Cayucos Travel Guide

Cayucos is a beautiful west coast Californian resort town nestled in the heart of the picturesque Estero Bay. With miles upon miles of perfect white sandy beaches, glistening turquoise warm waters beckoning the eager swimmer, and plenty of California’s best attractions nearby, this is a great stopping point on any California road trip.

Things to Do in Cayucos

One of the best things to do in Cayucos is to take a trip out to Hearst Castle - a magnificent estate built by former newspaper chief William Randolph Hearst. Cayucos itself is a great spot where you can stroll along the beaches that lead all the way out to Morro Bay. Walk along the pier and gaze out to the ocean for a chance to spot dolphins and whales, and browse the many eclectic restaurants and stores along the promenade of the main boardwalk.

Best Time to Visit Cayucos

California experiences a mediterranean climate and is warm all year around. That said, the months of June to August offer the best temperatures and are arguably the best time to visit Cayucos.

A Local's Guide to Cayucos Vacation Rentals

The small town of Cayucos, California, is full of sandy beaches, buzzing boardwalk and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This beach town is located on the coast in San Luis Obispo County along California State Route 1 between Cambria to the north and Morro Bay to the south. It is the perfect location for tourists to stay and explore the Californian Central Coast. Popular with vacationers all year round, Cayucos is a simple resort away from the crowds of more mainstream areas.

There’s plenty of hiking, fishing, cycling and walking on the miles of coastline for families and friends alike.

Active vacationers can enjoy some surfing along the miles of coastline in Cayucos as well as kayaking or watersports. Cayucos Pier is a great place for a walk and dolphins or whales can sometimes be spotted off the side of the structure. It was originally built in 1872 but then completely rebuilt in 2013. Today, fishing, bird spotting or just enjoying an ice cream in the sunshine are some of the most popular activities.

For visitors who want to take a slower-paced look at this charming resort, Cayucos has nine murals around the town. The whole town is only five square miles so it won’t take long to find these artistic drawings!

For a fun day trip, take a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to Hearst Castle in San Simeon. The mansion was created by William Randolph Hearst and has a great story surrounding it. Another day out is to take a trip to nearby Morro Bay and Morro Rock to spot some native elephant seals.

Wine-lovers can take a journey into the Californian wine region with a wine tasting tour by traditional bus or something more exciting like a train, hot air balloon and even helicopter! Just pick up a tour from Paso Robles and Edna Valley.

Cayucos is expensive in the peak month of August which is the dry season. Vacationers flock to the resort in July which is the hardest time to book accommodation and the beaches and tourist areas will be more crowded. January is the middle of the low season due to the weather but it is cheaper and easier to find a vacation rental. Visiting in the spring means cheaper accommodation and more choice.

Travelers arriving on a Saturday or Sunday will pay premium rates while guests who are able to start a vacation on a Tuesday or Wednesday will get a better deal.

The weather in Cayucos is typical of the Californian climate with warm, sunny days most of the year. The warm climate means Cayocus is pleasant all year round and the outdoor lifestyle can be enjoyed whenever but for the best weather visitors should come between June and August. Visit in the spring, March, April or May, for cheaper rates but less predictable weather conditions.