Cayucos, CA

Travel Guide

Cayucos featuring a small town or village
Cayucos State Beach which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and outdoor art
Cayucos
Cayucos featuring shopping
Cayucos showing a small town or village

Snap photos of the jagged cliffs of Estero Bay in this charming town known for its pristine beach and intriguing indigenous past.

The large beach town of Cayucos is a scenic haven for vacationers on California’s western coast. Overlooking the picturesque Estero Bay on the Pacific Ocean, the resort provides plenty of fresh air and a serene atmosphere. Enjoy views of the undulating, mossy mountains that rise beyond the town skyline.

Among the highlights is the Cayucos State Beach just south of Cayucos Creek. Stroll along the main pier for excellent views of the bay. At the foot of the pier is a statue of a dolphin spot its real-life counterparts along this Central Coast region year-round. Go swimming and surfing on typical warm summer days and bring layers for occasional strong winds. Take lessons and rent gear from the surf shops near the beach.

Trek along the coastal trails to keep warm on mild winter days. Stay until dusk to see the sun descend beyond the landscape. The beach is part of a state park covering 16 acres (6.5 hectares) of stunning coastal terrain.

Behind the main stretch of sand is the historic Cass House, where Cayucos founder Captain James Cass resided. Admire the elegant terraces and well-kept lawn of this renovated home.

Archeological excavations have revealed that the Chumash peoples inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Embark on a trip to Morro Creek to see one of their main former settlements. Continue south down the coast to Morro BayOpens in a new window for its scenic beaches and charming town center. It is said that indigenous practices were centered on the glorious Morro Rock, where seals and rare falcons now gather.

The town is north of Santa Maria and Santa BarbaraOpens in a new window in the northwestern part of Southern California. Fly to the small San Luis Obispo Airport in its namesake county and drive north for 24 miles (38 kilometers) to get here. Move around the town by bus or walk in the small town center.

Cayucos is a hub of relaxation with marvelous beaches and ocean views.

Cayucos Beach Inn

Cayucos Beach Inn

2.5 out of 5
333 South Ocean Avenue Cayucos CA
The price is ¥19,523 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
¥19,523
¥21,963 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cayucos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
The room was very clean. We love the large rooms and always comfortable beds. The location is very convenient, right next to the grocery store, community park and Sea Shanty restaurant right across the street, and just a block to beach access. We always enjoy our stay here.

Reviewed on Nov 23, 2025

Cayucos Beach Inn
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

3.5 out of 5
9415 Hearst Drive San Simeon CA
The price is ¥17,383 per night from Nov 30 to Dec 1
¥17,383
¥19,590 total
Nov 30 - Dec 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,755 reviews)
Such a pleasant stay! Staff was on it when I had a request!

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2025

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Madonna Inn

Madonna Inn

3.5 out of 5
100 Madonna Road San Luis Obispo CA
The price is ¥20,711 per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
¥20,711
¥28,825 total
Dec 7 - Dec 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,309 reviews)
Madonna Inn was a spectacular getaway. We were pleased with our view from the Matterhorn room and the comfortable bed and spacious room. Delicious food options on the property and friendly staff. We can’t wait to return!!

Reviewed on Nov 27, 2025

Madonna Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oceanfront Cayucos Cottage on the sand

Oceanfront Cayucos Cottage on the sand

Cayucos CA
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Cayucos. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Cayucos Beach and Paul Andrew Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
Beautiful home with great beach access and amazing view. Was perfect for my family. Bathrooms were updated and nice. Would definitely stay here again. Host was easy to deal with as well.

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2025

Oceanfront Cayucos Cottage on the sand
Gathering Place overlooking beach, pier, and downtown Cayucos

Gathering Place overlooking beach, pier, and downtown Cayucos

Cayucos CA
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Cayucos. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (171 reviews)
Everything about the house was great! Good kitchen, fully stocked, plenty of space, super close and easy walk to the beach (2 minutes) and shops. Would for sure recommend. The beds are also super comfortable, which is a hard find at rentals.

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2025

Gathering Place overlooking beach, pier, and downtown Cayucos
Beautiful Custom home, great ocean views! Pets Allowed!

Beautiful Custom home, great ocean views! Pets Allowed!

Cayucos CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Cayucos. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Cayucos Beach and Morro ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (216 reviews)
Great communication. We had no issues accessing the home. Home was clean, spacious and welcoming. It was also stocked with all the essentials plus some. Views were amazing and lived being just a short drive to shops, restaurants and activities. Plenty of parking and a small run in the back for the ...

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025

Beautiful Custom home, great ocean views! Pets Allowed!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cayucos

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
76
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
30
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love this small beachtown its my favorite

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice, quiet little town, very chill and relaxing.

5/5 - Excellent

Maly

We will definitely plan another trip here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cayucos is like stepping back in time to the days when I went to the beach when I was a kid and went for the day to enjoy the beach with family. Generally it is not terribly crowded this time of the year, which makes it so relaxing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cayucos is a charming old time California town. The Pier is a highlight as well as the Antique shops.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Quaint, quiet little beach town. Great dining options around the area, nice beaches. Fun shopping,

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