Last year at the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show, I found myself transported back in time. I remember strolling down Morro Bay’s Main Street, the salty ocean breeze mingling with the rich smell of engine oil and BBQ smoke.
Chrome fenders and candy-colored hot rods glinted in the sun as rock ’n’ roll tunes from the 50s played in the background. Families, couples, and lifelong car enthusiasts all laughed and chatted together, drawn in by the spectacle of vintage cars against the backdrop of the bay.
It was a scene of pure Americana charm: children pointing excitedly at roaring roadsters, proud owners polishing their beauties, and everyone soaking up the friendly, small-town vibe.
A Weekend of Chrome, Ocean Air, and Classic California Fun
Now, as Morro Bay gears up for the 28th Annual Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show from May 1–3, 2025, I couldn’t be more excited. This beloved classic car extravaganza is one of the Central Coast’s most anticipated events each spring.
Whether you’re a gearhead who can distinguish a ’57 Chevy by its tailfins or you just love a fun community festival by the seaside, Cruisin’ Morro Bay promises an unforgettable weekend of cars, community, and coastal beauty.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know – from event highlights and insider tips to the best places to stay, eat, and explore while you’re in town. So buckle up and get ready to cruise into a fantastic Morro Bay adventure!
What Is the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show?
Each spring, Morro Bay turns back the clock for a few days as hundreds of classic cars roll into town for the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show. Picture vintage Mustangs, Chevys, hot rods, and custom trucks gleaming in the coastal sun. Engines rev, oldies music plays, and Main Street becomes an open-air museum of automotive history. Locals and visitors alike wander the downtown streets admiring beautifully restored classics from the 1920s through the 1970s (and a few modern exotics for good measure!).
But this car show is more than just a display of chrome and horsepower – it’s a festive celebration of community spirit. Proudly organized by local volunteers and car enthusiasts since 1997, the event has grown into a cherished tradition that brings people together from all over California (and beyond).
You’ll find the atmosphere to be welcoming and family-friendly. Owners love chatting about their cars’ stories, kids marvel at the “cool old cars,” and there’s a palpable camaraderie in the air. In true Morro Bay style, the event is laid-back, unpretentious, and lots of fun for all ages. Best of all, spectators can enjoy the show for free – no tickets required to wander and appreciate these automotive works of art.
Morro Bay Car Show Schedule & Location Details
Mark your calendars: the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show revs up Thursday, May 1, 2025 and runs through Saturday, May 3, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect each day:
Thursday, May 1 – Welcome Night
The fun begins as classic cars start rolling into town. Participant check-in is typically held from late afternoon into the evening (around 5 PM – 8 PM) at a local garage in Morro Bay.
If you’re in town early, you might catch glimpses of rare cars arriving on trailers or cruising the streets as owners get settled. While there’s no official public event Thursday night, the town’s excitement is building – it’s a great time to stroll the Embarcadero or grab dinner and possibly spot a few shiny vehicles arriving early.
Friday, May 2 – Cruise Day
Morning Scenic Cruise
The car show festivities ramp up! Friday morning, registered car owners often take off on a scenic cruise up iconic Highway 1. In fact, at 11 AM on Friday many classic cars will depart Morro Bay for a Ragged Point Cruise, a drive north along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline. It’s a chance for owners to enjoy the area’s beauty (and for lucky onlookers along the route to see a parade of classics on the highway).
Evening Main Event: Cruise Night
This is one of the most exciting highlights of the weekend. On Friday around 6 PM, Morro Bay’s downtown transforms into Cruise Night. Registered classic cars line up and cruise up and down Main Street and Morro Bay Boulevard for about an hour, reviving the old-fashioned tradition of Friday night cruising.
Find a spot on the sidewalk (many people bring lawn chairs) and watch an endless, rumbling procession of vintage beauties drive by, from thunderous hot rods to low-slung cruisers.
The entry point for cars is typically at Morro Bay Blvd & Shasta Ave, and the route winds through the heart of downtown. The sight (and sound) of these cars in motion – engines purring, headlights twinkling at dusk – is truly magical. Best of all, it’s free for spectators. If you only catch one part of the event, Cruise Night is a must-see for its energy and nostalgia!
Saturday, May 3 – Show & Shine
All-Day Downtown Car Show
This is Show & Shine Day, the main event! From 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, downtown Morro Bay becomes the car show. Several blocks (centered around Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street) are closed to traffic and instead filled with row upon row of classic cars on display. Imagine over 500 cars parked and polished to perfection, hoods open to show off immaculate engines, each one with a proud owner nearby happy to talk about their ride.
This all-day car show is an open street fair – you can wander at your own pace, take photos, vote for your favorites, and enjoy the vintage tunes often playing over the loudspeakers. It’s truly a sight to behold as downtown’s usual bustle is replaced with a sea of classics and crowds of admirers.
Aside from admiring cars, there are usually vendors and community booths sprinkled throughout. You might find stands selling event T-shirts, refreshments (often a local service club hosts a BBQ lunch for participants), and maybe raffle opportunities or local artisans.
Awards Ceremony
Around mid-afternoon (typically 3 PM), the event wraps up with an Awards Ceremony at the downtown intersection stage. Here, trophies are handed out for various car categories – think “Best Custom Paint,” “Best Hot Rod,” “People’s Choice,” etc. Even if you’re not a car owner, it’s fun to watch the winners roll up to applause. By 4 PM, the show concludes and the cars begin to rumble out – often with one last communal cruise through town as a grand finale.
Where to Find the Morro Bay Car Show
All the action is centered in downtown Morro Bay, CA, primarily at Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street. This is just a few blocks up from the Embarcadero waterfront. If you know Morro Bay, that’s essentially the downtown business district – you’ll see the streets filled with cars between City Park and the bay. Everything is within easy walking distance once you’re there.
Is the Morro Bay Car Show Free to Attend?
Great news – spectating is completely free on all days. There’s no admission fee to wander the car show or watch the cruise. (If you happen to own a classic car and want to register it in the show, there is a registration fee for participants – around $95, which includes some goodies like a t-shirt and lunch tickets, with proceeds going to local charities.) But for the general public, this is a free, family-friendly event – you can just show up and enjoy!
A Little History: How It All Started
How did this automotive tradition start? The Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show has a wonderful local history dating back nearly three decades.
The Humble Beginnings
The Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show began in 1997, thanks to a group of local enthusiasts who wanted to combine their love for classic cars with supporting community causes. That first event featured around 125 cars. Today, it draws over 500 participants and thousands of visitors every year..
Giving Back to the Community
One thing that’s always been core to this event is community spirit. The car show is registered as a nonprofit, with proceeds from entry fees and merchandise supporting local charities, schools, and organizations.
Attending the show promises a great time — and it also helps Morro Bay’s community.
Over the years, the event has raised funds for everything from youth programs to city beautification.
Another hallmark of the show’s history is its welcoming atmosphere. From the beginning, the organizers wanted it to be inclusive — a show “for the people,” not an exclusive club. That vibe continues today. Whether you’re showing a rare vintage vehicle or pushing a stroller as a spectator, you’ll feel right at home.
This warm hospitality, combined with the amazing cars, is what keeps people coming back year after year. As someone who’s been attending for a while now, I can say each year just gets bigger, friendlier, and more exciting.
Morro Bay Car Show Highlights: What to Expect
So, what makes the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show so special? Here are some highlights and must-sees that you won’t want to miss:
Hundreds of Classic Cars
The star of the show, of course, is the cars. You’ll see an incredible variety spanning many eras. There are shiny Ford Model A’s from the 1930s and elegantly finned Cadillacs from the 1950s.
You’ll also spot muscle cars like Camaros and Mustangs from the 60s and 70s. There are funky Volkswagen vans, classic pick-up trucks, and everything in between.
Many vehicles are lovingly restored to showroom condition. Others are creatively customized with bold paint, lowered frames, or modern engines.
Keep an eye out for rare models. In past shows, I’ve spotted limited-production Shelby Cobras and vintage Woodie wagons with surfboards on top.
The attention to detail is astounding — from polished chrome to custom paint jobs and intricate interiors. There are endless photo ops, whether you’re posing next to your dream car or snapping close-ups of hood ornaments.
Cruise Night (Friday 6 PM)
I can’t emphasize enough how fun Friday’s Cruise Night is. Seeing these beautiful cars in motion truly brings them to life. They rumble past one by one — low growls from V8 engines, honks, and occasional revs that delight the crowd.
Drivers often wave and toot their horns at cheering spectators. It feels like a joyous parade, where every float is a classic car!
For the best experience, pick a spot along Main Street or Morro Bay Boulevard well before 6 PM. Many locals set up chairs near the starting point at Morro Bay Blvd & Shasta Avenue, or along the core downtown blocks.
I like to grab an coffee from a nearby shop and settle in. The whole town comes alive during Cruise Night. Even if you’re not a “car person,” you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.
Insider tip: Only registered show cars can join the cruise, so it’s a concentrated showcase of the best vehicles. Don’t skip it!
Show & Shine (Saturday All Day)
Saturday’s all-day car show is your chance to get up close with the vehicles and chat with owners. Many owners set up folding chairs next to their cars and are happy to answer questions.
Don’t be shy — ask about a car’s history or the restoration process. You might hear a fascinating story! Last year, I met a gentleman who drove his 1950s Pontiac all the way from Arizona. Another proudly told me he had been coming to the show for 20 years straight. The personal stories and passion behind these cars add so much meaning.
Make sure to walk down Morro Bay Boulevard toward Morro Rock — the show often stretches several blocks. You’ll want to cover it all to catch every hidden gem.
If you’re around near closing, don’t miss the Awards Ceremony at 3 PM. It’s heartwarming to watch proud owners accept trophies after a weekend of sharing their passion.
Family-Friendly Activities
While the cars are the main attraction, there’s plenty for all ages. Kids usually have a blast at the show. What child doesn’t like shiny cars and maybe even a chance to sit in a cool classic (with owner’s permission)?
In some years, I’ve seen touches like a chalk drawing area for kids, or vendors handing out balloons or small flags. The atmosphere is like a street fair – face-painting booths, live music, and food stands aren’t uncommon.
Check out the Morro Bay Merchants tents or any community booths; they sometimes run fun raffles or scavenger hunt games (for example, finding specific car models to check off a list). Even if there aren’t formal kids’ activities, the event is inherently entertaining for youngsters.
Just keep a close hand on little ones – with so many people and cars, it’s easy for excited kids to dart off. And remind them (and yourself!) not to touch the vehicles unless invited – these are people’s pride and joy.
Ocean Backdrop
One unique aspect of Morro Bay’s car show is the stunning coastal backdrop. As you enjoy the event, you’re only a block or two from the bay.
In some spots, you can catch a glimpse of Morro Rock peeking down the street, or walk a few minutes to the waterfront for a break. The mix of gleaming automobiles with palm trees and ocean air in the background gives this show a special California magic.
I love that I can check out a row of classic Corvettes, then wander over to an overlook and see sea otters playing in the harbor for a few minutes, before diving back into the cars. Not many car shows offer that kind of scenic diversion!
Top Tips for Visitors (Parking, Timing & Best Viewing)
Having enjoyed the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show multiple times, I’ve picked up some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Arrive Early for Parking
Downtown Morro Bay streets will be closed for the show on Saturday, and parking fills up fast in the surrounding areas. If you’re driving in for the day on Saturday, plan to arrive by 8 AM or earlier.
You can look for street parking on adjacent streets just outside the closure (try Morro Ave, Pacific St, etc., a few blocks from Main). There is also public parking near the Morro Bay waterfront – lots by the Maritime Museum or Morro Rock – from which it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to downtown.(At the Rock parking lot you might even catch a glimpse of cars staging if they line up there to enter).
Be prepared to walk a bit – consider it part of the experience, and you’ll avoid getting stuck in traffic jams.
Parking on Friday night for Cruise Night can also get crowded; again, aim to park by late afternoon. Many locals walk or bike to avoid the hassle. If you’re staying at a hotel in town (lucky you!), just leave the car there and stroll to the festivities.
Best Viewing Spots for Cruise Night
For Friday’s Cruise Night, the heart of Main Street is prime viewing. The cars loop through downtown, so anywhere along Main between Morro Bay Blvd and Beach St, or along Morro Bay Blvd between Main and Piney, will give you great views.
The starting point at Morro Bay Blvd & Shasta Ave is fun because you see the cars as they line up (the excitement is building!), but those spots go quickly. If you prefer a slightly less crowded scene, head a block or two further down the cruise route.
Insider Tip: Bring a folding chair if you can, and set up on the sidewalk.
Many spectators also hang out near City Park (on Harbor St & Main) where there’s often music playing and an announcer calling out fun facts about notable cars as they pass by. And don’t forget a light jacket – even if the day was warm, the breeze can pick up in the evening.
Dress in Layers
Early May in Morro Bay can start cool and foggy in the morning, warm up to sunny 70s midday, and then turn chilly by late afternoon when the wind kicks in. I usually wear a t-shirt with a light sweatshirt or windbreaker tied around my waist, just in case.
Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses – even if it’s overcast, UV rays and glare off all that shiny chrome can sneak up on you. A hat can be useful too.
You’ll be on your feet a lot, so wear comfortable shoes. The downtown area isn’t huge, but you’ll likely meander back and forth multiple times to catch all the action.
Bring Cash (and Appetite)
While many Morro Bay restaurants and shops accept cards, some of the vendors (like food stalls or merchandise tables) at the car show might be cash-only.
It’s handy to have some cash if you plan to buy a souvenir T-shirt, a plate of tri-tip barbecue from the Rotary Club booth, or a bag of Kettle Korn from the street vendor.
Speaking of appetite, there will be lots of tempting food around, so arrive hungry or plan a lunch break more on food options in this Morro Bay restaurant guide.
Mind Your Manners Around the Cars
This is a friendly reminder that while these cars are here to be enjoyed by the public, they are prized possessions. Always avoid touching any car’s paint or leaning on the vehicles.
If you have kids, keep an eye that sticky fingers stay off the candy-colored finishes. Most owners are super nice and might even invite you to peek inside or allow a photo, but it’s courteous to ask permission before opening a door or hopping in a driver’s seat for a photo op.
Essentially, treat the cars like museum pieces (albeit in an outdoor, relaxed museum!). And if you happen to have a dog with you, keep Fido on a short leash so there are no accidental scratches – in fact, with the crowds and noise, you might consider leaving pets in a comfortable spot at home or your hotel if possible.
Stay Hydrated & Take Breaks
Even with Morro Bay’s mild climate, walking around on pavement all day can tire you out. Carry a water bottle (there are water refill stations at City Park and many cafes nearby).
If you need a rest, step into a local coffee shop or bakery for a pick-me-up. Morro Bay has some great ones. Or take a quick detour to the waterfront and sit on a bench by the bay to recharge. There’s no rush – the cars will be there all day, and sometimes they’re even better to photograph later in the afternoon when the crowds thin a bit.
Morro Bay: A Perfect Weekend Getaway
Classic Cars, Coastal Vibes
I might be biased as a local, but Morro Bay is one of California’s best small-town getaways. During the car show weekend, you’ll enjoy the thrill of classic cars plus the warm, laid-back vibe this Central Coast town is known for.
Mild Weather, Ideal for Exploring
Early May usually brings cool mornings and sunny afternoons. You might see fog in the morning, but it usually clears by midday — just in time to make those car hoods shine. It’s the perfect weather for walking around without overheating. (Just don’t forget a light jacket!)
Less Crowds, More Charm
Even with the car show crowds, Morro Bay never feels overwhelming. You can still find a quiet bench by the bay or take a peaceful morning walk on the beach.
Locals are friendly, the pace is slower, and small moments — like someone striking up a conversation about their favorite car — make it feel special. By Sunday, don’t be surprised if you feel like a local too.
Great Base for Road Trips
Morro Bay sits along California’s iconic Highway 1, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It’s a perfect stop on a coastal road trip. Want to explore more? Head north to Cambria for its quaint shops and Scarecrow Festival in the fall. Or go south to San Luis Obispo for its historic mission and lively Thursday night market.
If you’re staying local, check out my Morro Bay Travel Guide for more tips. You’ll find plenty to do — even after the last car drives off.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Car Show
Is the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show free to attend?
Yes! Spectators can enjoy all events for free. There’s no admission charge to walk around the Show & Shine or to watch the Friday Cruise Night. You might end up spending on food, drinks, or souvenirs, but the car viewing itself is completely free. (Only car owners who register a vehicle pay an entry fee.)
Can I bring my dog to the car show?
Leashed dogs are allowed on the public streets, and I do see folks bringing their pups to walk around. However, use your judgment. The crowds, noise of revving engines, and tight spaces can be stressful for some dogs.
What’s the best time to visit the show?
If you want a calmer experience to really see the cars, early Saturday morning (around 9–10 AM) is great – all the cars will be in place, and the crowds are lighter. Midday Saturday is the busiest, but also the most lively.
Friday night Cruise is at 6 PM (be there by 5:30 for a good spot). If you’re around Thursday evening, you might see cars arriving, but the official events start Friday.
Are there food or drinks at the event?
Yes, the event is right in downtown so you’re steps away from restaurants, cafes, and bars. During the Show & Shine on Saturday, you’ll likely find a few food vendors or community BBQs set up near the show (often a tasty tri-tip BBQ stand operated by a local service club).
Can I enter my car in the show?
If you happen to own a classic or special car and want to participate, you can! Registration is typically open until they fill the available spots. In 2025, the fee is around $95 which includes things like a dash plaque, t-shirt, and entry to the cruise and show. Check the official Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show website for registration info. Even if you don’t register, you can still cruise in with your cool car to town and park outside the show area to enjoy the weekend vibe.
The Wrap Up: See You at the Car Show!
Whether you’re a lifelong car buff, a casual admirer, or just someone looking for a fun weekend getaway, I wholeheartedly encourage you to come experience the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show 2025.
Bring your family, bring your friends – make a trip out of it. Explore our beaches, chat with our friendly locals, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a classic car street party by the bay. I promise you’ll leave with wonderful memories (and maybe a new appreciation for white-wall tires and chrome fenders!).
So polish up those sunglasses, charge your camera, and get ready to cruise back in time this May in Morro Bay. I’ll be there, wandering Main Street wide-eyed all over again, and I hope to see you there too – be sure to wave or say hi!
This is not just a car show; it’s a slice of California Central Coast culture you won’t want to miss.
Until then, happy travels and keep on cruisin’!