Cayucos – Day Trip

If you are looking for a short day trip to enjoy after the excitement of your wedding, this is the spot for you. A little bit retro, a little bit quaint, a little bit sleepy, this charming town north of San Luis Obispo is a must-see if you are checking out the California Central Coast.  Only 3 ½ square miles in total area, it boasts a pier from which fireworks are set off every Fourth of July.  Wander into one of the many surf shops and antiques shops and take home a memento of your trip.  Each spring the town hosts an annual sea glass festival, and on New Years’ Day the Polar Bear dip sends brave souls running into the Pacific Ocean, and running just as quickly back to dry land – and an awaiting towel.

One of my favorite spots in Cayucos is Brown Butter Cookie Company.  Started in 2008 by two sisters who love to bake, one step into this shop and you are hooked.  The smell of browned butter and baked cookies is as tempting as the plate of samples they offer.  Watch the cookie rollers hand roll each Brown Butter Sea Salt Cookie.  If that is not tempting enough, try their cocoa mint, expresso, almond, or gluten-free lemon poppy seed, just to name a few.  And, if you are hungry for more when you return home, just go to their website and order away.

If you are feeling hungry, and want more than cookies, you can get some tasty chowder at Schooners Wharf Restaurant.  Another spot for chowder is at Duckies Chowder House by the pier.  Or maybe you’d like to sample their tuna melt calamari strips.  If smoked fish tacos are more to your liking (some folks say they are the best on the planet), head over to Ruddell’s Smokehouse.  For a garden setting, try Hoppe’s Bistro and Wine Shop.  Open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, The Sea Shanty Restaurant has some very yummy homemade desserts.

Surrounded by ranchland with grazing cattle, and rolling hills peppered with oak trees, Cayucos got its name from the Chumash Indians who inhabited the area.  The name means kayak, and refers to the small canoes that the Aleuts used to hunt sea otters in the 1800s.  The area was settled in 1867 by Captain Cass who built a pier in the area he thought would be perfect for a shipping port.  Soon, sailing ships and steamers were frequenting the area, carrying dairy products from the area to larger cities along the California coast.  The old Cayucos Tavern became the hangout for seafarers and gambler alike.  Now, the town is the hangout for people who want to step away from the hassle and bustle of city life and enjoy the cool ocean breezes and walk the streets of this beach town.  Hope you enjoy your visit.  And, don’t forget to sample some cookies.  Or maybe even a whole pie from Pieman Pies.  My favorite is their peanut butter cream, or maybe the lemon meringue.  Now I’m hungry!

By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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