If miles of dog-friendly beaches, delicious local cuisine and comfortable accommodations sound like your idea of fun, look no farther than the quaint little town of Cayucos. Located on an often-sunny south-facing beach, Cayucos hosts a variety of events throughout the year, many of which are dog-friendly.
For outdoor fun, Cayucos offers up one of the longest stretches of canine-welcoming shore in California. Numerous entrance points to the Morro Strand Beach invite dogs with free Mutt Mitts and trash cans for pet-waste disposal. Dogs are free to romp in the surf from the small beach just north of the Cayucos Pier to the edge of Morro Strand Beach, roughly four miles south. Nature-lovers with two feet or four paws will love the tide pools at the northern tip of this crescent beach where, during low tide, the abundant sea life of the splash zone is easily accessed.
Heading south from the pier, visitors can take a long coastal walk or sit and enjoy the surf. On warm days, be prepared for a beach chock-full of happy dogs splashing in the surf, chasing tennis balls and making new furry friends.
After working up an appetite in the sand, head over to local favorite Ruddell’s Smokehouse for delicious smoked fish salads, tacos or sandwiches. Everything on the menu is fresh, locally caught and smoked, and delicious. Dogs are welcome to accompany you inside while you order. The handful of sidewalk tables outside offer shade for pooped pooches in need of a rest while you chow down.
DogTrekkers in the mood for something more than take-out can walk north one block to Schooner’s Wharf Restaurant, where the downstairs courtyard offers fine dining for dogs and their humans. Famous for their fresh, locally caught seafood, Schooners also offers a wide variety of San Luis Obispo county microbrews and wines.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the world-famous Brown Butter Cookie Company a block off the beach in downtown Cayucos. Owners Traci and Christa Hozie ship cookies all over the United States, but here you can taste their delectable delights straight from the oven. Dog-friendly service on the front porch includes a concierge sampling of cookies and retail sales of cookies, granola and T-shirts.
Cayucos offers a handful of comfortable, clean, canine-loving accommodations. The Cayucos Beach Inn, a block from the beach, has a grassy dog walk area and pet wash station so you can rinse the sand off Scruffy before retiring for the night. The front-desk staff at this quiet inn can assist in finding local dog services including pet sitting, should the need arise.
With views of the beach and pier, the Shoreline Inn offers direct, room-to-beach access so Barkley can hit the sand first thing in the morning. Those wishing for a bit more luxury during their stay should consider the Pier View Suites, where two spacious, ocean view rooms welcome dogs.
