Beach guide
Cayucos Beach and Cayucos Pier
Cayucos, San Luis Obispo County, CA
Overview
Cayucos Beach is the small-town beach at the heart of Cayucos, a few miles north of Morro Bay. It's a state beach operated by San Luis Obispo County Parks, with the beach park at 200 Oceanfront Lane and the Cayucos Pier reaching out from the foot of town into Estero Bay.
The pier
The pier is nearly 1,000 feet long and is lit for night fishing, and you don't need a license to fish from it. Winter storms in February 2024 knocked out support piles near the end. In late October 2025 the County removed about 15 feet of damaged deck from the tip as an interim fix, with some weekday-morning closures during the work. The County plans to restore the pier's full length using steel piles, so expect occasional closures and fenced sections while that work moves forward.
Who comes here
Swimmers and families use the sand beside the pier, and anglers work the pier day and night. Restrooms, outdoor showers and picnic tables serve the beach. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer months.
Good to know
This is a state beach, so dogs must be leashed. Fires aren't permitted on the beach, and alcohol or amplified sound needs a County special use permit.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Cayucos is a few miles north of Morro Bay. The County beach park and pier are at 200 Oceanfront Lane. Call County Parks at (805) 781-5930 with questions.
Pier access during repairs
The County is repairing storm damage in phases. During the October 2025 work the pier closed 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekdays for construction access; further work may bring similar closures. Follow posted signs and fencing.
Swimming
Lifeguards cover the beach only in the peak summer months, so swim near a staffed tower when you can and use extra caution the rest of the year.
Group use
Beach areas can be reserved through County Parks (reservations are non-exclusive). Large groups, alcohol, amplified sound and inflatables need a special use permit.
Amenities
- Fishing pier — Lit for night fishing; no license needed
- Restrooms — Near the pier
- Outdoor showers — Rinse-off showers by the beach
- Picnic tables — At the beach park
- Lifeguards — Peak summer months; County Parks also runs junior lifeguard training
Rules & official resources
- Fires are not permitted on Cayucos Beach
- Alcohol, amplified sound and inflatable play structures require a County special use permit and fee
- Dogs are allowed on leash in permitted areas unless signs say otherwise; leashes may be no longer than 6 feet and owners must clean up
- No fishing license is needed on a public pier, but size limits, bag limits and seasons still apply
- During pier repair work, the County may close the pier at set hours; follow posted signs
Common boat service needs here
Harbor services in nearby Morro Bay
Cayucos has no harbor or launch ramp. Boaters fishing Estero Bay keep slips, moorings or dry storage in Morro Bay, a few miles south.
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Nearby providers
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Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026