Patchy Fog
San Luis Obispo County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Cayucos State Beach
Wide sandy beach in the quiet town of Cayucos centered on a 953-foot wooden fishing pier originally built in 1875. Gentle surf and warm-ish water for the Central Coast.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for photography.
NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for Today
Patchy fog. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. West southwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Patchy fog before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. West northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Weather
- 66°F air — cool but workable
- Fog — low visibility — good for moody photos, less for swimming
Water
- 60°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
Safety
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- NWS alert active — beach hazards statement issued july 12 at 2:14am pdt until july 15 at 11:00pm pdt by nws los angeles/oxnard ca
Best for photography today
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 12 at 2:14AM PDT until July 15 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf expected. Potential thunderstorms could produce lightning. * WHERE...San Luis Obispo County Beaches, Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore. Lightning strikes can harm individuals. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A south to southwest swell will affect the coastal waters through the week. With the longer period swell, the potential for larger surf and a greater risk for rip currents. High tides are expected to continue through this weekend with Monday being the peak of 7.0 to 7.6 ft above MLLW. With the high tides and south swell, there is the potential for some minor coastal flooding in low lying areas. Another concern will be the potential for lightning (10-20% chance).
Atmosphere
Water
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (PZZ645)
The LOX office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- CAZ362 Malibu Coast — Los Angeles County Beaches n/a
- CAZ354 Ventura County Beaches n/a
- CAZ349 Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast — Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast n/a
- CAZ340 San Luis Obispo County Beaches — Santa Barbara Central Coast Beaches n/a
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:32 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 10:19 AM | High | 3.6 ft |
| 2:14 PM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 8:41 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:19 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 11:03 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 3:14 PM | Low | 2.5 ft |
| 9:32 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:05 AM | Low | -1.7 ft |
| 11:46 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 4:11 PM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 10:23 PM | High | 6.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:49 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 12:27 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 5:09 PM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 11:13 PM | High | 6.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:31 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 1:09 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 6:09 PM | Low | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:05 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 7:11 AM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| 1:50 PM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 7:11 PM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:57 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 7:49 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 2:32 PM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 8:18 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9412110, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Patchy Fog
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 60°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Beach Info
Parking
Free parking along Ocean Front Ave and Ocean Ave.
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed at all times.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
10 D St, Cayucos, CA 93430
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Cayucos State Beach today?
Cayucos State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Cayucos State Beach dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs allowed at all times.
Is there an entry fee at Cayucos State Beach?
Entry to Cayucos State Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Cayucos State Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Cayucos State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Cayucos State Beach?
Amenities at Cayucos State Beach include restrooms, showers, pier, picnic tables.
When is the water warmest at Cayucos State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Cayucos State Beach located?
Cayucos State Beach is in San Luis Obispo County, CA, at 10 D St, Cayucos, CA 93430.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS