When vacationing in Cayucos, California, you can immerse yourself in the historic ambiance of the town or let your kids explore the nature trails, ocean, and scenic views. Finding something to do each day is easy. You can swim, surf, kayak, visit monuments, or tour historic castles, all within a short drive of your Cayucos vacation rental. When creating the itinerary for your Cayucos family vacation, consider adding these top 11 kid-friendly activities to your list.
1. Hike Estero Bluffs State Park
Get the best view of the coast by hiking Estero Bluffs State Park’s trails. During the hike, you’ll enjoy stunning views of tide pools filled with seals and sea birds, so be sure to bring your camera. Take the pathway to the beach, and enjoy a quick dip in the water. You could also relax on a lounge chair while your kids splash around.
2. Enjoy a Day of Paragliding
Soar high above the beautiful ocean in Cayucos. Sign up for paragliding lessons with Natural High Paragliding, and then enjoy the ride. A paragliding guide will teach your family the basics and ensure that everyone is as safe as possible while gliding through the air.
3. Surf in the Sun
Whether you are an expert surfer or a beginner catching your first wave, the beachfront in Cayucos is where you need to be. Take a break from lounging around in your vacation rental, and head over to the Cayucos Surf Company to get wetsuits, surfboards, and surf clothing for you and your family. Hit the waves right away, or sign up for a surf lesson before you venture into the ocean.
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4. Swim at Cayucos State Beach
Take advantage of California’s warm temperatures and the crashing waves at Cayucos State Beach. This beach is part of the state’s park system and attracts vacationers and locals who love to sunbathe and wade in the waters. Equip the kids with life jackets, and go for a morning dip. Pack your kids’ buckets and plastic shovels, and spend some time building sandcastles when you’re done swimming.
5. Visit Whale Rock Reservoir
Enjoy beautiful scenery and get some exercise at Whale Rock Reservoir in Cayucos. This reservoir is approximately 38,000 acres and has 3 miles of trails and pathways. It’s also home to Whale Rock Dam. Eat lunch at one of the designated picnic areas, and then spend some time bird watching with the kids. The reservoir hosts ospreys as well as migratory and resident bald eagles. This is a pet-friendly spot, so bring your furry friend along.
6. Spend the Day Fishing
Grab your fishing equipment, and see just how many bites you can get. Choose a spot by the world-famous Cayucos Pier to see if you can attract lingcod, halibut, surfperch, or bocaccios along the shore. Give the novice fishers a fair shake by booking a guided fishing trip from Good Clean Fun near the pier. As you ride on the boat with experienced fishing enthusiasts, ask questions that can help you develop into a better fisherman.
7. Grab a Sweet Treat
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a trip to the Brown Butter Cookie Company. This bakery features hand-rolled butter cookies made with a dash of sea salt, making the treats a vacation favorite. Flavor the samples set out by the staff before making your final choice, or grab a dozen cookies to take back to your vacation rental for the evening.
8. Gravitate to Morro Rock
If your kids are rock collectors, they’re sure to enjoy a visit to Morro Rock, which is monstrous in size and well worth the five-mile drive to the south. Morro Rock is known as a volcanic plug, and the locals call it the Gibraltar of the Pacific. Take a stroll to see this tourist spot, snap a few pictures, and stare in awe at its size. If you’re lucky, you and the kids might also spot a few peregrine falcons soaring around Morro Rock.
9. Take a Tour of Hearst Castle
Teach your little ones a thing or two about California history by taking a tour of Hearst Castle, home to newspaper tycoon William Randolf Hearst. Walk through the guest houses and the main home while admiring the stunning views of the ocean. Choose a tour that guides you through the museum and the tourist center to extend your day and your kids’ learning opportunity.
10. Visit the Piedras Blancas Light Station
Head just 28 miles north of your vacation rental to view the Piedras Blancas Light Station. It opened in 1875 and is one of the tallest lighthouses along the California coast. Bring your camera along, and take a picture of your kids standing in front of the lighthouse to keep as a souvenir. You must book a tour to experience the Piedras Blancas Light Station, so make sure you plan this educational trip in advance.
11. Hit the Parks
Allow your children to play alongside history by visiting Paul Andrew Park, site of a 19th-century jail. Play a game of tennis at Hardie Park, a popular playground featuring wading pools during the summer. A playground near the Cayucos Pier also gives your kids some jungle gym time.
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