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It’s easy to find the quaint seaside town of Morro Bay, CA and make it the destination of your summer vacation this year, just like Disney’s Dory! Kids and parents alike will be thrilled to discover the original home of the lovable blue tang with short-term memory issues in Disney’s “Finding Dory.” In the movie, Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres) remembers that she and her parents (voiced by Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy) came from a place called “The Jewel of Morro Bay.” Dory sets out to find her family just in time for summer on June 17 when the movie opens in theaters nationwide. She will soon find that summer is the perfect time for families to explore, unwind, and indulge along the Central Coast in Morro Bay, CA without breaking the bank.
“Morro Bay is one of the few affordable coastal CA destinations where there’s an activity for every family member to enjoy,” explains Brent Haugen, Executive Director, Morro Bay Tourism Bureau. “Not only do we offer abundant unique active and outdoor adventure, we also offer travelers the best in local seafood, produce, wine, cultural activities, special events and shopping no matter what your budget is.”
THE MORRO BAY FAMILY ADVENTURE PASS
Dory would approve! Create a custom Morro Bay family experience for one low price with the Morro Bay Adventure Pass! Your family adventure could include a trip to the Museum of Natural History, the Morro Bay Aquarium, a bay cruise, Sub Sea Tour, double kayak rentals (1 hour) and/or a 4-seater surrey rental, plus other Morro Bay adventures. Individual and couple passes are also available. The Morro Bay Adventure Pass offers discounts on bicycle, stand up paddleboard rentals, plus other water and land adventures, including wine tasting, all at one low price. Buy yours online by clicking here.
FREE THINGS TO DO
Some of the best things in life are free in Morro Bay! From hiking, beach activities, The Museum of Natural History (free for kids 16 and younger), the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum and the Estuary Nature Center, to the Morro Bay Bike Park and three local state parks, saying “can’t afford it” is not an issue!
FAMILY REUNION FUN
As Dory finds out, Morro Bay is the perfect spot for family gatherings and reunions, anniversaries, weddings and other milestone events. There is plenty for everyone to do in Morro Bay including year round family friendly activities and events in an unspoiled slice of Coastal California.
LODGING
The variety of lodging options in Morro Bay offers families the opportunity to stay in beach front vacation rentals, luxurious inns, leading brand hotels, reliable budget or specialty accommodations right on the harbor. And many Morro Bay properties offerpackage discounts and lodging specials to make your vacation easier on the wallet.
ACTIVITIES OFFERING SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Morro Bay has many family-friendly activities and fun events to create a memorable experience this summer.Start your summer morning off with a surrey ride along the waterfront Embarcadero and out the harbor walk to Morro Rock for a nice morning kite flying adventure, a great way to get in exercise before the day really begins. As a special reward, bring the whole family to eat at Giovanno’s, Tognazzini Too, Bayside Cafe, Brickhouse BBQ, or Frankie & Lola’s. Or hula hoop and play board games at Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Shop before planning what adventure to tackle next. An underwater adventure with Sub Sea tours? Kayaking on the bay or standup paddle Yoga? Take a class at the Art Center? How about taking in a movie at the historic Bay Movie Theater that features state of the art digital projection and sound system. This single screen motion picture theatre provides entertainment for the whole family to enjoy!
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL!
Sailing, golfing, fishing, and diving? Great outdoor adventure starts in Morro Bay.Picture an early morning round of golf at the Morro Bay State Park Golf Course, a storied “must play” for avid golf groups. Called the “Poor man’s Pebble Beach,” the course’s terrain is hilly and the putting is challenging, but the payoff is quite grand, with ocean and bay views on all 18 holes. Overlooking the Morro Bay Estuary, a wildlife sanctuary and recreational boat harbor, the course is labeled an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and offers both beautiful birds and seasonal Monarch butterflies that winter in the eucalyptus grove. The next day, head out to for a deep sea fishing excursion with J&T’s Full On Fishing Charter. Expect a fishing trip of a lifetime! Find a plethora of Morro Bay fishing charters for salmon, rock cod, halibut, and tuna. Experience a real captain that knows the waters better than any other. In-between these excursions, head to Kayak Horizons to kayak Morro Bay for a nice workout. They have a large rental fleet featuring Old Town and Necky Sit-In Kayaks.
There’s even more affordable fun to be had in Morro Bay this summer. For additional information, visit www.MorroBay.org.