The Cute Coastal Town That Bookends Your Big Sur Trip
as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words
If you're driving the PCH, Cayucos plays a specific role in your trip whether you realize it or not. Heading south to north, it's one of your last real stops before Big Sur swallows you whole. Heading north to south, it's the first breath of civilization you get once Big Sur spits you back out. Either way, this town deserves more than a bathroom break.
A Small Town With Big Views
Cayucos is genuinely one of the cuter towns along this stretch of coast. It's small, it's low-key, and it hasn't been polished into something it's not. The beaches here are stunning. Not "nice for a pit stop" stunning. Actually stunning.
Part of what makes Cayucos special is what it gives you access to. Morro Bay and Morro Rock are both right nearby, and both are worth the detour. Morro Rock in particular is one of those landmarks that looks almost fake the first time you see it, this massive volcanic plug just rising up out of the water next to the bay. It photographs incredibly well, and it's the kind of stop that turns a driving day into an actual adventure day.
Good Surf, If You Know Where to Look
If you surf, Cayucos is worth paying attention to. There are some quieter, more hidden spots if you know where to find them, and there are also beginner friendly breaks that are more forgiving if you're still learning.
I'll be honest about one thing. Some people say this stretch of coast feels sharky. I've never personally felt that way surfing here, but I'll also admit I've never gone out alone in this area. That might be part of why it's never felt unsettling to me. Worth keeping in mind if you're planning a solo session.
Here’s What Lives In My Gear Bag:
Sony a7r4; my work horse
Sony a7s3; mostly for video work like solo-filmmaking documentary
Tamron 16-30; probably my favorite lens right now
Tamron 28-75; I think this is the best all around focal length
Tamron 70-180; I don’t use this a ton, but it’s a great lens
Why Photographers Should Slow Down Here
As a photographer, Cayucos is one of those towns that rewards you for actually getting out of the car. Don't skip the pier. It's simple, it's classic, and it gives you that quintessential small beach town shot that a lot of people drive right past without noticing.
The stretch of Highway 1 just north of Cayucos is arguably even better than the town itself. You get these big open fields rolling right up against the coastline, and the light out there is something else. If you only stop for one photo on this leg of the trip, make it somewhere along that northern stretch.
A Few Practical Things to Know
Cayucos is dog friendly, which is always a win when you're road tripping with a pet. But a couple things to watch for. There are ticks and rattlesnakes in this area, especially if you're wandering through those open fields or any brushy trail sections. Check yourself and your dog after any off-path exploring.
If you're doing this trip in a van, there's one thing to plan around. You can't really camp overnight in your van along this stretch. That means you're working with out and back adventures instead, or figuring out legitimate parking ahead of time rather than assuming you'll find a spot to post up for the night. It's a small logistics hurdle, but one worth knowing before you arrive tired at 9pm looking for a place to park.
Surfing Morro Rock along the PCH. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton
The Bottom Line
Cayucos isn't a destination people plan entire trips around, and honestly, that's exactly what makes it worth stopping for. It's the kind of town you almost drive past on your way to somewhere bigger, until you actually stop and realize the beaches, the pier, and the open coastal fields north of town are some of the most underrated stretches of the whole PCH route.
Whether you're heading into Big Sur or just coming out of it, give Cayucos more than a gas station stop. Walk the pier, check out Morro Rock, and if the swell looks right, paddle out.
If you enjoyed this story, follow @storiesbydalton on your favorite platform.
Thank you for reading this journal entry. If you have enjoyed it and have something to add, send me an email: dj@dalton-johnson.com
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The Day’s Gallery
Read More About The California Coast
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, direcot, and writer (award-winning at all three) based in South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
