Morro Bay Witches Paddle 2026: Date, Time & What to Expect
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more at my affiliate disclosure page.
Every October, hundreds of witches and warlocks trade their broomsticks for paddleboards and kayaks during one of Morro Bay’s most fun and unusual traditions: the Witches & Warlocks Paddle.
The 2026 Morro Bay Witches Paddle will take place Saturday, October 24, from 3–5 PM, with costumed paddlers gathering around Coleman Park and taking to the bay against the unmistakable backdrop of Morro Rock.
I’ve photographed this event before, and it really is as fun as it looks—hundreds of witches on the water, spectators lining the Embarcadero, and cackling echoing across the harbor. Whether you want to paddle or simply watch from shore, it’s one of my favorite fall events on the Central Coast.
Morro Bay Witches Paddle 2026: Date, Location & Quick Details
| Date | Saturday, October 24, 2026 |
| Paddle time | 3–5 PM |
| Main gathering area | Coleman Park / Coleman Beach, 101 Coleman Drive |
| Best for spectators | Embarcadero, Coleman Park and waterfront viewing areas |
| Event type | Informal, community-driven paddle |
| Safety | PFD / life jacket required for paddlers |
When and Where Is the Morro Bay Witches Paddle?
The 2026 Morro Bay Witches Paddle will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 3–5 PM. Paddlers gather at Coleman Beach at 101 Coleman Drive, on the north end of the Embarcadero, with Morro Rock creating one of the best backdrops for the event.
The paddle is a free, informal community gathering open to anyone who wants to join. If you’re paddling, bring your own board or kayak, costume, all the safety gear you’ll need on the water and sense of Halloween fun.
Beyond the festive spirit, the Witches Paddle also supports a meaningful cause. The 2026 event benefits the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County, an organization dedicated to helping ensure everyone in the community has access to healthy, nutritious food. The paddle has supported local nonprofits in past years as well, making it a fun Halloween tradition with a strong community focus.
So, whether you’re paddling in costume or cheering from the shore, you’ll be part of a tradition that blends spooky fun with community spirit. It’s one of the most unique ways to celebrate Halloween on California’s Central Coast.
Getting to the Morro Bay Witches Paddle: Parking and Launching Tips
If you’re joining the Morro Bay Witches Paddle, plan to arrive early. Coleman Park is the main gathering point, but parking around the waterfront can fill quickly.
Some paddlers unload their boards or kayaks near Coleman Park, then park near Morro Rock and walk back. Tidelands Park and the public boat launch area are also useful options for water access, depending on conditions and parking availability.
For launching, use designated public access points along the waterfront and allow extra time before the event starts. If you’re unfamiliar with the harbor, Coleman Beach and the public launch areas are the easiest places to start.
In previous years, paddlers have gathered at Coleman Beach and headed south along the Embarcadero, often turning around near the Morro Bay Yacht Club or Tidelands Park. Because the Witches Paddle is an informal community event, the exact route can vary.
Renting Kayaks & Paddleboards in Morro Bay
If you don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard, several local outfitters offer rentals. You can also find more details in my guide to kayaking in Morro Bay.
- A Kayak Shack – kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals from the Morro Bay State Park Marina.
- Morro Bay Paddlesports -single and tandem kayaks plus stand-up paddleboards on the Embarcadero.
- Rock Kayak Co LLC – kayak and SUP rentals along the Embarcadero.
- Estero Adventures -kayak rentals as well as electric pontoon boats.
- Sub Sea Tours – kayak and other paddle rentals along the Embarcadero.
If you would rather watch the activity from the water without paddling, Morro Bay also has electric boat rentals, which can be a fun way to explore the harbor before or after the event.
For the Witches Paddle, reserve or confirm your rental in advance and ask the outfitter about return times, since some rental locations may close around the time the paddle ends.
History of the Morro Bay Witches Paddle
The Morro Bay Witches Paddle began in 2013 when a small group of friends combined their love of paddleboarding with Halloween festivities and October birthday celebrations. What started as a fun local gathering has grown into one of Morro Bay’s best-known Halloween traditions, drawing hundreds of costumed paddlers and large crowds of spectators each year.
Morro Bay’s setting makes the event especially memorable. Cool October air, changing coastal light, and Morro Rock rising behind the harbor create a perfect backdrop for witches, warlocks, and decorated paddleboards making their way across the bay.
What to Expect at the Morro Bay Witches Paddle
On the day of the event, Coleman Park turns into a lively gathering of witches, warlocks, kayaks, and paddleboards.
If you’re joining in, come dressed for the occasion. Costumes are highly encouraged, and creativity is part of the fun.
Expect everything from traditional black outfits and pointy hats to elaborate makeup, whimsical props, and decorated boards.
Once paddlers head out, the group typically travels south along the Embarcadero, creating a memorable scene against the backdrop of Morro Rock.
Whether you’re on the water or watching from shore, seeing hundreds of costumed paddlers moving through the bay is one of the most fun parts of the event.
Paddlers should follow all applicable boating rules and personal flotation device requirements. If you’re bringing children, make sure they have properly fitted safety gear and that conditions are appropriate for their experience level.
Safety First: The Witches Paddle is an informal community event, so participants are responsible for their own safety and should be prepared for changing wind and water conditions.
Key Reminders
- The Morro Bay Witches Paddle is free to attend.
- Bring your own kayak, paddleboard, or other appropriate equipment, along with your costume.
- Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device and follow local boating regulations.
- If you’re not comfortable paddling in wind, current, or changing harbor conditions, watching from shore is a great alternative.
- There is no formal instruction or organized on-water supervision, so know your limits before heading out.
- Secure your hat and costume accessories so they don’t blow into the water.
- Stay aware of other paddlers, boats, docks, and wildlife while you’re on the bay.
- If you get tired or uncomfortable, head back toward a safe public access point rather than pushing farther.
- And don’t forget to practice your cackle—it’s practically part of the event.
Can’t Paddle? No Problem!
You don’t have to be on the water to enjoy the Witches Paddle. Plenty of spectators line the waterfront to cheer on the paddlers, and some of the best views are from shore.
The Embarcadero between Morro Rock and the Morro Bay Yacht Club is one of the best stretches for watching the paddle, especially if you want views of the witches with Morro Rock in the background. You can also find good viewing areas farther south toward Tidelands Park.
If you’d rather watch from a restaurant or café, look for a waterfront spot along the Embarcadero where you can see the harbor while you eat.
If you can’t attend in person, you can also check the Morro Bay webcams at 805 Webcams for live views of the waterfront.
One of my favorite places to soak in the atmosphere is Rose’s Landing Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy a meal while watching activity on the bay. Whether you’re cheering from shore or following along online, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Witches Paddle without getting on the water.
Photography tip: If you’re bringing a camera, try positioning yourself along the Embarcadero where you can frame the paddlers with Morro Rock in the background. With the 2026 paddle taking place from 3–5 PM, the light should get softer as the afternoon goes on, which can make for especially nice photos toward the later part of the event.
Where to Stay When Visiting Morro Bay
If you’re turning the Witches Paddle into a weekend getaway, Morro Bay has plenty of places to stay, from campgrounds and simple motels to waterfront hotels overlooking the harbor. Staying near the Embarcadero makes the event much easier. This way you can walk to the viewing areas instead of dealing with waterfront parking.
I’ve put together a full guide to the best hotels in Morro Bay, including romantic stays, pet-friendly options, and hotels with views of Morro Rock.
Because the Witches Paddle brings extra visitors to the waterfront, I recommend booking early if you want to stay close to the Embarcadero.
Camping Options
Camping is a great choice if you want to spend more time outdoors during your visit. Morro Bay has options ranging from tent camping to RV sites near the coast. See my full Morro Bay camping guide for campground options, booking tips, and what to expect.
Hotel and Vacation Rental Options
Budget Motels and Inns
For a comfortable stay close to the waterfront, take a look at The Landing at Morro Bay or Blue Sail Inn.
Mid-range Hotels
Ascot Suites and Best Western San Marcos Inn are convenient choices if you want to stay close to the Embarcadero, restaurants, and waterfront.
Waterfront Resorts
For a stay with water views, consider Inn at Morro Bay or Anderson Inn.
Boutique Hotels
For a smaller, more distinctive stay, 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites and Estero Inn, are both excellent waterfront options.
Vacation Rentals
If you prefer more space, a kitchen, or a longer weekend stay, Airbnb or Vrbo have vacation homes and condos around Morro Bay.
Where to Eat Before or After the Witches Paddle
With the Witches Paddle running from 3–5 PM, it’s easy to plan a late lunch before the event or stay for an early dinner afterward.
If you want to eat while still enjoying views of the bay, Rose’s Landing Bar & Grill is a convenient choice along the Embarcadero. It’s especially nice if you want to stay close to the waterfront action without rushing off after the paddle.
For something quick and casual before the event, Tognazzini’s Dockside, Dockside Too and Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley are both good options for seafood, fish tacos, chowder, and oysters.
If you’re staying for dinner, The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar is one of my favorite choices for a more relaxed sit-down meal with views of the bay. Dorn’s Original Breakers Cafe is another longtime Morro Bay favorite with waterfront views.
If you’re in the mood for something more lively after the paddle, The Siren is a good option for food, drinks, and live music.
And for oyster lovers, Grassy Bar Oyster Company is worth checking for fresh local oysters.
For more ideas, including breakfast, coffee, seafood, and other local favorites, see my full guide to the best restaurants in Morro Bay.
Other Things to Do in Morro Bay
If you’re making a weekend of the Witches Paddle, there’s plenty to do around Morro Bay before or after the event.
For outdoor time, explore Morro Bay State Park, walk the waterfront, look for sea otters and birds, or head out for a short hike. Fall is also a great time for birdwatching around the estuary.
For more ideas, see my full guide to the best things to do in Morro Bay and my guide to Morro Bay State Park.
If you have extra time, nearby Los Osos, Cayucos, Cambria, and Pismo Beach are all easy additions to a Central Coast weekend. In October, I especially recommend combining the Witches Paddle with the Cambria Scarecrow Festival.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re paddling through the mist in a witch’s hat or enjoying the festivities from the shore, the Morro Bay Witches Paddle is an event you won’t want to miss.
This unique celebration combines Halloween whimsy, outdoor adventure, and community spirit, all set against the stunning backdrop of Morro Bay.
Join the fun at Coleman Park on October 24th for an unforgettable spooky adventure! Whether you’re on the water or cheering from the shore, every cackle and costume supports a fantastic cause.
So, plan ahead, pack your costume, and get ready for an enchanting experience! You’ll leave with lasting memories and a sense of connection to this charming coastal town.