Cayucos - Area Attractions
- Harmony
- Hearst Castle
- Montana de Oro
- Morro Rock State Preserve
- Piedras Blancas
- The Abalone Farm
- The Elephant Seals of Piedras Blancas
- Morro Bay
Harmony, CA
Formerly a community of dairy farms, Harmony currently boasts Harmony Glassworks, Harmony Cellars, and a pottery studio.
A creamery operated in this location from 1869 until mid- 1955. Although many milk processing plants operated in the area, none operated as long or as successful as did the Harmony Valley Creamery Association. This quaint and enchanting town off of Highway 1 north of Cayucos currently has 18 residents and 1 state park.
http://www.centralcoasttourist.com/San_Luis_Obispo_CO/SLO_Area_Info/Harmony/harmony.html
Hearst Castle
High above the Pacific on a site he called "The Enchanted Hill," Mr.
William Randolph Hearst created his private retreat.
This magnificent Mediterranean-style country house features guesthouses, gardens,
pools and terraces. Once accessible only to celebrities and famous guests,
this grand estate is yours to explore. Visit one of the world’s greatest
historic house museums, located on California’s scenic coastal Highway 1
approximately 30 minutes north of Cayucos.
http://www.hearstcastle.org
Montana de Oro State Park
This park features rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy walking the park’s trails.
There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails as well as various campgrounds and day parking. The park’s name, “Mountain of Gold,” comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring.
http://www.slostateparks.com/montana_de_oro/default.asp
Morro Rock State Preserve
"Morro" is the Spanish name for crown. Named "El Morro" by Portuguese
Explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. Morro Rock State Historic
Landmark was formed from the plugs of long-extinct volcanoes.
Home of nesting Peregrine Falcons. Morro Rock was an important
navigational aid for mariners for over 300 years as its height of 576 feet
made it the most visible in a chain of nine peaks. Morro Rock, sometimes
called the "Gibraltar of the Pacific," is the last peak that extends from
San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. The Rock is closed to any climbing or disturbance.
http://www.slostateparks.com/morro_rock/default.asp
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
The name “Piedras Blancas” means white rocks in Spanish. The Piedras Blancas Light Station is located about 15 miles north of Cambria on a rugged, windswept point.
The Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1875 as an important aid to navigation. There is a rich human history and natural history that come together at Point Piedras Blancas. Tours include the historic lighthouse, support buildings, and a ½ mile interpretive trail. Tour information is available at
www.piedrasblancas.gov.
The Abalone Farm
Interested in seeing everything that goes into growing abalone? The Abalone Farm was developed in Cayucos for the California Red Abalone.
Check out the tour schedule on their website www.abalonefarm.com to get a behind the scenes journey that gives both kids and adults a glimpse into the sustainable aquaculture environment. It's a great opportunity for students and the curious alike!
The Elephant Seals of Piedras Blancas
The elephant seal is the largest of all pinnipeds. Adult bulls can exceed two tons in weight and ten feet in length. Like many marine mammals, it was hunted to near extinction in the 19th century.
Until recently, the huge seals lived in isolated areas far away from humans. In the early 1990s they started colonizing the unspoiled beaches and coves just south of Point Piedras Blancas, a few miles north of the famous Hearst Castle at San Simeon. Tourists may pull off Highway 1 into the parking area, take a short walk, and observe the elephant seals. Docents are usually present. For more information about elephant seals or other marine mammals that inhabit this area of the California Central Coast, contact the Friends of the Elephant Seal website at http://www.elephantseal.org
Morro Bay
Morro Bay holds a long-standing history as a thriving seaport with beautiful ocean views and a tranquil yet productive estuary. From the multitudes of bird species to the dozens of timid harbor seals, Morro Bay has been the home for a wide variety of marine life. The Embarcadero in Morro Bay has a variety of activities including visits to oyster farms, boat tours, restaurants and shopping. Contact the Chamber of Commerce online at www.morrobay.org for additional information.
When you come to Cayucos there is an endless list of things to do…
- Surfing
- Kite boarding
- Windsurfing
- Kayaking
- Boogie boarding
- Beach combing
- Tide pool exploration
- Hiking
- Stroll the pier
- Handicap Beach wheelchair surf
- Biking
- Dog Beach is leash free
- Other beaches require leashes for dogs
- Horses allowed on beach
- Pier fishing
- Surf fishing
- Kayak fishing
- Bonfires on beach
- Stargazing
- Hang gliding
- Playgrounds
- Skate park
- Community library
- Lighted tennis courts
- Shopping
- Antiques
- Boutiques
- Clothing
- Surf
- Gift
- Wine tasting
- Olive oil tasting
- Salons/spas