Page 62 - San Luis Obispo Visitors Guide - Summer 2025

62 SUMMER 2025 slovisitorsguide.com
Cayucos
(805) 995-3883 | 171 N. Ocean Ave, Cayucos | SchoonersCayucos.com
lunch • dinner • full bar Join us at the beach!
Cayucos—The crown of vintage
California coastal villages
Considered by many to be one
of the last California vintage
surf towns, Cayucos is a surprising
fusion of small-town soul with a
world beat. Its village charm, vast
stretches of spectacular California
coastline, some of the best food
and wine, family dining and shop-
ping in the region make Cayucos a
favorite for locals and visitors.
The name, Cayucos, is the
Spanish word for the canoes used
by the Chumash who originally
inhabited the area. The town took
its name from the original Mexi-
can land grant, Rancho Moro y
Cayucos.
Shopping, strolling, and surfing
Surfing, stand-up paddle board-
ing, skin diving, swimming, and
boating are certainly traditions
rooted in the town’s relationship
with the ocean.
The buildings are an eclectic
collection of architecture that house
local businesses, including antique
shops, gift shops, candy and ice
cream shops, surf shops, fine din-
ing, and an old-world tavern. The
Cayucos Pier, originally built by
town founder, Captain James Cass
in 1867, is a popular location for
fishing, strolls, and watching surf-
ers, dolphins, sea lions, and otters.
The annual New Year's Day Polar
Bear Dip is held in full view of the
pier. Hundreds of people show up
each year to take the icy plunge and
cheer on the swimmers.
Sea glass collectors and beach
walkers enjoy miles of shoreline.
Serious beach walkers can hike
the beach from Cayucos to Morro
Bay, except at high tide. Leashed
dogs are welcome along most of the
beach, and there is a small section
along the way known as Dog Beach,
one of the few where dogs are al-
lowed off-leash.
Small town soul
with a world beat
Kites, wind, and waves
It’s not unusual to see a few
kites, or more, dancing in the
breezy beach sky. The breeze
makes the beach a perfect place
to see how high your kite can go
and how many tricks you can
make it do. The wind and waves
create perfection for some brisk
windsurfing, and the waves are
known to give surfers some chal-
lenging rides.
Always something to do
Just off Highway 1, and about
30 minutes from Hearst Castle,
Cayucos is a great place for a
travel break or to spend a few to
several days. There are a variety
of hotels and accommodations,
many with beachfront views, and
lots of things to do and see for
the entire family.
The town is also famous for
many different street fairs and
festivals throughout the year.
Discover all there is to see and do
in Cayucos by checking out the
Cayucos Chamber of Commerce
event calendar at
cayucoschamber.com.
Cayucos, where small town soul meets a world beat.