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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

4/17/2026Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible)2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/17/2026Bluff Trail--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

4/17/2026Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible)1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/16/2026Morro Bay yard1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Nashville Warbler (ridgwayi)

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/16/2026Morro Strand State Beach3 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

4/15/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Pied-billed Grebe

14/17/2026

California Towhee

14/17/2026

Canada Goose

94/17/2026

Black-bellied Plover

14/17/2026

Semipalmated Plover

14/17/2026

Marbled Godwit

14/17/2026

Great Egret

44/17/2026

Brown Pelican

24/17/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/17/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

14/17/2026

American Crow

14/17/2026

Barn Swallow

44/17/2026

Bushtit

14/17/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

64/17/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/17/2026

California Quail

14/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/17/2026

California Scrub-Jay

14/17/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/17/2026

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.