Cayucos & Cambria

 

The charming seaside town of Cayucos is small (population 3,000), but the activities here are countless—surfing, swimming, and a range of diverse dining and shopping options are the area’s biggest draws. On the Cayucos Pier, rebuilt in 2015, you can whale-watch, fish, or snap pics of the impressive sunsets. 

Just 16 miles away, you’ll find Cambria, a remote retreat featuring white sand beaches, boutique hotels, and many historic attractions. Picnic spots have picturesque views, and walking, hiking, and biking trails are abundant. Visit the Old Santa Rosa Creek Road Chapel and journey through its gardens and cemetery. Witness the town’s charming Victorian architecture, some of which can be found on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

These quiet, slow-paced towns attract a range of residents, with retirees leading the count. There is a good percentage of young professionals, too, who enjoy a drivable and very leisurely commute.

 

Brown Butter Cookie Company, which bakes fresh sea salt cookies daily, is one of Cayuco’s most popular shops. Sample the breakfast banana split or the steamed California artichoke (served with mayo and melted butter) at Sea Shanty, or stop in at Linn’s for country-style fare and baked goods. Robin’s Restaurant serves Mexican, Thai, and Indian food in a charming setting.

 

Beaches, restaurants, and hotels are the main attractions in Cayucos and Cambria, which is heavily fueled by tourism. Walking tours, antique shops, a microbrewery, and of course, neighboring wineries provide a healthy social schedule for residents.

 

Coast Unified School District serves K-8 students in Cambria and Cayucos. Class sizes are small, with numerous local field trips. The district provides iPads for students in grades 6-8, while high school students receive Chromebooks. Coast Union High School has received two US News and World Report Silver Medal awards, while Santa Lucia and Coast Union were named star schools on the 2017-18 California Honor.