Cayucos Is California’s Last Great Beach Town

With one of the most gorgeous coastlines in the U.S., there’s no doubt that California has a ton of incredible beach towns. But one, located on the Golden State’s Central Coast, is known as the “last great California beach town.”

Cayucos, California, home to just 2,500 people, is sandwiched between the slightly larger small towns of Cambria and Morro Bay. There’s just one main strip, located on Ocean Avenue, where you’ll find things like a cowboy-style bar, an expansive, multistory antique mall, as well as tons of locally owned restaurants and shops. Best of all, no matter where you are in Cayucos, you’re just a short walk from one of the most stunning beaches in California, with waves perfect for surfing (though you will likely need a wetsuit). Since Cayucos flies blissfully under the radar of most travelers, you won’t have to compete with countless tourists to find a spot to set down your beach towel.

Conveniently, this coastal haven is also an easy, scenic drive from popular Central Coast wine destinations such as San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles.

“If you’re staying here, you can get to the wine country within 30 minutes,” says Traci Hozie-Alderson. She and her sister Christa grew up on the Central Coast and cofounded the Brown Butter Cookie Company, a local institution known for its melt-in-your-mouth shortbread. “You can drive up the coast to San Simeon and Hearst Castle or down to Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, so [Cayucos is] perfectly located. It’s a nice escape if you’re looking for something that’s a little quiet without having to go too far.”

Beyond its location, there’s plenty to love about Cayucos itself, including easy access to some of the underrated state parks in the area. Cayucos State Beach is dog-friendly, a rarity for the California coast, and you can also feel the sea breeze on a hike at nearby Estero Bluffs State Park. 

Given Cayucos’ heralded status as a great surf town, you might want to hit the waves, ideally with a local outfitter like Cayucos Surf School. Then again, if you’d rather watch the action than participate, the over-150-year-old Cayucos Pier makes for an ideal front-row seat.

Back on land, you could easily spend an afternoon (or several) perusing the shops on Main Street. Try Cayucos Surf Company for beachwear galore, or hunt for hidden gems at antique malls like Main Street Antiques and Remember When. “A lot of people will come and do a staycation here, and they love to go antiquing,” says Hozie-Alderson.

Between surfing, shopping, and sightseeing, you’re sure to work up a strong appetite. Get an order of blue corn tacos at The Hidden Kitchen, which serves breakfast and lunch. For a quick pick-me-up, Hozie-Alderson recommends the “homemade blueberry muffins, scones, and quiche” at Bijou Bakery, located on the grounds of the historic Cass House. “It’s a treat to sit there on the property and go to the bakery,” Hozie-Alderson says.

In terms of lodging, Cayucos has a few different options. There’s charming oceanfront hotels like the Shoreline Inn, as well as chic, boutique, and family-run properties such as The Pacific Motel. The Central Coast climate has temperate weather year-round, but you may want to plan a trip during fall, when both the summer crowds (what little there are) and overcast weather dissipate. “In the fall, we tend to get a little warmer and sunny, and it’s a great time to plan a trip to the Central Coast because there are a lot of wine harvest dates,” says Hozie-Alderson. “It’s desirable year-round, but fall is our peak season.”

Could this be the last great California beach town? Well, Cayucos certainly makes a strong argument.