The Morro Bay Museum of Natural History is located within Morro Bay State Park. The museum is situated on a hill above the bay and has panoramic views of the estuary, sandspit, Morro Rock and the Pacific Ocean. As the only Natural History Museum in the California State Park system, the museum features hands-on interpretive exhibits for visitors of all ages. The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm. Friendly and knowledgeable staff members are available to answer visitors’ questions, and distribute park literature, such as maps and brochures.
School Programs
TK-12 School Programs
School programs offered at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History are led by State Park Interpreters and reflect current school standards, including NGSS, CCSS, and environmental literacy curriculum. Rotations include an exploration of Windy Cove beach, a short hike to the top of White’s Point, and a special Virtual Reality experience with a behind-the-scenes look at a museum collection. After the program, groups are invited to enjoy a self-guided exploration of the museum at their own pace. Most groups spend about 20–30 minutes.
Our programs are adaptable and strive to accommodate all students. All programs are FREE of charge for students, teachers and chaperones.
Age group: K – 12th
Group size: 75 students max
Dates: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Time: 10:15 am arrival, program from 10:30 am – 12:10 pm
Location: Morro Bay Museum of Natural History at 20 State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442
We also offer fully self-guided opportunities for teachers wishing to visit the park and museum on their own with their students during the museum's normal business hours.
Reservations Required
Spaces are limited and any school group planning to visit the museum will need to make a reservation in advance, including all self-guided and home school groups. To check availability and book a field trip, please click here. If you have a group larger than 75 students, or have any questions, please email SLO.FieldTrips@parks.ca.gov.
Bus and Transportation Grants
Does your school serve predominantly low-income students, and is transportation cost preventing you from accessing California State Parks? Funds are available to provide FREE transportation to the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History through the Central Coast State Parks Association (CCSPA), a cooperating association with California State Parks. Grants will be processed directly through CCSPA and are awarded on a rolling basis until the total fund is depleted. Select this Central Coast State Parks Association link to apply!
Public Education Programs
Adventures with Nature (AWN)
Adventures with Nature Interpretive Programs are guided walks and talks facilitated by California State Park Staff and Volunteers. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. These fun, free programs are exploratory in nature, revolving around cultural and natural resources in the coastal California State Parks in San Luis Obispo County.
For a full list of upcoming public events, please check the Adventures with Nature calendar!
Summer Programs
(Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend)
Interpretive staff offer free, fun summer programs in the Morro Bay State Park campground day use area and the downstairs Learning Lab at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History.
Junior Ranger Programs are designed for children ages 7 - 12 years old and may include a fun lesson, a hands-on activity, craft or guided hike adventure around the park! Children will enjoy joining State Park Interpreters for fun activities to learn about the outdoors and will earn a Junior Ranger badge!
Campfire Programs are hosted in the Morro Bay State Park Campfire Center, located towards the back of the campground. Join State Park Interpreters and special guest speakers around the community campfire on for fun and interactive presentations about local wildlife and cultural topics. All ages welcome.
Special Events
Facility Rentals/Film Permits/Weddings
Special events require an advanced permit through the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Please contact the district event coordinator by emailing SLO.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov