Cayucos Pier
Fishing pier · Cayucos ·

Cayucos Pier

Fishing pier · Cayucos ·

Relaxed pier with great views, fish tacos, and bonfires

Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null
Cayucos Pier by null

Information

Pacific Ave, Cayucos, CA 93430 Get directions

Information

Static Map

Pacific Ave, Cayucos, CA 93430 Get directions

+1 805 781 5930
highway1discoveryroute.com
@highway1roadtrip

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Dec 11, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@travelleisure
27,057 Postcards · 5,402 Cities

Cayucos Is California's Last Great Beach Town

"Stretching back more than 150 years, the Cayucos Pier provides an ideal front-row seat to watch the surf action along this scenic coastline." - Cu Fleshman Cu Fleshman Cu is a freelance writer and editor with more than five years of experience. She has written for a variety of publications, including Afar, Matador Network, and Editoire. No matter where she is in the world, you can find her hunting for local eats and hiking trails. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cayucos-california-11794284
Cayucos Pier

Jacqueline F.

Google
The beach is small, not overpopulated with swings and a play yard for the kids. My new favorite beach!

Bethany P.

Google
Can get busy but a wonderful little beach! Be prepared for windier chilly days!

Josiah R.

Google
Gorgeous pier and a nice little surf break when the conditions are right.

Michael P.

Google
Gotta stop at Duckies for fish tacos, etc. if you're anywhere near Cayucos. And walk out to the end of that pier while they've still got one. Great views when it's sunny.

L G

Google
Our first time ever being on the Cayucos Pier. 10/10!!! Cleanest pier I've ever seen. I'm asking myself if it's fairly new or freshly painted. Not too congested with people, as it is Easter Sunday. The beach nearby is clean and the water is clear. I will be back here again.

Victor R.

Google
I plan to do magnet fishing here and at the beach. A pleasant walk with lots of wooden benches to sit and watch the day go by and folks enjoying the beach or fishing. Nice place to promenade ,smell the ocean, people watch and just gang out with Lady Myra.

Baljinder D.

Google
Beautiful small town. Took a walk on the pier and ate ice cream on a beautiful day

Giorgio Jovani di S.

Google
We traveled to the Central Coast from the southern California to enjoy its beach living. We visited the pier for 4th of July because we saw online that a sandcastle competition was to take place at 8am. Then, a local in Paso Robles mentioned that they were headed to Cayucos for the holiday, so we figured it must be something to try. We expected professionally-sculpted castles, but these were great nonetheless. The pier and beach were filled with tons of locals enjoying the festivities. Local shops and restaurants were open and thriving. Pop up vendor tents were placed along the sidewalks and the castles were accessible for all to see. Certainly, this was a busy day for the pier, bit it was nice to see the community's involvement in its annual festivities. Parking was first come- first served but manageable. The pier is welcoming and quaint. For us city folk, the pier was inviting and accessible. Thank you, Cayucos, for your hospitality.
google avatar

Terry C.

Yelp
Cayucos Pier has free public parking just south of the pier as well as on nearby streets. The best time to visit the pier is spring and fall as there is less marine layer (fog) that comes ashore from the ocean -- although it's beautiful anytime of the year. The waves are generally small, which are good for beginning-intermediate surfers. Stand-up paddle boarders and kite surfers also enjoy this coastal playground area. The water temperature tends to be cool. The Cayucos Pier is a great place to see gray whales migrate along the California coast from Alaska to Baja California. The best time to see them is March and April. Being elevated on the pier helps in viewing the whales. One can also see other marine life such as elephant seals and sea lions, and on the north side of the pier are tide pools waiting to be discovered during low tide. Fishing from the pier without a fishing license is permitted. A large variety of fish and shellfish can be caught off various areas of the pier. At the foot of the pier, there is a beachside children's playground. Around the corner, there is a small skate park for skateboarding. Cayucos Pier includes amenities like outdoor showers, bathrooms, and within a short walk, eateries, and shops.
google avatar

Liz J.

Yelp
Visited Cayucss Beach, but the beach was full of seaweed and bugs, which wasn't ideal. It's tough to enjoy when there aren't many restaurants nearby either. Would love to see better beach upkeep, pest control, and more dining options to make this spot shine.
google avatar

Rachel J.

Yelp
I checked out this pier and its beach in the afternoon, later that night, and again in the morning. It completely stole my heart. It's just some wood over the ocean, but it's so much more than that. During the afternoon, the beach was plenty crowded with families, a group of lifeguards in training, and so many surfers & body boarders. It was invigorating to see it being enjoyed by so many people for so many reasons. And the pier at night? I don't think even Lovecraft could do it justice. Then the morning I had to say goodbye, it was calm and foggy. The worst part about it is how you'll want to go back all the time.
google avatar

Lincoln R.

Yelp
Amazing pier! I don't usually fish, but I've seen a ton of fishers, and they are all super kind and friendly. Great for kids, and a fantastic view!
google avatar

Ed U.

Yelp
It's not the longest pier in the world - that's in Mexico and it's about four miles long - but Cayucos Pier is long enough at 953 feet. It's also in immaculate shape since it was refurbished just six years ago, so you don't have to worry about missing slats under foot and slipping onto the beach. No, the only risk is the fishermen who may get cocky with their casting since the high winds can whip those hooks right in your face. But mostly, it's a pleasant stroll out to the ocean after you've gorged on the smoked salmon tacos at Ruddell's. That's a must (review: https://bit.ly/3n3G7KG). You can thank me later. RELATED - Exploring California's Central Coast? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3zSyudU
google avatar

Mary Lou S.

Yelp
A must stop place when we're in Cayucos. A play area, clean restrooms, a faucet to rinse the sand off after the kiddos have been playing in the sand and of course, the pier itself is a great photo op location.
google avatar

Tanya H.

Yelp
Wonderful place. We go there a lot. Always beautiful and the view is never really the same.
google avatar

PatrickJ T.

Yelp
Took a stroll on the Cayucos Pier during a very windy day. The pier was practically empty. Not one single person was fishing that day. It's a good place to go for a walk even when it is windy like the day I went. Make sure to hang onto your cap so it won't fly away! Watch out for birds wanting to poop on ya. Enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the town from the pier. Sunset is a great time to go. My time at the pier was very peaceful and windy. Stop by Cayucos Pier if you find yourself in this part of the Central Coast of California.
google avatar

Diana D.

Yelp
This is a cute little beach with a nice pier. Cayucos is a nice little small town, hence not as crowded as beaches in large cities, perfect for a nice cosy beachside vacation. Awesome views of the sunset. The pier was pretty clean, gets a bit dirty towards the far end. Dogs not allowed but I did see plenty of people on the pier with their dogs. Lots of eating spots near by.
google avatar

Kyle H.

Yelp
The power of the waves on the Pacific Coast was extreme. My friends and puppies were so happy to stop from our long road trip. It was a short walk from the beach parking lot. Also, the city restrooms were clean and had working showers. The beach was a great way to stretch your legs and have a picnic. The view was amazing.
google avatar

Joyce A.

Yelp
Kids love the beach area. Surfing and body surfing was prominent too. Food place nearby the beach. Small waves for smaller children. But, bigger waves as it goes closer to the pier for surfers. Didn't notice any lifeguard on duty. Watch your own children. Pet friendly.
google avatar

Phil S.

Yelp
Cayucos CA is a beautiful little beach town about 19 miles NW from San Luis Obisbo, (SLO) CA. A portion of my family gathered there for 3 days recently for my nieces graduation from Cal Poly in SLO. My brother & sister in law made arrangements at a beautiful Airbnb in Cayucos for 8 people for 3 days. The accommodations were awesome w/4bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a full kitchen and living room w/a balcony overlooking the ocean. The kitchen was fully stocked w/dishes, pans, utensils (NO FOOD) as were the bathrooms with linens to accommodate everyone. Six of us drove down from Berkley where my brother lives (about 3hrs north of Cayucos). When we arrived at the Airbnb we were rewarded w/3 bottles of booze, 1 Glenlivet, 1 Johnnie Walker double black & a bottle of Don Julio taquila. What a great way to wind down after driving down from Berkley, jus sit back and have a nice cold glass of Glenlivet (thanks bro much appreciated). The Airbnb had 2 bathrooms w/queen sized beds and a full bath w/a full bathroom, garage, equipped w/a golf cart to bop around town in (Incase we got too lazy and didn't want to walk (or too drunk)). The second level had 2 more bedrooms along w/another full bath. There was also a full kitchen fully equipped we got the energy to cook. The town is a cool little California beach town w/the town facing a beach front and the ocean. Overall they were awesome arrangements and a great way to relax and unwind. Thanks Jon & Debbie for the great accommodations.
google avatar

Shayla B.

Yelp
Cayucos pier in one word: stunning! Tucked away along the Central Coast in the small town of Cayucos lay this ravishing little pier. With calming sounds of the Cayucos Beach waves and views of the central coastline that will take your breath away. Walking down this pier emits such a strong feeling of serenity. The blusterous breeze, the beautiful ocean blues, and that ever so enchanting sunlight will be sure to make your heart melt. At any given time, you'll witness surfers riding the waves, children playing in the sand, and many people simply enjoying their time at the nearby beach. The pier itself has little inscriptions with names written on them that are tucked underneath the ledge. Whether you're coming solo, with friends, or bringing the entire family; there's virtually something here for everyone. The pier is located right above Cayucos Beach which is safe to surf and swim in. There's also a small playground nearby that's great for kids. It's a short distance to North Ocean Avenue which is filled with many restaurants, hotels, and shops. It's a great place to escape the hot weather since the wind from the beach waves tend to keep this area pretty cool. Cayucos itself is quite an adorable little town. It does get busy but it's not as crowded as Pismo Beach or Morro Bay. Parking is easy and conveniently located right outside of the pier. If you're looking to take a trip out to the Central Coast, you should squeeze in a little time to explore Cayucos Pier if you can.
google avatar

Marcus F.

Yelp
One of the safest piers in California. It's clean and not very busy and no worrying about people fishing via overhead casting. Even though you probably wont spend more than an hour or two in Cayucos the pier is a must see. - Brown Butter Cookies down the street - Look for sea otters passing under the pier - Check out the Harmony Headlands trail and the Estero Bluffs State Park trail just a few miles north of Cayucos.
google avatar

Frank W.

Yelp
We walked the pier on a beautiful day while enjoying the view and meeting a number of people including a few walking their dogs.
google avatar

Henry M.

Yelp
Great pier in a small sleepy town. Just reopened after being rebuilt by donations from many people.
google avatar

Wendy B.

Yelp
Cayucos is a small beach town. Plenty of small, mom and pop businesses, eateries, a decent beach that has public restrooms with showers outside, and a playground at one end for the young ones. The beach is well maintained and parking is adjacent the beach (for no additional fee), if you time it right. We were lucky to enjoy the beach in the late afternoon on a lovely May day, two grandchildren in tow. The children's slide and swing area is sandy, but was the sole purpose of our visit. The playground is not much to offer, but the little ones really didn't mind. And there was a place for the mommies and daddies and grannies to sit, against the sea wall, while they played. All quite sandy. Mind you, the surprisingly uncrowded beach was only so because it was still off season and mid-week. That is the key to enjoyment here, in my opinion. I am talking a fast getaway once the summer crowds arrive. No Bueno. But while we were doing our thing on the playground equipment and also taking a short jaunt out to the waves, an astounding thing occurred. In the distance, about where the buoy defines where the boats are not allowed, I saw a spout of water. Then another. Then many, many more. Unplanned, just pure luck, we were witnessing a pod of grey whales as they migrated north. Close enough for us to see, far enough for them to be safe. And sure enough, May is their month, as we found out some time later. I guess they head south in the fall, so if you want to witness another of Mother Nature's treats, there you go... prime times come twice a year. Then, on to visit the elephant seals north from here!
google avatar

Mark L.

Yelp
Great time amazing place. It never disappoints. Remember when this was a lazy little town. In some ways it still is. The parade and sand sculpture contest was a huge it. I try go to this Cayucos every year for the parade then go to PISMO beach in the afternoon for the beach and fireworks in the evening.
google avatar

Janette B.

Yelp
Stumbled upon this pier while staying in nearby Morro Bay. We decided to stop in Cayucos (4 miles from morro) to check out the beach & small town. The pier is housed on the north end of the beach & offers spectacular views from all around. On this particular day, we didn't see anyone fishing off the pier, but a few folks strolling about like us & some surfers catching the waves below. We came around sunset so the timing was perfect to catch the beautiful colors melting along the horizon. It's simple & romantic & how every evening (on vacation) should end. Ps, bonus points if you read the plaques that line the pier. These folks invested in this structure for you & I to enjoy so pay patronage & respect.
google avatar

Janna L.

Yelp
Sunsets here are gorgeous. Not too crowded, at least off-season. Parking was easy in the beach lot. People are friendly. Dog friendly! Mine stayed on her leash the whole time as I was not sure about the laws here for pups, better safe than sorry. Cute little town area with several eateries/bars nearby. A short drive also to Morro Bay. Loved walking the pier. It was super clean. It had some benches for sitting and even saw for fishermen, a place to safely dispose of their fishing line! Way to save the wildlife! There are even decent public restrooms at the base of the pier for after your long journey to get here or before you start your road trip back home. The sand was smooth and the beach/sand itself was super clean. We saw lots of little shells and pieces of sand dollars as the tide rolled in. A place where you come to re-set, see the sea, smell the fresh, briny air, hear the waves crashing on shore and get to thinking - it is good to be alive!
google avatar

Sarah D.

Yelp
We have spent the last 2 years coming to Cayucos to celebrate the 4th of July with all the family and even friends The parade is super cute, there is quite a lot of people but all have been really nice. I love the atmosphere and the food. If you have not spent the 4th of July there then this is the place to go and make sure to take some warm clothes because it is chilly in the evening!
google avatar

Michele O.

Yelp
If you are wanting to take a long walk off a short pier, this isn't the pier for you. Almost 1,000 feet long, this wooden pier offers the most fantastic views of Cayucos and Morro Bay. A great place to watch surfers catch a wave, birds dive for fish, and on occasion, if you are lucky, spot a whale or two. And the sunsets can be the most fantastic you will ever see.
google avatar

Javier M.

Yelp
This is one of the cleanest piers you will ever stroll on. You will see some fishermen and various families taking in the sights. After your stroll or time of reflection there are shops, restaurants & watering holes to enjoy. Quaint & calm. Perfect for a family outing.
google avatar

Chris D.

Yelp
Rickety old creaky wooden pier that was built in the late 1800's with beautiful views. The End.
google avatar

Jim C.

Yelp
Love this town...quaint...quiet...and A.J. loves Dog friendly. We both love this place. Surfing, Beaching, tans galore...& good selection of restaurants...AND DOGS on the Beach. Who could ask for more?
google avatar

Shawn D.

Yelp
Great view all around, wasn't very crowded when we went. Seagulls even posed for a photo op!
google avatar

Delaine Z.

Yelp
Wonderful pier on the Central California Coast. It's a great place to walk out and watch the waves break over the rocks and on the beach. Occasionally you will see surfers, and there is usually someone fishing.
google avatar

Josh L.

Yelp
The old pier was nice, but this one is a great updated version that is nice to walk on. The pier is fun for the kids to walk right out into the water, do some fishing, or just stroll with your loved ones. The only thing I miss is that there are not as many benches to sit on and they did not put on a fish cleaning station like the old pier had.
google avatar

Christina G.

Yelp
What, we can rate the pier now? Of course this gets 5 stars. :) A trip to Cayucos would not be a trip to Cayucos without a sunny afternoon stroll along the Pier. You can even fish legally here without a license and catch some perch or sardines. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even jump overboard. But don't do it during prime time in summer, or you'll get a tanning from the lifeguards on duty.
google avatar

Jeanette W.

Yelp
Wonderful place, but watch out for inconsiderate people like this who bring their dog to the beach and crap multiple times without picking any of it up. Stay classy
google avatar

Robert S.

Yelp
Fishing, Beers, jumping off the Pier for a wave, enjoying a sunny or/and event foggy day too many memories from years and years and years of living next to the Cayucos pier. I may not remember them all but I have been there through many events of this pier. I have seen it before waves took it down or I have seen fireworks shot off the pier I have seen it closed down and full of people enjoying it as much as I have. One memory I may never forget is someone asking directions to the pier when we were across the street but instead we told them to get on the freeway and drive south towards Cambria. The funny part is they did not realize they were across the street and got on hw1 and proceeeded to go that way. Yes we were mean little kids. I need to come back to the hometown and do some fishing for old times sake.
google avatar

Fronando C.

Yelp
It is a true joy to live on the Central Coast. One of my favs is to go watch the sunset at the Cayucos pier. Never crowded and always a treat. There was some heavy damage after the last storm season but they are going to rebuild and make the pier wider. Can wait for the upgrade.
google avatar

S Alicia S.

Yelp
Cayucos State Beach was completely appealing to me. Colorful apartment flats seem to hang on to the rocky cliffside surface. Itty islands are scattered around the ocean and waves are constantly hitting the shores like a rustic, but modern painting. Where harmony and warmth can simultaneously overwhelming oneself with life and nature. It's a nice daytime getaway.
google avatar

Neil T.

Yelp
This pier was closed due to construction. :-( This pier has many good memories for me when I was fishing off this pier. The pier will be nice once construction is finished.
google avatar

Bob C.

Yelp
Cayucos is the last beach in Southern California as you go north on Hwy 1. Because it has not changed much in the last 50 years and faces southwest out of most of the beach fog and wind makes Cayucos Pier a very special place. A "dog friendly" beach is very rare too. Fun for the entire family and or all your beach activities. Cayucos, the way California used to be.....come experience this very special place. See slocoastalproperties.com for photos of the Cayucos Pier.
google avatar

Alicia C.

Yelp
The pier is so clean and wonderful to walk on any time of the day...at night you can go out there with the locals and fish, although there were times we were out there for hours and didn't catch a thing! Go out there with your family and enjoy the beauty!!
google avatar

cat k.

Yelp
spent manyy nights on this pier...on nice clear nights...and many freezing windy nights..all thanks to my "big brothers" who are relentless....(o i miss those nights) then in the years after i took some of the younger kids fishing out on this pier. good times. its a rather long pier..with good amount of seating as you wait... several of my friends have caught sharks, crab, rays, lilbait fish here.
google avatar

Ivy N.

Yelp
After we ordered our cookies to go, we decided to walk on the pier. The weather was cold out so it was chilly out there. It's nice to watch the birds and people surfing out on the water. I even saw a couple kayaking and having a great time with their family.
google avatar

Elizabeth O.

Yelp
Beautiful views! We saw schools of fish just below the pier, an otter! a spotted seal! and about 6-7 dolphins just offshore! It was beautiful. Weather was great. Fishermen on pier so watch little ones - they aren't supposed to "overhead cast" but signs don't stop people
google avatar

Jake P.

Yelp
Newly renovated ($2million or more), raised by residents and Cayucos-loving guests, this pier is one of only a few remaining in the state. Great for fishing, viewing, and meeting new friends, the Cayucos pier is a feature of our Central Coast.
google avatar

Gina H.

Yelp
Simply beautiful. Located on a cool beach that has dogs ripping around and lots of kids playing. Great place to wait for a seal to pop its head up. People jump off the pier and swim all of the time too!
google avatar

Scott B.

Yelp
The pier is a great place for visitors and families. It offers great views of the Morro Rock and the Pacific Ocean, of course. I'm very excited that the pier will soon be repaired and reopened thanks to the efforts of the local community, donors and the county. Way to go!
google avatar

Charley C.

Yelp
Simple - Park your car and go for a walk. Day or Night, Cold or Hot, Windy or Still, take a walk! A view of the ocean, a look back at Cayucos, A vista to Morro Bay, and a gateway to the north coast and Big Sur. It is just really nice for a stroll!
google avatar

Trent C.

Yelp
The Pier was really friendly, I found myself put at ease with it's demeanor and quite reflection on the surrounding beach and ocean. It seemed to be built well, it hasn't fallen over yet. I've never seen it complain about people walking all over it. Overall this pier was a lot less stuck up then Venice so that's why I gave it a 5 star review!
google avatar

Angela W.

Yelp
We decided to kick off the end of summer with a beach trip, we usually go to pismo or morro bay but heard good things about Cayucos so decided to give it a try. It wasn't super crowded (on a sat) which was nice. The beach seems pretty clean and it's got a working shower and bathrooms so that's a plus. It's got a cute little play ground and a good variety of restaurants around it. Don't expect to find much parking, there is only one little parking lot and we couldn't find a spot at noon on a Saturday. The waves were ok around noon but really started to pick up around 5, my son did some bodyboarding and wave jumping and enjoyed himself a lot. My other 2 children enjoyed splashing in the waves and playing on the beach too. The only thing I experienced here that I really hated was the bugs were so thick you literally couldn't sit down and just enjoy yourself in the shade (or even eat/expose food) because they would just swarm. If you only plan to play in the waves or stand around its a great beach but don't expect to get much relaxation in the shade or you'll be disappointed.

Judi S.

Yelp
The pier is closed for repairs right now. Not sure when it will reopen. The town is worth a visit even if you cannot go on the pier.
google avatar

Jeff K.

Yelp
We were just there the other day and the pier is closed off, except for about 1/10th the length of the entire span. There is a poster about fund raising to keep the pier alive, but apparently it seems not much is happening so far. The pier is over 100 years old and should be taken care of, it would have been nice to walk to the end of it and from far away it seems like you can. Up close there is some beams holding floorboards together and big holes where it would be unsafe to walk on. The seagulls have taken over the entire thing now, like zombies taking over a graveyard. Hopefully some money will flow this way, the city of Cayucos deserves better and this pier is a highlight of any visit. Even in it's sorry state, it was nice to walk on it part of the way. One day I would like to walk to the end and see the sights, it would be a disgrace to knock this old structure down. I hope they can fix it, not destroy or redo it.

Scott J.

Yelp
My favorite pier. Very simple pier. Threw the past in the water 8/3/12