a trail winds through a grassy field with mountains in the background

Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free (parking $10)

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Bufflehead, and California Quail among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

5/29/2026West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Morro Bay Harbor1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/29/2026Alva Paul Lagoon and beach4 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

5/29/2026Coon Creek Trail--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/29/2026Morro Strand State Beach4 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

5/29/2026Atascadero Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

105/27/2026

Western Gull

85/27/2026

Western Grebe

25/27/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/27/2026

Snowy Egret

65/27/2026

Great Egret

45/27/2026

Brown Pelican

15/27/2026

Tree Swallow

65/27/2026

Barn Swallow

105/27/2026

House Finch

25/27/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

35/27/2026

Spotted Towhee

45/27/2026

Mourning Dove

15/25/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/25/2026

Red-throated Loon

15/25/2026

Pacific Loon

15/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

75/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

85/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/25/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail?
Notable species at Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail include Canada Goose, Bufflehead, California Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, American Avocet, Surf Scoter, Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, Western Gull, Caspian Tern, Western Grebe, Clark's Grebe. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail?
Birding at Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail?
The entrance fee at Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail is Free (parking $10). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail?
Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.