Cayucos Is The Best Small Town In Southern California For A Weekend Escape
By Sarah McCosham|Updated on July 31, 2023(Originally published August 22, 2022)
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
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.
Absolutely, wholly, and completely Cayucos is worth visiting. This town along the Central Coast embodies beach bliss and is a postcard-perfect undiscovered gem sure to sweep you off your feet.
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.
Cayucos is located on the Central California Coast, a fertile stretch of the shore roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It's located right off the acclaimed Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH), making it a convenient weekend getaway destination for those in SoCal.
The best part? Given its position along Highway 1, the journey to Cayucos is as gorgeous as the destination itself.
A classic coastal locale, Cayucos has a central downtown district that is incredibly walkable, irresistibly charming, and pedestrian friendly.
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.
While SoCal is known for its blazing hot summers, given its coastal location, Cayucos is a pleasant place to be all year long - summer included. In fact, summers in Cayucos are comfortable, arid, and clear whereas the winters are chilly, wet, and often cloudy.
And if you can handle the dry heat, the town truly comes alive during the summer, with seasonal events and festivals worth seeking out.
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Cayucos Farmers Market is a dream of a seasonal market, showcasing the bounty of this resplendent region of California. Sweet strawberries, fresh-caught seafood, artisanal honeys and cheeses... this is a wonderful place to explore!
If you prefer to visit in the spring, you'll want to come in March for the annual Sea Glass Festival. Each year, visitors come from all over the country to enjoy a weekend of artisan goods, beachside fun, live music, and an extensive marketplace of the finest sea glass art on the coast. The festival was canceled the last few years, but festival coordinators are hopeful for its return in the future.
Where to Stay
Cayucos Sunset Inn Bed & Breakfast, 95 S Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA 93430, USA
Given its location right on the shores of the Pacific, pretty much every accommodation in town is going to have amazing views... Cayucos Sunset Inn Bed & Breakfast certainly does!
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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.
Call us old-fashioned, but the chocolate chip cookies from Brown Butter are really all you need (And yes -- cookies for breakfast is a thing. It's vacation and we're embracing it!)
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Pair your fresh-from-the-oven cookies with a latte from Cayucos Coffee, and get ready for a walking tour of the town!
Cayucos Coffee, 155 N Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA 93430, USA
We adore Remember When, an antique shop specializing in one-of-a-kind wares with an emphasis on mid-century modern. Wouldn't these seafoam green dishes look perfect in your kitchen?
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.
Cayucos Sausage Co is a beloved local spot with house-made meats, artisan sausages, and deli sandwiches prepared daily.
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.
If the ocean has your heart and soul, there's no better route than the Pacific Coast Highway. One of the most famous scenic drives in California -- and the entire Pacific Northwest -- this scenic road stretches along Highway 1 for 656 miles, connecting Northern California and Southern California, Oregon, and Washington. The highway rolls right by Cayucos, and we definitely recommend setting out early to take in those stunning shoreline sunrises!
You can cruise down Highway 1 as long as you'd like, but definitely don't stop before reaching Morro Rock.
The 581-foot monolith is one of 13 volcanic plugs (remnant necks of extinct volcanoes), lava domes, and geological features between in San Luis Obispo County. It's a commanding sight that's grounding and life affirming, and we guarantee it will take your breath away.
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.
Sea Shanty, 296 S Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA 93430, USA
This seafood shack is also known for its epic desserts, which include over-the-top deliciousness like "The Kitchen Sink," a layering of ice creams, fruit, hot fudge and caramel, and crushed candy bars. (Calories don't count on vacation -- it's science!)
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.
Sea Shanty is a total vibe that perfectly sums up this SoCal town: artsy, accommodating, and wholly one-of-a-kind.
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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.
New day, new possibilities! This morning, we're headed out to explore some of the coastal landscape we cruised by yesterday; namely, Estero Bluffs State Park.
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.
Estero Bluffs State Park, 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA
Whether hiking the park's scenic, four-mile trail, watching whales, birding, or splashing about in the SoCal tide pools, everyone is invited to enjoy this precious stretch of unspoiled California coastline.
This is one of those hidden gems that only locals know about, so you might just have it all to yourself!
True to its name, this family-owned pizzeria is located quite literally on the beach, with just Ocean Front Avenue between the restaurant and the sand.
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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.
While it's perfectly acceptable to sit, sink your toes in the sand, and daydream the afternoon away, Cayucos is celebrated for its surfing. So, if you feel so inclined, grab a surfboard and hit the water!
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.
The oysters are a prized menu item; perfectly cold, sweet, succulent, and slurp-worthy. Definitely order a few plates to share!
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.
Cayucos isn't simply a charming SoCal destination for a weekend getaway; it's a place that will capture your heart and soul.
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! If you’re planning a drive to Cayucos, make sure you use our ultimate road trip packing list to make your trip a breeze.
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.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Best Beaches in Southern California
Katie Feldkamp|July 31, 2023
What are some of the best beaches in Southern California?
When the sun is shining brightly, there’s nothing better than a day at the beach. The next time you’re looking for a day spent on the coast, here is a helpful list to help you choose from some of the best beaches in Southern California:
La Jolla Cove is a magical little beach that has it all
San Buena Ventura State Beach is perfect for swimming, picnics, and surfing
It may be best to ask the locals how to navigate to Beacons Beach in Encinitas, but we promise it will be worth the trek!
Let the day transition to nighttime complete with bonfires at Corona Del Mar State Beach
There’s always something to see as you stroll along the 2.5-mile Ocean Front Walk at Venice Beach
What are some lesser-known beaches in Southern California?
If you’re fortunate enough to live in or travel to Southern California, chances are you’re also wanting to spend some time on the Pacific coast. While the popular beaches are fun, consider checking out these lesser-known beaches in Southern California for a relaxing day filled with sand and sun:
In Malibu, there’s La Piedra State Beach
Relax at Pirate’s Cove Beach in Newport Beach
Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna Beach. Here, the name doesn’t lie, but we promise it’s worth the steps!
You may already be familiar with this beach if you’re into surfing, but if not, check out Bluff Cove Beach in Palos Verdes Estates
