Best Things to Do in Cayucos

Start by walking the vintage pier (built in 1872), which has postcard-worthy panoramic views, before making your way down to the beach’s white sands. If you’re a parent, there’s a playground at the foot of the pier. And if you’re a dog owner, you’re encouraged to hang-out with your leashed animal, taking in either sunrise or sunset, both of which are spectacular here.

Those in search of a Norman Rockwell-esque experience can hit the pier with rented fishing poles or other gear from Good Clean Fun, which also offers kayak rentals. The odds of a catch are in your favor with the abundance of sea life. Expect to find Surfperch, and possibly striped bass and halibut.

And if you’re feeling amphibious, Serene Waters and the aforementioned Good Clean Fun provide surf lessons. Peaceful beaches and year-round waves make Cayucos a beloved surfing spot for a reason.

Who says the East Coast lays claim to the tastiest chowder? This award-winning spot serves exactly that, in red (Manhattan) or white (New England). Fast-casual in vibe, you know you’re in the right spot, because it’s usually filled with locals.

The shack-chic Schooner’s serves wild-caught fish in many forms, thus making for a terrific excuse to order the fish and chips. Arrive early to grab a table out back, where you can take in a view of the pier while feasting on nautical noshes.

Ignore the dozens of baseball caps hanging from its ceiling and just trust us that Sea Shanty, which looks like a roadside bar, is actually a go-to for catch-of-the-day entrees. This is also a place where you’ll want to save room for some deliciously homey ice cream and pie desserts.

If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t regret finding an excuse to visit the addictive Brown Butter Cookie Company just up the street. They sell a variety of flavors (think: cocoa mint, almond, cinnamon) that are freshly baked and available for sampling, too. 

If you’re one to hike or bike, venture six miles south on PCH to the more touristy Morro Bay. The town is built around a massive volcanic rock that stretches 576 feet out of the sea. Alas, you cannot climb the rock, but you can trek a number of trails and bike paths. (Rent any type of bike imaginable at Cal Coast Adventures.) There are no bad views.

Morro Rock is also a designated sanctuary for the peregrine falcon and other species, making it a primo bird-watching destination, with tours offered by The Audubon Society or the Central Coast State Parks Association. For those who are super-serious about their avian-spotting, consider a visit during the Morro Bay Bird Festival. If mammals are more your thing, whale-watching is practically year-round via boat tours, as is observing the perfectly adorable sea-otter population, which hangs out near South T-Pier, Harbor Walk and Target Rock.

Craving a maximalist reprieve from all this earthy, down-home exploration? Head north about 23 miles to Hearst Castle. A National Historic Landmark, the Moorish-style mansion (technically named La Cuesta Encantada, or “Enchanted Hill”) was constructed between 1919 and 1947 over eight acres by William Randolph Hearst, the wealthy publishing tycoon and inspiration behind Citizen Kane. It’s here where Hearst once kept the largest private zoo in the world, so don’t be surprised if you spot a zebra along the way.  

The castle has 165 rooms filled with global antiquities, Greco-Roman themed pools (one indoor, one outside), and sweeping views. Speaking of, the nearby Hearst Ranch Winery is a great spot to take in that vista over a glass of wine. There are 13 tours at the Hearst Castle — start with the Grand Rooms tour — and we strongly suggest you buy tickets in advance.

The Pacific Motel is one of the newest motels in town — and also happens to be the most talked-about place to stay. Across the street from the shore, it’s a bright, spotless collection of bungalow-type rooms that has such Instagram-friendly products as Parachute sheets and FableRune bath products.

A mile up from The Pacific Motel, you’ll find the recently renovated Shoreline Inn, with airy, welcoming rooms. The Shoreline claims that it’s the only beachfront hotel in the area, so expect to pay a little more for rooms with beach and pier views.

Coastal Gilmore Girls more your vibe? There are plenty of B&Bs in the area too, such as the posh (if pet-free) On the Beach. It has ocean-view accommodations as well as rooms with fireplaces and balconies.