Posted in Southern California Small Towns, Trips August 22, 2022 by Sarah McCosham

Cayucos Is The Best Small Town In Southern California For A Weekend Escape

Southern California is spectacularly beautiful, and it’s home to some of the most stunning shores and charming coastal towns in the country. This is a highly sought-after region that’s a slice of paradise here on the Mainland, with cities such as Irvine, La Jolla, San Clemente, Santa Monica, and Hermosa Beach some of the most celebrated places to live and visit. But small-town charm abounds in Southern California, too, with little coastal locales that feel like a trip to the shores of Tuscany and, even better, your very own slice of paradise. Cayucos is one of these beautiful treasures to discover. Cayucos is the epitome of the Golden State’s dazzling natural beauty, and makes for an amazing and wholly memorable weekend getaway.

From the Hawaiian Island of Oahu to the coast of Massachusetts and everywhere in between, come along with OnlyInYourState as we introduce you to the best Small Town Getaways you can take this year. From nature lovers and foodies to history buffs and shopaholics, there’s something for everyone within these unforgettable, two-day itineraries curated by our local travel experts just for you.

Colloquially referred to as the *Last of the California Beach Towns*, Cayucos is a laid-back town of around 3,000 located between Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean in San Luis Obispo County.

Pretty much every destination in our itinerary is located in town, along either Ocean Avenue or Pacific Avenue. You'll see and hear the beach from every corner of this SoCal town, which makes it extra special and beguiling.

And if you can handle the dry heat, the town truly comes alive during the summer, with seasonal events and festivals worth seeking out.

This seaside spot is next-level in every way, with amazing amenities and offerings that channel B&B vibes, with features such as canopy beds, fireplaces, and outdoor terraces.

The Cayucos Beach Inn is another great option for lodging in town. The accommodations are admittedly a bit more basic than the Cayucos Sunset Inn...

...but what it lacks in cache, it more than makes up for in scenic views! For optimal vistas, check into one of this inn's second-floor rooms.

Morning One: Coffee, Antiquing, And Exploring

Rich and nutty, Brown Butter Cookies are little morsels of deliciousness made with browned butter and a dusting of sea salt on top.

Pair your fresh-from-the-oven cookies with a latte from Cayucos Coffee, and get ready for a walking tour of the town!

Known for its sweet little shops and colorful storefronts, Ocean Avenue is your quintessential small-town Main Street.

The whole town is simply delightful to explore; like a real-life treasure from the sea! Just be sure to reserve some extra cargo room in your car for the trip home.

As you wander through town, you'll not only smell those salty ocean breezes, but you'll delight in the delicious aromas of Cayucos's many restaurants.

Lauded for its sandwiches, this is the perfect place to stop after a morning of shopping. There's something so wonderful about a fresh deli sandwich that you simply can't replicate at home.

Afternoon One: A Scenic Drive And Dinner With A View

You can cruise down Highway 1 as long as you'd like, but definitely don't stop before reaching Morro Rock.

Back in town, grab a bite for a late lunch at Sea Shanty. It's a local favorite that's been dishing up classic seafood since 1983.

The fish and chips are absolute perfection; the kind of salty, soul-satisfying comfort food that makes you feel good.

This restaurant will make you feel good, too... it's known for quirky decor (like the collection of caps stapled to the dining room ceiling and the random oddities in its patio) and friendly, welcoming service.

After all that amazing comfort food, it's time to stretch our legs. We recommend going for a walk to the Cayucos Pier, and take in the beautiful sunset vistas.

Estero Bluffs State Park opens up the landscape of the California Coast and invites visitors to explore the landscape and beaches on the northern end of town.

This is one of those hidden gems that only locals know about, so you might just have it all to yourself!

After a morning of hiking the beautiful California coast, we're headed to Ocean Front Pizza for lunch.

You can purchase pepperoni or cheese by the slice or order a full-sized specialty pizza, like BBQ chicken or pesto chicken. The toppings, however, are beside the point: all the pizzas here are made with homemade sauce and hand-tossed dough, and it really makes a difference.

Afternoon Two: Sun, Surf, Sand, And Seafood

With turquoise waters and six miles of white sandy shores, this is the place people (and pups!) go to cool off on a hot day in SoCal.

While it's perfectly acceptable to sit, sink your toes in the sand, and day dream the afternoon away, Cayucos is celebrated for its surfing. So, if you feel so inclined, grab a surf board and hit the water!

We're tying a ribbon on this wonderful weekend getaway to Cayucos at a celebrated classic: Schooners.

Located in the heart of downtown Cayucos, Schooners is a classic seaside bar and grill serving lunch, dinner, and drinks. This unassuming little spot is a dining treasure, featuring wild-caught seafood, sustainably raised meat, and local produce.

And the dining experience continues even after your meal is over. Because you simply cannot come to Schooners without enjoying the outdoor oceanfront dining, with expansive views overlooking Cayucos State Beach.

Have you visited this charming small town in SoCal before? Cayucos is a dream of a place that’s even more enchanting in real life. Come and let yourself be swept away in this beautiful California Coast town!

Looking for more impossibly charming towns in SoCal? Here are some of our favorites… we love them all!

Not Your Average Bucket List Podcast

Only In Your State’s podcast Not Your Average Bucket List takes a deep dive into Cayucos, California, and everything it has to offer. Our hosts, Marisa Roman and Sara Heddleston, discuss what their “Perfect Day” in Cayucos would consist of. Take a look at the infographic below to get your own suggestions for the perfect day exploring this small town.

To discover even more about Cayucos, California in a fun, easily-digestible manner, tune in to OnlyInYourState’s brand new podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List, where we talk all about this charming town. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.