Rural Road Trip: Must-See Spots in Cayucos: Experience the best of the Highway 1 Discovery Route

The Best of California Highway 1: Must-See Spots in Cayucos

Cayucos is one of the oldest and coolest beach towns in California featuring the best of pet friendly beaches, surfing, kayaking and relaxation. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco Cayucos rests along the Highway 1 Discovery Route between Cambria to the north and Morro Bay to the south. Cayucos is a classic, historic California beach town that has remained immune to over development for years and offers both the relaxation of staying seaside and the thrill of outdoor activities. The major attractions of the town are the newly renovated pier, the long stretched white sand beaches where one can enjoy the sea life and get close to some water species like whales, dolphins, birds and many more.

Roam around the Coolest California Beach Town and Enter to Win a ‘Must-See’ Cayucos Getaway! Immerse yourself in this laid-back California beach town with its relaxed vibe and Western influences. Enjoy miles of pet-friendly beach, surfing, kayaking, strolling the historic pier and getting up close and personal with sea life. With plenty of family-owned restaurants, wineries and local artisan goods, there’s so much for you to enjoy on a fall, mid-week getaway to Cayucos.

Must-See Spots in Cayucos to Explore:

Cayucos Pier

If you want to witness large variety of fish and shellfish, then Cayucos Pier is your spot. Here you can experience the best of the Highway 1 Discovery Route and enjoy fishing, surfing and boogie boarding, and shopping at the local surf shops. The region is quite warmer compared to nearby beaches and other areas, so get ready to soak up the sunshine!

Tide Pools

This little known town has some great tide pool locations to explore. These tide pools are located at the base of a long stretch of bluffs and headlands just to the north of the town of Cayucos. There are large exposed rocks with high wave action along with lots of calmer water. There are plenty of barnacles, mussels and limpets in the more wave-exposed areas. The calmer waters have lots of algae, sea anemones, hermit crabs and snails.

Cayucos State Beach

This is one of the most amazing and scenic spots in Cayucos. Enjoy tidal washes, chasing shorebirds and hunting down the perfect seashells for your collection. The sandy beach offers mild weather, watersports such as surfing, swimming and tide-pooling, and the picnic tables and play equipment make it a perfect destination for a family-friendly day trip! Our furry four-legged friends are welcome too!

Estero Bluffs State Park

This state park of California is is known for offering variety of scenic views along the coast. It stretches along a 4 mile coastal plain, covering over 300 acres of land. The park is the home for several terrains and species and is blessed with rich marine and terrestrial wildlife. Visit from December to March an you just might witness the migrating whales that pass through the area.

Historic Cass House

This historic house was built in 1875 and was composed of Captain Cass’ store warehouse and wharf. It was built between the time of Captain Cass‘ arrival at Cayucos Landing in San Luis Obispo in 1867 and 1875. To build this house, fixtures and materials were purchased from Europe and England. Captain Cass was born in England and visited Cayucos California in his home as a merchant and miner. The Cass House was completely restored in 2008 as an intimate, five-room boutique hotel and also offers an onsite restaurant. The Grill at the Cass House offers a menu using selectively sourced ingredients from the bounty of the Central Coast. Sourced from local farms, the Cass House Garden, and familiar purveyors who share our appetite for food made with care. Gather in their pavilion and enjoy a meal prepared with seasonal ingredients complemented by the flavors of our wood-burning hearth.

Brown Butter Cookies

Featured in the New York Times, this sister-owned cookie company is nationally known for its signature sea salt cookie: a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread morsel with just a touch of sea salt. They also handcraft a number of other kinds of cookies and sell them from a market at 98 North Ocean Avenue in Cayucos. Visitors are welcome to smell the magnetic aroma of butter browning, watch the dough-makers in action, and sample freshly baked cookies during regular business hours at this charming small factory and storefront.

Exciting family-friendly events can also be found during every season from Cayucos’ famous 4th of July Parade and fireworks, to the Classic Car Show, to the widely popular Sea Glass Festival. Additionally, this fall you can enjoy live music, delicious food and tasty beverages at the Cayucos Beach Concert Series! This free event takes place right on the beach on the following Saturdays: September 24, October 15, & October 29. With the help of the Highway 1 Discovery Route, planning your trip is easy!