Cayucos, CA, USA

Savor the Views from Cayucos Houses and Cottages

Known for its inviting beaches, fishing pier and legendary cookie company, the small surfside community of Cayucos is a beachcomber’s delight. Cayucos is an authentic beach town with a little flair of the Old West. Tucked between beach communities like Morro Bay and Cambria, Cayucos offers its own brand of gift and antique shops, seafood restaurants and candy shops. Those who snag a vacation house or cottage here can look forward to quick ocean access, on-site parking, satellite TV and high-speed Internet.

There’s Fun for Everyone on Cayucos Beaches and Pier

At the heart of Cayucos is its newly restored pier and Cayucos State Beach. The beach is long and filled with soft sand perfect for sunbathers. Kids enjoy the children’s playground, and you can fish off the pier, take a surfing lesson, rent a sea kayak or savor some beachfront dining. A dog beach farther south makes Fido happy too.

Annual Events Keep Cayucos Festive Year-round

Locals start the year off right with a celebratory noon-time dip in the chilly surf. The Polar Bear Dip attracts hundreds of costumed and suited-up souls ready to tackle a new year of challenges. Just to ensure that everyone is still enjoying the new year, Cayucos follows up with a Wine & Food Festival in mid-January. San Luis Obispo County is home to hundreds of wineries and restaurants, and the festival brings together some of its best. The city’s Sea Glass Festival in March is a great time to admire beautiful sea glass jewelry and home decor. Cayucos also hosts an Antique Street Fair, summer Farmers Markets, Rock to the Pier Fun Run, a Portuguese Festival and a stellar Independence Day fireworks display on the beach.

Explore the Hillsides, Marshes, Tide Pools and Beaches

With Cayucos’ picturesque location between Estero Bay and gorgeous rolling hills, hiking and walking trails are abundant here. At low tide, you can stroll the beach from the Cayucos Pier to Morro Bay, an excellent five-mile adventure. The bluffs north of town offer captivating views of the ocean. If you head a little farther north, you’ll come to the Harmony Headlands State Park where you can hike a 1.5-mile trail through beautiful grasslands and hills along the coastline. On the east side of Cayucos, you can also hike around Whale Rock Reservoir. Often, you can catch special guided hikes and talks through San Luis Obispo trails for an extra treat.

Revel in Sunny Days and Cool Breezes in Cayucos

Although the Central Coast has a Mediterranean climate, seaside towns like Cayucos enjoy cool ocean breezes that pick up during the afternoon. Winter, spring and fall here are beautiful, even during the occasional bouts of rain. You’ll also enjoy quieter beaches during the winter and fall. Most days are sunny throughout the year, although if you travel here during the summer, you may need to wait for the June Gloom marine layer to burn off.

Cruising Along to Cayucos Along Scenic Highway 1

Cayucos is located along the enchanting Highway 1. If you have a convertible, this is the time to put the top down and cruise on over to Cayucos. Even if you don’t have a convertible, the drive from north and south areas is breathtaking. Are you flying or riding the Amtrak train into San Luis Obispo? Then, rent a car and drive into Cayucos through the county’s fertile wine country via Highways 101 North and 46 West. You’ll backtrack a few miles south on Highway 1, but you’ll get a more intimate look at the fabulous countryside, encounter a dozen excellent wineries and get a good feel for the area.