08/24/2026
The Estero Bluffs State Park is a local jewel offering public trails with panoramic ocean views, paths to secluded coves, tidepools, wildlife viewing and even a shipwreck!
🌊 Did you know a group of local residents and later the Cayucos Land Conservancy fought plans to rezone the park’s 355 acres for a 250-room hotel, housing and restaurants?
🌊 Community persistence successfully halted the massive resort proposal and triggered intervention by conservation organizations.
🌊 In 2000, Trust for Public Land bought the two parcels along four miles of the coast off Highway 1 near Cayucos.
🌊 Funding sources included state agencies, local government and private philanthropic foundations. In 2002, title ownership was deeded to California State Parks to manage public access. Simultaneously, the Cayucos Land Conservancy received a perpetual conservation easement to monitor and protect the natural landscape and viewshed.
The Estero Bluffs State Park is a day-use-only open space. Strict limits prohibit permanent facility additions like running water or restrooms to keep the bluffs pristine.
🌊 Parking: There are multiple unpaved gravel lots and informal turnouts directly off the ocean side of Highway 1 just past town north to San Geronimo Road.
🌊 The Cayucos Land Conservancy continues to purchase land to forever preserve for public use. Reach out at www.cayucoslandconservancy.org to learn about ways to help keep Cayucos and surrounding areas a protected greenbelt.
📷: Danna Joy Images
Cayucos Land Conservancy
