California - Suggestions for Morro Bay

My wife and I decided to add an extra night to our trip south to Santa Barbara and spend a night in Morro Bay, as we have never been there. We would be open to suggestions for hotels, restaurants, and anything else to do in the area.

You may want to look at the Embarcadero Inn which is located on the walk along the shops and restaurants of the bay. Great location and I believe it's been recently renovated. I think they still include a free contenintal breakfast.

www.embarcaderoinn.com

I was there for two nights and it was very nice but I can't say that I ate at any 'special' restaurants. There was a decent selection considering that Morro Bay is, to me at least, rather small. But, maybe I simply missed the best restaurant in town.

The Embarcadero Inn has views of 'The Rock' and it's an easy drive over to it. The area is beautiful and I'll probably go back again at some point.

I was there working the Jazz Festival which was just down the street from the Embarcadero Inn. The Festival was held right on the bay in early June, IIRC. Despite the fact that the temps were in the high 60's or low 70's, with the wind coming right off the bay, it was one of the coldest events I've ever worked. Bring a jacket or sweater. :D

For me, Morro Bay is more a two-hour max attraction rather than an overnight attraction.

Hey, neat rock, let's see how far we can drive out on it. That was fun, where do we go now?

I am kind of in the same camp. Being fairly close, I spend a lot of time on the central coast and enjoy it. Morro Bay is a nice spot for a couple of hours and a good seafood dinner. For a "half-way" overnight spot, I'd suggest looking a few minutes up the coast highway at Cambria or San Simeon. Cambria has lots of quite nice ocean front boutique hotels and B&Bs on Moonstone Drive. San Simeon has the inexpensive chain places - unless you will be there during the summer high season. Nothing is inexpensive then.

If you opt for San Simeon, I quite like the Manta Rey restaurant for dinner. It is next door to the Quality Inn. Cambria has lots of good places.

... where do we go now?
Cayucos. Or Morro Strand. :p

Make sure to bring a coat! ;)

For me, Morro Bay is more a two-hour max attraction rather than an overnight attraction.

Hey, neat rock, let's see how far we can drive out on it. That was fun, where do we go now?

As a local I'd say that pretty much sums it up. Well along with pretty much everything closing by 7.

I've stayed at the Inn at Morro Bay which is within Morro Bay State Park. It was pretty enjoyable.