Morro Bay is a well-known surf spot located along California's Central Coast. It's marked by the iconic Morro Rock, which stands at 576 feet tall. The area is a state preserve, providing nesting grounds for the endangered peregrine falcon, so it's important to be mindful of your surroundings while you're out there. The beach faces due west, meaning it catches swells from various directions, making for diverse surf conditions. While there can be days of great waves, on average it’s your typical California beachbreak with some closeouts and tricky currents.

The waves at Morro Bay can range from waist high to overhead (about 1 to 2.5 meters) depending on the swell. It's best for handling swells from 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 meters), especially when they're coming in from the South, SouthWest, West, and WestNorthWest. The north end of the beach generally offers bigger and more powerful waves, which can be fun when the sandbars are set up just right. You’ll find both right and left breaks off the rock, with a mushy left that you'll want to check out if you're feeling mellow. The wind is usually best from the NE, E, and SE, and it’s recommended to surf during low to mid to high tides for the best results.

Access to Morro Bay is pretty straightforward. You can take Highway 1 south to Harbor Boulevard and then make your way around the bay until you reach Coleman City Park—plenty of parking options there. The crowds can get competitive, especially close to the rock, but there’s usually room to find your own spot a little farther up the beach. You'll find a friendly local vibe, so don’t hesitate to share a smile. It's a good spot for surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to intermediates, and you can use a variety of boards here, including shortboards, funboards, and longboards.