It’s often said that Cayucos, California is a well-kept secret, nestled between the rugged cliffs of the Central Coast and the vast Pacific Ocean. It’s a tiny place with a huge heart and a welcoming mood. The town is marked by its charming old-fashioned vibe, weathered wooden structures, and the scent of salt and seaweed that fills the air. But for me, the heart of Cayucos is its pier—a place where the rhythm of the waves lapping against the pilings creates a symphony that resonates in harmony with my footsteps.
I approach the pier, knowing the wooden boards will creak beneath my feet, each sound a reminder that I am walking above the tide. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over everything in sight. The water shines into the horizon. The sun is beginning to spread a late afternoon glow. Family groups walk the pier, others try their luck at fishing. To my right, three dogs skip with joy on the sand, often racing back to their people. To my left, one adult and two children swing in the playset on the beach.
I step onto the pier, taking a moment to pause and breathe in the ocean air. It fills my lungs with a freshness that revitalizes, as if I’m inhaling the very essence of this coastal town. I gaze out at the horizon, where the sky meets the sea in a gentle embrace. There’s something profound about standing at the edge of the land, a place where my footsteps leave a mark, as I look onward to where my shoes don’t matter. Each wave that pushes against the pilings seems to whisper secrets.
Many names are memorialized on the wooden slats of the railings. That they chose to add their signature to this landmark helps me understand how loved is this joining of land and sea. The pier, with its worn wooden slats and sun-bleached railings, keeps the memories of others who have walked this way in the footstep polish left on the surface of the pier.
I can’t reach the end of the pier. No one can, as a recent storm has demolished the last pilings. It’s an ever-present struggle. We people want to stretch our walk as far as we can, to see as much as we can. But nature sets our limits, as it has here on the pier in Cayucos.
I walk back to the town, wondering which coffee house, which restaurant, which saloon I will pick. It’s a pleasant jumble of choices. Will I make my way to the main street or stay on the strip by the beach? It’s been a perfect walk that displays the spirit of Cayucos: vibrant, inviting, and connected to nature.
As dusk keeps its promise, I feel a sense of gratitude. The pier is more than just a wooden structure. It’s a sanctuary for reflection, connection, and renewal. Each visit deepens my appreciation for this coastal gem, a place that welcomes me every time I visit. Walking the pier in Cayucos is not just a stroll; it’s a journey into the soul of a community, a dance with the waves, and a reminder that, amidst life’s changes, there is always a place to find peace.
Susan Vasquez 