24 Hours in Cayucos

Immerse yourself in the flavors of SLO CAL with a one-of-a-kind breakfast  

Kickstart your morning with a delightful twist on breakfast classics at The Hidden Kitchen. Their menu features enticing plates such as “Cayucos Cowboy”, “Morro Melt” and “Cambria Classic”, each offering a taste of SLO CAL in every bite. 

Here, they specialize in blue corn waffles – the perfect vessel for both sweet and savory toppings. For a savory treat, don’t miss the “Avila Avo” – a creative take on avocado toast topped with egg, avocado and signature HK (Hidden Kitchen) sauce nestled on a blue corn waffle.

If you're craving something sweet, indulge in the “Rancho el Churro”, featuring a blue corn waffle topped with cinnamon sugar, dulce de leche and homemade HK whipped cream – your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy your meal al fresco and take in the salty breeze and ocean views as you enjoy breakfast in their outdoor dining area (dogs are welcome!). 

Before venturing on with your day, make sure to swing by Luna Coffee Bar for a social-worthy pick me up. With a delightful selection of coffees, frappés, smoothies and specialty drinks, there’s something to please every palate. Pro tip: bring your drink to enjoy outside in their flower-filled hidden garden! 

Catch a wave and enjoy vistas of pristine California coastline 

What better way to immerse yourself in SLO CAL’s vibrant surf culture than to get in on the action yourself? As an uncrowded beach with friendly waves, Cayucos Beach is the perfect place for surfers of all levels to hone their skills. Take a private or group lesson from an experienced instructor with Good Clean Fun (GCF). If the one-hour lesson leaves you wanting more, GCF welcomes you to keep the equipment for two additional hours to catch some waves on your own! 

After you’ve taken to the waves of Cayucos Beach, stroll along the historic Cayucos Pier and watch fellow surfers carve through the water from above. This Cayucos icon, stretching 950 feet and having history dating back to the late 1800s, is a must-visit! If you’re feeling lucky, rent some fishing gear from GCF and try your hand at catching Boccaccio Rockfish, Walleye or Silver Perch (no fishing license is required on the pier).  

Keep the adventure going with a hike along the Estero Bluffs State Park where you’ll be treated to four miles full of uninterrupted views of pristine California coastline. As you wander, keep an eye out for playful otters and harbor seals. If you’re visiting between December and March, you might catch a glimpse of majestic gray whales migrating south! The wide, flat trail welcomes hikers of all levels, and dogs on a leash are welcome to join in the fun. 

Savor a fresh seafood lunch at this beloved community cornerstone 

After your excitement-filled morning, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Sea Shanty has been a cherished cornerstone of the community, lovingly family-owned and operated by Carol Kramer and Bill Shea for over forty years.

Here, you’ll find an extensive menu of comfort food, featuring fresh, locally caught seafood, mouthwatering sandwiches, burgers and more. Don’t forget to indulge your sweet tooth with one of their famous desserts – whether it’s a slice of boysenberry pie, a decadent chocolate fudge cake or a delightful ice cream sundae.  

And as you enjoy your meal, take a moment to look up. You’ll see over 1,700 baseball caps that have been donated by locals and visitors alike. This display is a charming tribute to Owner Bill’s trucker days, and a quirky reminder of the community spirit that makes Cayucos so special. 

Rejuvenate and discover a thriving artisan culture 

Begin your afternoon with a rejuvenating facial treatment tailored just for you by Cristy Mical, co-founder and formulator of Mical Skincare. Whether you’re seeking exfoliation, acne treatment, hydration or deep cleansing, Cristy’s personalized approach addresses all skin types. Complete with a soothing lymphatic drainage massage, you’re in for an ultra-relaxing experience.  

Before you leave, treat yourself to some Mical Skincare products, expertly formulated and crafted right in Cayucos. Mical is dedicated to crafting healthy, safe and functional skincare solutions for all, offering a range of products like their nourishing cleansing oils and renewing exfoliants that harness the power of natural ingredients. 

After some well-deserved R&R, immerse yourself in Cayucos' vibrant artisan scene with a stroll down N. Ocean Avenue where a SLO CAL Crafted haven awaits. Start at Maven Leather + Design where you’ll discover high quality, naturally dyed, American bison leather goods that are made to last a lifetime. Owner Emma Thieme creates these bags, backpacks, wallets and more in-shop right above the showroom. 

Next, visit Cayucos Collective, an art gallery and custom printing studio in the heart of Downtown. This creative hub is owned and operated by local artists, surfers and skaters who share passion for the Central Coast. In the gallery explore an eclectic selection of handcrafted products, from one-of-a-kind paintings and sculptures to unique jewelry and apparel inspired by SLO CAL beach culture.

Pro Tip: While you’re here don’t forget to buy a few bottles of Cayucos Hot Sauce – it makes a great gift for friends and family! (It can also be purchased at GCF, Sea Shanty and Schooners along this itinerary.)  

Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to Brown Butter Cookie Company, where the cookies are made from scratch and rolled by hand daily right here in SLO CAL. Their (not-so) secret ingredient, brown butter, adds a depth of flavor that makes these cookies truly one-of-a-kind.

Indulge your senses in dinner with a view 

Delight in a nautical themed oceanfront dinner at the locally beloved Schooners. Head to the upstairs patio where you’ll be met with unrivaled coastal views – the perfect spot to watch the sunset while savoring a fresh seafood dinner.  

Treat yourself to a succulent lobster tail, pan-seared halibut or a savory cioppino, or pair seafood of your choice with a Harris Ranch steak to craft your perfect surf and turf dinner. Complement your meal with one of Schooners’ signature cocktails, from the iconic Legendary Bloody Mary to the Cool Burn Martini to create an unforgettable dining experience. 

Enjoy a nightcap at a speakeasy in a Michelin Guide hotel 

Cap off your adventure-filled day with a visit to The Salty Tiger, a speakeasy nestled within the Michelin Guide Pacific Motel. This stylish hideaway exudes a cozy yet eccentric atmosphere, inviting you to unwind and indulge in its creative libations including wine-based cocktails, local favorite beers and non-alcoholic mocktails.  

Enjoy your drink with a charcuterie board showcasing hyper-local ingredients such as artisanal cheese from Cambria’s Stepladder Creamery, salami from Atascadero’s Alle-Pia and freshly baked bread from San Luis Obispo’s Proof & Gather. At The Salty Tiger, every sip and bite invite you to savor the flavors of the region.