The area now known as Cayucos was originally inhabited by the Chumash people. In 1769, the first European explorers camped in the area and noted the many creeks and estuaries that provide good, clean water from the mountains. The name Cayucos comes from a Chumash word for “canoe” or “kayak,” but the town wasn't officially founded until 1867, when Captain James Cass settled on 320 acres and built a warehouse and pier. Today, the pier still stands and the warehouse is a community center, both harkening back to an important turning point in the town's history.
Cayucos was listed as one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America” by Frommer's “Budget Travel Magazine.” Unlike most resort towns, Cayucos has avoided over-development and retained a sense of charm with its glistening white beaches and quiet waters. Whatever your reason for visiting Cayucos, you'll want to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything this underrated locale has to offer.
When should you visit Cayucos, CA?
Cayucos offers a comfortable year-round climate that makes it a perfect destination no matter the season. Average highs settle in the mid-60s for most of the year, but temperatures creep up toward 70 from July through November. During the winter months, the average low is 43 degrees. Even during the warmer months, however, evenings in Cayucos can feel chilly, so you'll want to pack a few light layers to be on the safe side.
If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit Cayucos outside the peak summer season. Hotel rates are typically lower during the spring and fall, which can help you stick to your vacation budget. While winter is a perfectly good time to visit the central California coast, keep in mind that Cayucos experiences the most rainfall from December through March. If you still want to take advantage of rock-bottom hotel rates during the winter months, don't' forget your umbrella.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Cayucos, CA:
Cayucos, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Cayucos, CA. Browse these illustrations to evaluate the best dates to book a room in Cayucos throughout the year.
What are the luxury hotel options in Cayucos, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: $279.00
If you prefer a hotel with upscale amenities, you don't have to look far.
Cayucos Beach Inn is a pet-friendly accommodation near Paul Andrew Park that features a picnic area, barbecue grills, ample parking, a multilingual staff, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms include LED TVs with satellite programming, DVD players, pillowtop mattresses, coffee makers, desks, hair dryers, toiletries, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Family suites and rooms with kitchenettes are also available.
Masterpiece Hotel on Main Street in Morro Bay is a highly rated property that offers a range of amenities. Enjoy a fitness center, a spa tub, ticket assistance, guest laundry facilities, free newspapers in the lobby, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature LCD TVs with satellite programming, coffee makers, deep soaking bathtubs, and free Wi-Fi.
Looking for an oceanfront accommodation in Morro Bay? Consider the Best Western San Marcos Inn. Located within walking distance of Morro Bay Skateboard Museum, this hotel features a business center, a bar, a spa tub, a fireplace in the lobby, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature microwaves, mini fridges, satellite TV, hair dryers, toiletries, and private balconies.
What budget hotels are near Cayucos, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: $207.33
Finding an affordable hotel in or around Cayucos is easier than you might think.
The Dolphin Inn is conveniently located within 15 minutes of Morro Bay State Park and Cayucos State Beach. The straightforward hotel offers limited front desk hours and a complimentary breakfast. Guest rooms are basic but feature mini refrigerators, microwaves, cable TV, coffee makers, ceiling fans, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.
Situated about 4 miles from Cayucos, Motel 6 Morro Bay is an affordable, pet-friendly option with an outdoor pool, a vending machine, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and complimentary coffee in the lobby. The guest rooms are small but feature modern decor, wood-effect flooring, cable TV, and phones with free local calls.
Located within walking distance of the Morro Rock State Preserve, Morro Bay Beach Inn is a convenient, smoke-free hotel offering express check-out, free newspapers, and ample parking. The cozy guest rooms feature mini fridges, coffee makers, hair dryers, flat-screen TVs, and ironing facilities. Upgrade to a bay-view room for an even more memorable stay.
If you're flexible enough your travel plans, consider a stay at Americas Best Value Inn Atascadero/Paso Robles. Located about 12 miles from Cayucos, this budget-friendly hotel is one of the smaller options around town, but you can enjoy standard amenities and a quieter atmosphere. The hotel offers coffee in the common area, laundry facilities, a multilingual staff, a vending machine, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, cable programming, mini fridges, desks, hair dryers, separate sitting areas, and toiletries.
2 Star Average Prices: $154.82
What are the best hotels with discounts in Cayucos, CA?
If you're a military servicemember, government employee, senior, or AAA member, you can save even more money on your seaside vacation by taking advantage of special discounts.
For instance, AAA members can save at Best Western Tradewinds, which places you just 5 miles from Cayucos. This highly rated beach hotel features a safe deposit box at the front desk, a spa tub, a gorgeous patio area with lounge chairs, and a complimentary continental breakfast. The guest rooms are warm and cozy with wood furnishings, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, microwaves, desks, hair dryers, and toiletries.
If you don't mind staying a little further out, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Paso Robles Atascadero offers great rates to AAA members. This upscale hotel features an outdoor pool, a fitness center, wedding services, a fireplace in the lobby, meeting facilities, a business center, express check-in, and free Wi-Fi. Start your day with a complimentary breakfast, enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or snack bar, and unwind at the end of the day with a drink at the bar. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable, mini fridges, microwaves, desks, coffee makers, hair dryers, and toiletries.
Military service members and government personnel can save at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Atascadero. This pet-friendly hotel boasts an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a 24-hour fitness center, a business center, free newspapers in the lobby, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. The well-appointed guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable, mini fridges, microwaves, desks, hair dryers, toiletries, and phones with free local calls.
What are the best value options in Cayucos, CA?
The area around Cayucos has a variety of mid-range hotels priced to give you the right amount of amenities for your dollar.
Harbor House Inn Morro Bay is a wonderful pet-friendly option near Morro Bay State Park. Featured amenities include guest laundry facilities, ample parking, express check-out, and limited room service. You can also enjoy nearby boat tours, surfing, hiking trails, and bicycling. Each guest room features a mini fridge, microwave, satellite TV, coffee maker, ceiling fan, and complimentary Wi-Fi to make you feel at home.
La Serena Inn is another great choice, offering express check-in and check-out, a business center, ticket assistance, and use of a nearby fitness center. A complimentary continental breakfast is also included in your stay. Guest rooms are comfortable and cozy with satellite TV, mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, ironing facilities, hair dryers, and designer toiletries.
Bay View Inn offers light and airy rooms close to the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fireplace in the lobby, express check-in and check-out, ample parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Guest rooms feature TVs with cable programming, DVD players, mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, and blackout drapes to ensure you get the best night's sleep possible.
What are the best things to do in Cayucos, CA?
Given the fact that Cayucos is a tiny resort town, you might wonder how to fill your days beyond enjoying the surf and sand. Cayucos is considered the last historic California beach town for a reason, so don't be surprised to find antique shops, Old West-inspired saloons, and marine-themed crafted items tucked into every corner of town.
Cayucos features nine murals located within its 5 square miles, which is perfect for those wanting to embark on a self-guided walking tour. Along the way, do some window shopping on Ocean Avenue, the town's main street, to see what treasures catch your eye.
Of course, you can't visit Cayucos without strolling along the historic pier. The pier is an ideal spot for taking Instagram-worthy pictures, but it's also a great place for whale watching.
Once you've seen the actual town on foot, head to Estero Bluffs State Park for an exceptional hike along the coastal cliffs. Many of the hiking trails even provide access to tide pools and rocky coves.
Cayucos also serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby Paso Robles, the Napa of the Central Coast. Wine lovers will definitely want to add this day trip to their itineraries.
There's nothing quite like unwinding in Cayucos. From its themed bars and delicious food to historic structures and vintage goods, Cayucos is the place to go when you want to unwind. To make the most of it, be sure to find the perfect hotel that meets your needs and budget.
FAQs about hotels in Cayucos