Cayucos

“Last of the California beach towns” is the slogan for Cayucos, a laid-back slice of San Luis Obispo County. While the community is obviously not the state’s only remaining beach town, it’s been able to maintain an easygoing vibe thanks to its small population (roughly 3,000), miles of white sand beach, and iconic public fishing pier.

Where Is Cayucos?

Sandwiched between Highway 1 and the Pacific on the shores of Estero Bay, Cayucos sits about 5 miles north of Morro Bay and roughly 15 miles south of Cambria, making it an easy stop on a Highway 1 road trip. The city of San Luis Obispo is about a 20-minute drive inland, and Cayucos lies roughly midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, each about a four-hour drive away.

What Does “Cayucos” Mean?

The name Cayucos comes from cayuco, a Spanish word for a small canoe or fishing boat. Local tradition holds that early Spanish explorers used the term for the kayak-like boats they saw along this stretch of coast, likely those of Indigenous Alaskan hunters brought down by Russian fur traders to hunt sea otters in the early 1800s. The name became official in the 1840s.

Take a Walk Through Cayucos

Cayucos is compact enough to explore entirely on foot, and the natural place to start is at the water’s edge. That 982-foot-long fishing pier first opened in the 19th century, when Captain James Cass sailed here from New England, saw the area’s potential as a shipping port, and built the pier. Stroll along the waterfront Pacific Avenue today—it’s especially dramatic at sunset—and you’re more likely to see birds and surfers than shipping vessels.

After, head up to Ocean Avenue for a novel perspective on the 1800s; some of the town’s original buildings from that era still survive. Keep an eye out for the gorgeous murals that now adorn them.

Next, wander down Cayucos State Beach (or simply “Cayucos Beach,” as it’s commonly known) where, at low tide, the curious can spot creatures like crabs and anemones, and runners can make it all the way to Morro Bay, 5 miles to the south.

Anchored by a 19th-century fishing pier, the park also offers picnic tables, a playground, and outdoor showers. A license is required for tide fishing, but you can cast a line from the pier without one. Keep an eye out for sea otters paddling under the pier.

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Is Cayucos Beach Dog-Friendly?

Yes—Cayucos is known as one of the more dog-friendly beach towns on the Central Coast, and Cayucos State Beach welcomes four-legged visitors. Dogs are generally allowed on the sand as long as they’re leashed, so pack a leash along with the towels, and be sure to clean up after your pup.

Where to Eat in Cayucos

When it comes time to eat, a stay in Cayucos is met with plenty of options:

• Start your day with a shrimp omelet or the crab hash at Sea Shanty.

• Craving fish tacos? Ruddell’s Smokehouse offers tortillas with smoked ahi, albacore, salmon, or shrimp.

• For the perfect snack, pick up a dozen or so goodies from local favorite Brown Butter Cookie Company.

• In the evening, head to the waterfront for a seat in the garden at Hoppe’s Bistro, where you can dig into a selection of everything from wild game meats to vegetarian dishes. Ingredients are sourced locally when possible—even the lobster and shellfish—making for a fresh finish to a magical day on the California coast.

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Where to Stay in Cayucos

From a historic B&B to a revamped retro motel, Cayucos offers a range of charming places to stay near the beach:

• Charming B&B by the Beach: Experience the past in a unique way at Cass House, a restored former home of town founder James Cass, now a luxurious small B&B. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast from its bakery before heading to the beach just steps away.

• Value with an Ocean View: Cayucos Beach Inn offers rooms with fridges and microwaves, plus an ocean-view suite.

• Romantic Inn A Block from the Beach: For an optimal view of the pier and the Pacific, book a second-floor room at the Cayucos Sunset Inn. Romantic touches include canopy beds, fireplaces, Jacuzzis, and outdoor patios.

• Retro Motel: A local couple transformed Pacific Motel, a 1950s-era roadside inn in 2022. Book one of its private bungalows, complete with a personal patio and gas fireplace.