Morro Bay

Dining

It was early in the season and the restaurant wasn’t yet in full swing so we ate in the bar where the full restaurant menu was available till 8pm. We both had a delicious plate of fish and chips - generous portions of fish, deep-fried in a Firestone beer batter, with a sweet celery tartare sauce.

Our Pick of the California Guides

The bar overlooks the ocean, though it was a misty evening so we took a table by the fire that was roaring in the fireplace in the corner. The service couldn’t have been better. In some places on quiet nights the staff can get indifferent because they’re bored, and they know they won’t make the tips. But not the guy on duty here, who was friendly and helpful as we asked about the dishes and the beers they had on offer. He helped make the evening for us.

Photo courtesy of The Inn at Morro Bay

Inn at Morro Bay: Breakfast

Breakfast isn’t included in the room rate but is very modestly-priced. This gave you unlimited visits to the buffet, and one entrée such as the omelet of the day, house-cured salmon with toasted bagel, 3-stack of pancakes, or maybe 2 eggs any style with breakfast potatoes and applewood smoked bacon.

There were also muffins, pastries, fresh orange juice, cereals, fruit, yoghourts, bread, and bagels, all served in the bar area with its fabulous sea views - thankfully the mist had cleared and the skies were now blue. Normally we resent having to pay extra for breakfast, but not here because (a) it was a reasonable price, and (b) it was terrific food and there was plenty of it.

Inn at Morro Bay: Location

The inn was very easy to find, from the Pacific Coast Highway. You exit onto Main Street and keep going till you reach Morro Bay State Park.

The inn has a fantastic location just inside the park entrance. Walk out of the inn, turn right and you’re walking through the State Park, where we visited the lovely little museum and strolled along the beach, watching the waders and gulls, and the cormorants, herons, and egrets flying in and out of their nests.

And we didn’t need the car wash at all! We definitely want to stay again, and for longer, at the Inn at Morro Bay.

Contact Details

Inn at Morro Bay
60 State Park Road
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Tel: 805/772-5651
Toll Free: 800/321-9566

Other California Coast pages

Dana Point Hotel
For a Dana Point hotel next to the beach and near the harbor for whale watching cruises, the Doubletree Suites by Hilton with its ocean views is hard to beat.
Franciscan Inn Santa Barbara
The historic Franciscan Inn in Santa Barbara, California, near the Pacific Coast Highway, is in a quiet location near the beach ideal for those driving PCH.
Napa Wine Country Inn
The Napa Wine Country Inn and Gardens in St Helena overlooks a vineyard and has free wine tastings every evening and offers guests help with booking wine tours.
Good Cheap Motels in San Diego
Pacific Coast Highway Travel recommends good cheap motels in San Diego including Super-8, Motel 6, Travelodge and Days Inn.
Where to Stay in Carmel
Where to Stay in Carmel include reviews of the Mission Ranch, Sea View Inn, The Cypress Inn, Lamp Lighter Inn and Vagabond's House Inn.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a delightful small town on the California coast roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and noted for the huge Morro Rock.
California Coast Hotels and Inns
The California Coast's hotels, inns, guesthouses, b&bs and other places to stay include 5-star luxury hotels and resorts, motel chains, RV parks and camping.
Monterey Boutique Hotel, the Hotel Pacific near Fisherman's Wharf
The Hotel Pacific is a Monterey boutique hotel in a good location close to Fisherman’s wharf and downtown restaurants and bars and with its own parking garage.
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel is Ventura 's only beachside hotel with ocean front swimming pool and rooms with ocean views.
Stanford Inn by the Sea Mendocino
The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino on the California coast is an eco-resort with yoga classes and the award-winning Ravens Restaurant.
Laguna Beach Inn and Spa
The Casa Laguna Hotel and Spa in Laguna Beach is right on the Pacific Coast Highway and has luxury rooms, a swimming pool, and real gourmet breakfasts.
Eureka Inns
Of all Eureka inns, The Carter House Inns are the most romantic and historic, with one of the best restaurants in Northern California.
Napa Bed and Breakfast
The Napa Bed and Breakfast, 1801 First, is an award-winning romantic b&b near the center of Napa, with good food, and spa treatments available.
Viceroy Santa Monica
The Viceroy Santa Monica hotel is one of Los Angeles' best, a favorite of celebrities like Dustin Hoffman, Sting, Demi Moore, and Leonardo DiCaprio,
Paso Robles Accommodation
If looking for Paso Robles accommodation you could stay on a vineyard at the luxury JUST Inn Bed and Breakfast, in the grounds of the JUSTIN winery.
Cambria Lodging at the Cambria Pines Lodge
If you’re looking for a Cambria Lodging then the Cambria Pines Lodge in Cambria is a few miles from San Simeon and Hearst Castle.
Santa Barbara Beachfront Hotel
The Oceana Santa Barbara beachfront hotel has a perfect seafront location, close to Stearns Wharf and State Street, and whale watching cruises.
Monterey Inn
For a Monterey Inn just off the Pacific Coast Highway in California, the Mariposa Inn and Suites is hard to beat, providing good accommodation close to PCH.
Where to Stay in San Diego
Pacific Coast Highway Travel's website recommendations on Where to Stay in San Diego include reviews of budget and luxury hotels in downtown San Diego.
Madonna Inn, California
The Madonna Inn is a historic landmark resort hotel in San Luis Obispo, California, with 109 uniquely decorated rooms, steak house, and fitness centre.
Santa Monica Luxury Hotels
There are many Santa Monica luxury hotels and while Le Meridien Delfina is not right by the beach it has a great bar, pool, restaurant.
Vagabond's House Inn
Historic and romantic Vagabond's House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Carmel is a great place to stay with free wine and cheese and generous breakfast.
Cambria Accommodation, The Olallieberry Inn
For Cambria accommodation on California Central Coast, not far from Hearst Castle, check out the Olallieberry Inn with private bathrooms and great breakfasts.
Pelican Inn and Suites in Cambria on the Central Coast of California
The Pelican Inn and Suites in Cambria on California's Central Coast has oceanfront views, swimming pool, gardens, and is right on the beach near Hearst Castle.
La Jolla Luxury Hotel
The Grande Colonial La Jolla luxury hotel is downtown, close to restaurants and shopping, with historic charm, and a highly acclaimed restaurant.

Follow @PCH_Travel