Day Trip: Discover the Hidden Gem of Cayucos by the Sea

Often overlooked by travelers navigating California Highway One between Morro Bay and Cambria, Cayucos by the Sea offers a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere. Nestled along the stunning Estero Bay on the Central California Coast, this seaside hamlet is one of California’s best-kept coastal secrets and is more affordable than nearby Cambria and Morro Bay. Visiting Cayucos, California, provides a serene escape, combining small-town charm, historical significance, and natural beauty. Here are some highlights and activities you might enjoy:

Downtown Cayucos, California: Gift Shops, Cookies, and Restaurants

An excellent place to begin your trip is by taking a stroll along the downtown corridor to enjoy the Swiss-Italian and Portuguese architecture of the old buildings that line the town’s main street or stop off to dine in one of the many unique restaurants, salty antique shops, or visit historic Cass House. Initially constructed by the founder of Cayucos, New Englander Captain James Cass, in the middle 1800s, the house was recently restored to its full glory and now serves as an Inn and Restaurant. At least half of all downtown hotels are located downtown, as are city services and the Chamber of Commerce, where you can pick a visitor’s guide to navigate the area.

Historic Cayucos Pier

Located downtown is the Cayucos Pier, which offers excellent opportunities for accessible pier fishing. It is also a popular spot for watching surfers, swimmers, and the seals that play in the area. This historic pier, originally built in 1872 for shipping, has become a picturesque destination for fishing, enjoying sunsets, and spotting marine life such as sea otters. It’s a wonderful place to start your day or conclude it with a beautiful sunset.

Cayucos State Beach: Swimming, Surfing, Walking, or Relaxing

Cayucos Beach is known for its expansive sandy shoreline, making it a favorite destination for sunbathers, skin divers, swimmers, surfers, rock collectors, and driftwood gatherers. Visitors often stroll along the miles of beach, collecting shells and other sea treasures that wash ashore. The beach also features a children’s play area with picnic tables and barbecues. Additionally, it is dog-friendly, which enhances its appeal to pet owners. You can walk all or part of the way to Morro Rock from the beach at low tide. (five miles in each direction.)

Estero Bluffs State Park

Located north of Cayucos, this area features hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It is an excellent spot for bird and whale watching during the season and to enjoy the wild, windy landscape. At low tide, the shipwreck of a fishing vessel becomes visible, making it an intriguing subject for photography enthusiasts, especially with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged California coastline. Estero Bluffs Park stretches along Highway 1, starting near Ocean Avenue north of Cayucos and extending to Villa Creek.

Cayucos by The Sea Events

Polar Bear Dip: The town’s usually relaxed atmosphere changes every New Year’s Day, as thousands of people dash into the frigid Pacific Ocean—some donning costumes—while thousands more watch from the pier and shore during the annual Carlin Soul Polar Bear Dip.

Women’s Surf Contest: Another annual tradition is the Women’s Surf Contest. Event organizers also invite boogie boarders, so there’s no excuse not to come out and get wet. Don’t surf? That’s no problem, as some local surf shops offer lessons for adults and grommets alike.

Cayucos Antique Street Faire: Held biannually, this event draws antique lovers from far and wide with its range of vendors selling everything from collectibles to vintage furniture.

Cayucos Sea Glass Festival: If you’re visiting in March, you might catch this unique festival celebrating the art of sea glass with live music and food and shopping for sea glass art.

Cayucos Car Show: An annual event that showcases various classic, custom, and vintage vehicles. The car show is held along North Ocean Avenue in downtown Cayucos, celebrating both the passion for classic cars and the unique, laid-back lifestyle of the area.

Cayucos History: Founding and Development

The Chumash people originally settled around Cayucos, naming it after their plank canoes, or “tomolor cayucos,” which they used for fishing in the nearby kelp beds. The Spanish Portolà expedition camped in the area in 1769, and the land became part of Rancho Moro y Cayucos. 1867 English immigrant Captain James Cass settled on 320 acres, developing the area and building the first pier in 1872. By the early 20th century, Cayucos emerged as a tourist destination, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and charm. Today, the Cayucos Land Conservancy helps maintain the town’s quaint, small-town atmosphere by preventing large-scale commercial development.

Nearby Attractions:

Morro Bay, California: Just down the coast, you can visit Morro Rock, explore the Embarcadero, or take a kayak to see sea otters. Deep sea fishing boats for sports fishing regularly sail out of Morro Bay.

Hearst Castle: A short drive north, this historical estate offers various tours showcasing its opulent design, art, and architecture. This magnificent estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways commands a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and the hills and valleys of San Luis Obispo County and is a must-see to experience.

Cambria, California: For more exploration, head to Cambria for its quaint village atmosphere, more beaches, and the unique experience of riding Clydesdale horses. The historic downtown and West Village feature art galleries, tourist shops, antiques, and restaurants.

Getting to Cayucos, California

Cayucos is ideal for summer and winter vacations, with numerous outdoor activities, shopping, dining, and nightlife just a short distance from downtown and moderate year-round temperatures. Getting to Cayucos is an easy 224-mile drive from Los Angeles. And 232 miles from San Francisco. So next time you’re looking for a weekend getaway, explore Cayucos.

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Things to Do Along California’s Central Coast.

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