Staycation, anyone? SLO County spot ranked among top ‘quaint coastal towns’ in West
Planning a staycation? San Luis Obispo County is home to one of the best quaint coastal towns to visit on the West Coast, according to AAA.
The automobile association recently came up with a list of the top “waterfront communities to see the sights, grab a meal and experience unique perks.”
“The West is full of charming coastal towns with surprising features,” AAA writer Laura Kiniry wrote in a June 18 article titled “8 Quaint Coastal Towns in the West.”
Those include two Central Coast spots: Cayucos and Carmel-by-the-Sea and Cayucos.
What makes Cayucos a popular West Coast destination?
AAA described Cayucos as California’s “coolest little beach town.”
“Along with miles of beach, visitors can stroll along the historic pier — a perfect place for catching the sunset — or peruse downtown’s antique stores and specialty shops, all perched along an easily walkable stretch,” Kiniry wrote.
Things to do in Cayucos include hiking at Estero Bluffs State Park and exploring “kelp beds and hard-to-access beaches” on a kayak tour led by Good Clean Fun, AAA said.
Local restaurants and stores worth a visit, according to the automobile association, include:
Why is Carmel-by-the-Sea a top coastal town?
“A whimsical seaside village on California’s Monterey Peninsula, Carmel draws crowds with its bevy of 1920s cottages that look like something out of a fairytale,” Kiniry wrote.
Other attractions include a variety of upscale shops and Carmel Beach, “a favorite among surfers and dogs,” AAA said.
According to the automobile association, local restaurants and shops worth visiting include Bruno’s Market and Deli and Cottage of Sweets.
AAA: Check out these quaint coastal communities
Here’s the full list of coastal communities worth check out on the West Coast, according to AAA:
- Cayucos
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Neskowin, Oregon
- Seabrook, Washington
- Sequim, Washington
- Seward, Alaska