MORRO BAY – From fireworks to bike parades; skateboard contests to an ocean front carnival of kids’ games, Morro Bay offers the perfect 4th of July celebration for California families.
With a decided nod to family friendliness, the city rolls out a red carpet for a long weekend of free activities in one of California’s most inviting beach towns. Local restaurants, shops and lodging establishments are ready for the party that gets started on Friday, July 1.
Overnight guests are invited to come early and stay all weekend long. Spend Friday and Saturday exploring the beach and Morro Rock; peeking at sea life in tide pools, renting a kayak or paddleboard; or going whale watching, sunset cruising or deep sea fishing on any of the inviting boats bobbing along the town’s quaint waterfront. Land lovers can choose from golf, the city’s three-day weekend Art in the Park show and sale, Hearst Castle, wine tasting and inviting hiking and cycling trails. The Museum of Natural History is open in Morro Bay State Park. Visitors can end the day with a stroll through local shops and galleries capped off with a great meal and a sampling of the area’s renowned wines.
On Sunday, July 3, the action starts at 3 p.m. with a one-mile Skateboard Race whose athletes are looking to break the current world record of 4+ minutes. Competitors will race to the Rock and back, and then enjoy a police escort to Tidelands Park, where bands, a kids carnival, food and fun will set the stage for an entire day of activities.
On Monday, it’s anybody-with-spirit’s chance to parade in red, white and blue finery aboard a two wheeler. Morro Bay’s Bike Parade debuted last year to 300 happy pedalers, and this year more than 500 are expected to lend a patriotic flair to the day. The bike parade invites all comers to join in the fun. Ride from the Rock to Tidelands Park and enjoy another day of music, food court, BBQ and kids lawn games, and then retire to a front row seat for the Central Coast’s biggest Fireworks Show – kicking off at 9:15 a.m. over the spectacular bay.
It’s a Fourth of July extravaganza planned for easy, affordable fun in beautiful Morro Bay. For a full schedule of events, go to www.MorroBay4th.org; general visitor information is available at www.morrobay.org.