Morro Strand State Beach is a coastal frontage park featuring outstanding picnic sites. A three-mile stretch of beach connects the southern and northern entrances to the beach. Those miles of windswept sand, sea and dunes curve gently from the town of Morro Bay to Cayucos State Beach. Two long stretches of beach provide recreation for visitors and habitats for a diverse array of plant and animal life. Overlooking Estero Bay, the beach hosts a variety of coastal environments —including strand, dunes, dune wetland and tidepool communities.

The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock (Climbing this landmark is prohibited).Morro Bay State Marine Reserve & State Marine Recreational Management Area are two marine protected areas located offshore from Morro Bay. Much like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help safeguard ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.