A visual travelogue of Cayucos Beach, California, a destination to decompress and recharge.
“He wandered by the sea from the border north as far as San Luis Obispo, and he learned to pilfer the tide pools for abalones and eels and mussels and perch, to dig the sandbars for clams, and to trap a rabbit in the dunes with a noose of fishline. And he lay in the sun-warmed sand, counting the waves.”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Inspiration
Sharing something different this time, photos from Cayucos Beach. Cayucos is a sleepy little beach town between Cambria and Morro Bay on Highway 1, in central California. There’s not much too do, which is why I recommend it. No museums to visit, no amusement park rides, no crowds, just a few antique shops and restaurants. Visiting Brown Butter Cookie Company is my only don’t miss recommendation. Top Dog Coffee will jump start the day. The main street rolls off Highway 1, straight through town, the beach is right there. South of the Cayucos beach by the pier, there is easy public beach access between the homes facing the beach. Parking is allowed by these beach access points. A long walk on Cayucos beach will take you to Morro Strand. From Cayucos it’s a short drive to Harmony or Cambria or even Hearst Castle to the north. To the south, it’s an easy drive to Morro Bay, Montaña de Oro , San Luis Obispo or even the touristy Pismo Beach.
Essentials
Most of the photos are looking south, to Morro Rock. A few face north, toward the pier in Cayucos. I fell in love with Cayucos during a turbulent time. My life was spinning apart, walking Cayucos beach soothed my aching spirit. We visit every summer. The mornings are foggy, but not cold. Taking photos at the beach is total serendipity. There is a quiet chaos there. The waves are on the move. Our dog Fred is on the move. The light changes when it’s foggy. People, dogs and birds move in and out of the frame. It’s more than enough to do on vacation.
Looks like a good place to explore and forget about your troubles in the misty fog.
Thank you Karen! Fog is an key component of summer along the central coast of California.
I love the California beaches and miss them. Bobby and I spent a year exploring many of the beaches up the west coast, but totally missed Cayucos Beach. Looks like a gorgeous little beach.
Thank you MJ!
Fun photos! Love visiting different beaches — although there’s a common theme (water! beach! sand/pebbles/rocks!), each one is quite different. Fun post — thanks.
Thank you John!
Lovely photos, Deb! I visited Cayucos Beach a few times when I was studying at Cal Poly and needed a mini-break. It’s such a peaceful gem along the coast!
Thank you Laura! It is wonderful!
It’s so nice to have a place to go to recharge and to feel comfort. What a beautiful beach. I was there long ago and must visit again. Fred sure looks like a sweet dog. 🙂
Thank you Valentina! Fred is a sweetheart!
Cayucos looks like the perfect getaway, peaceful and relaxing. I am glad you found your special place. Fred looks adorable.
Thank you Gerlinde!
Such a beautiful beach. Glad that you had a great time!
Thank you Denise!
What memories your post brings back. My wife and I stopped at Cayucos Beach on the way to Moro Bay where we spent the 2nd night of our honeymoon near 20 years ago. Thanks for the memories and lovely travel log.
Thank you Ron! It is a nice spot along the central coast. We stayed in Morro Bay on our last trip and very much enjoyed that too.
Sounds like a perfectly serene and peaceful get-a-way Deb. Seems to be my kind of place. I must head north one day soon and explore Cayucos Beach.
Thank you Mary! This part of a coast is less traveled than the Big Sur area, which is further north.
Cayucos is a favorite place of ours to visit too! I have many childhood memories here, as I have visited this little town my whole life. Love Cayucos!
Thank you Mindy! We love Cayucos too.