Cayucos

Cayucos is one of California's last historical beach towns. Situated just twenty minutes north of San Luis Obispo on Scenic Highway One, Cayucos offers a relaxed atmosphere with wonderful unspoiled beaches, a popular beachside boardwalk and a pier for fishing and enjoying the sunsets. The Chumash Indians were the original inhabitants of most of the region now claimed by San Luis Obispo.

The Chumash of the Cayucos area call themselves Stishni and their Chumashan language is quite distinct from all the other Chumashan speakers to the south and east. The most famous invention of the Chumash was the plank canoe, called a tomol or Cayuco. Hence, the birth of the name of our town, Cayucos.



The town of Cayucos began to evolve during the Spanish Land Grant days and was part of the Morro Bay Cayucos Rancho. Captain James Cass built the original wharf, store and warehouse, which provided commerce throughout the coastal communities. He began construction of the pier in 1872 and it extended 380 feet out to sea. Boats would anchor out beyond the pier because the shoreline was too shallow. There were two surfboats that would load and unload the cargo. In 1876, the pier was lengthened to 982 feet so that ships could come alongside the pier. The current Cayucos Vet's Hall was the holding warehouse for cargo. Steamships could bring up to 90 passengers and 200 tons of freight at one time. When the state took control of the pier, it underwent some changes and 40 feet of the pier were removed. This pier still stands today.

The family and dog friendly town of Cayucos enjoys mild weather year round. It offers an array of activities and restaurants for visitors and their pets. From locally caught fish and chips to five-star dining, there is something for every budget in "The coolest beach town in America."