California’s ‘Hidden Gem’: A Charming Beach Town with Shops and Coastal Appeal

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California's 'Hidden Gem': A Charming Beach Town with Shops and Coastal Appeal

There are lots of cute beach towns along California’s central coast, but these days, it’s hard to find one that still feels undiscovered. Then you reach Cayucos. The picturesque town is bordered by a state park and large reservoir. A state beach and historic pier stand along the waterfront. Plus antique stores, surf shops, and colorful murals line town center. Cayucos is exactly what you have been looking for.



The spot on Estero Bay was originally the home of the Chumash people. They named the area Cayucos, or “Canoes,” after their fishing vessels. Cayucos sits between Cambria, a village for a cozy seaside vacation, and Morro Bay, an underrated California city, along the Pacific Coast Highway in San Luis Obispo County. The small town is now home to a tight-knit community of about 2,500 people. They call their charming beach town a “Little Slice of Paradise.” The nickname certainly fits.

Cayucos’ fun shops and restaurants

The main street lined with shops and restaurants in Cayucos, San Luis Obispo County, California



Though you came for the beach, it’s easy to get distracted on Ocean Avenue. Cayucos’ main road has unique shops, including antique stores, a leather designer, and an art gallery that makes cool t-shirts. Cayucos Surf Company and Good Clean Fun sell and rent surf gear. Cayucos Yoga offers drop-in classes. Plus, there are so many eye-catching murals on the sides of buildings around town that the Cayucos Mural Society created a map, facilitating a self-guided tour for visitors.

You will also find plenty of places to eat along Ocean Avenue. Mornings start with a caffeine fix at either Cayucos Coffee or Luna Coffee Bar. Brown Butter Cookie Company makes addictive shortbread cookies sprinkled with sea salt. Surfers grab a Chicago-style hot dog and a beer at Beach Bums after a day on the water. Then dinner options include farm-to-table dishes at Lunada Garden Bistro and freshly caught seafood at Schooners or the Sea Shanty.

A lot of bed and breakfasts and refurbished motels are within walking distance of these restaurants. Shoreline Inn (from $229 per night) sits directly on the sand. On the Beach Bed & Breakfast (from $239 per night) is right across from Cayucos Pier. While the recently renovated Pacific Motel (from $179 per night), just a block inland, has fire pits, loaner bikes, and outdoor showers.

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Beautiful water views around Cayucos

The historic wooden Cayucos Pier jutting into Estero Bay at Cayucos State Beach in Cayucos, San Luis Obispo County, California

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.