Museum of Natural History, Morro Bay

San Luis Obispo, CA Print   Leave a comment

Description

The Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay is in a lovely location with gorgeous views through cypress trees toward the bay and Morro Rock. The interior, though it has some expensive exhibits, is not inspiring at all. I couldn't figure out why. We went on open house day, and my daughter was the only child there. Some of the exhibits are interactive but it's unclear what they are really trying to explain. Overall, we just didn't have a good time. Maybe the museum is too old- I'm not sure what it is. It also had a musty smell which made me want to leave. The gift shop is nice, and we bought a stuffed animal.
It's also nice to go for a walk in the pretty nature that surrounds the museum, through the cypress and eucalyptus trees. If you take the path near the sculpture of the Indian man holding up a bird, you can walk past the heron rookery to Bayshore Bluffs Park. It is a wonderful walk on a dirt path, with stunning views- the Bayshore Bluffs Park walk. It ends at a lovely marina in front of a townhouse complex. 
It's a short walk to Bayside Cafe from here, where you can watch people launch their kayaks and walk the Marina Peninsula Trail, a loop trail on a wooden boardwalk with awesome views!

Photo Gallery

Kayakers in the estuary behind the museum.	Kayak on the shore.	Bayside Cafe, which is behind the museum on the estuary.
I adore this view, from the parking lot.	The balcony with view of Morro Rock.	Oceanic Forces- you turn the wheel.
Watch how surface winds bring minerals up from the ocean floor.	The interior of the museum.	Rotate this huge wheel to find out what happens when creeks overflow.
Put your hand inside to see what you feel.	The view at the back of the museum, over Bayside Cafe and a kayak launching spot.	It's a lovely drive to the museum.

Directions

Museum of Natural History is located in Morro Bay State Park at 20 State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442, call (805) 772-2694.
Open daily 10-5. Entrance is $3 for adults, free for children.
Bayside Cafe, 10 State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442, call (805) 772-1465.

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Overall Visitor Rating: Unrated.