Estero Bluffs State Park — Attraction in Cayucos

Beautiful bluffs just north of Cayucos (double check your Google search results for this park - Google sent us up to a beach near Hearst Castle, but this park can be accessed directly from 1 just north of Cayucos, or off the North Ocean road in Cayucos about 20 yards from the junction with 1.)

If you start at the North Ocean parking lot like we did you come across the shipwreck almost immediately. It's not very old, but it's fun to see it rusting away.

The path had some short but steep ups and downs, making it not very accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. You can avoid the worst of the steep ups and downs by staying on the wider path a little back from the bluffs.

There were lots of fascinating tide pools a short scramble down from the bluffs. And a few small beaches where families had set up to socially distance. The view down to Morro Rock was somewhat foggy on the summer day we visited, but it was beautiful and, despite the closeness to route 1, quite peaceful.

We didn't see any sea mammals (we're always looking out for seals and sea otters) but we saw some interesting birds including what looked like a night heron as well as the pelicans that are so ubiquitous in that area.

Highly recommended out and back hike with kids (ours...

Made a journey out here with a couple friends of mine for a small fishing trip. it's basically a cliff side where you have to do a little climbing to get to the beach. most of the beach is rocky but there are a few spots that have flat beach with sand and very tiny rocks. If you're looking to look at some tide pools there are plenty to explore. filled with hermit grabs, small anomies and even crab so be careful sticking you hand under rocks because they will get you. As for the fishing aspect, we caught a good number of Rock Fish. a lot we had to release due to being too small but 1 we caught was good size. this spot is nice if you want to fish or are just looking to have a nice view of the ocean and relax maybe even jump on some rocks next...

One of our favorite trails on the Central Coast. Easily accessible and easy to walk for the most part (there are a few slippery ups and downs depending on the direction you take and how far you walk). The beach below is also accessible though the paths down can be tricky to walk. Sea life and coastal birds are usually present in abundance. There are no restrooms or water sources and it can be windy so be prepared. The southern half of the park is dog-friendly (only on a leash). A popular attraction on the southern end is a wrecked and abandoned fishing boat, which can be reached during lower tide levels. Be careful if you...