Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/6/2026Pasadena Park Beach1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/6/2026Lower Prefumo Creek1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/6/2026Bob Jones Trail1 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/5/2026Morro Bay yard1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/20261900 Pecho Rd.1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/4/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

3/4/2026Poly Canyon1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/4/2026Santa Margarita Creek1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Sooty x Red)

Passerella iliaca

3/3/2026Damon-Garcia Sports Field1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

3/1/2026Bishop St1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

7503/6/2026

Canada Goose

33/6/2026

Mallard

103/6/2026

Northern Pintail

223/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

53/6/2026

Surf Scoter

13/6/2026

Bufflehead

303/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

43/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/6/2026

California Quail

43/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

43/6/2026

Black-bellied Plover

1003/6/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

103/6/2026

Long-billed Curlew

4503/6/2026

Marbled Godwit

7503/6/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

283/6/2026

Willet

4003/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

153/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

253/6/2026

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.