I have lived in California most of my life, but I had never heard of Avila Beach. Until this year. Sometimes good things come to those that wait, right? It’s too incredible of a place not to share with you, so you can also explore this beautiful coastal destination.
Avila Beach sits between Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo in central California. Maybe you are familiar with the Pismo Beach sand dunes and Cal Poly SLO, the college located here. But what have you heard about Avila Beach? It is one of those hidden gems still left in California. A coastal California town with a laid-back beach vibe. It’s a wonderful location for any type of getaway – solo, couples, girls’ getaway, family, or even a multi-generational trip.
If you are planning a trip with your family, here are the top 8 things you can do in Avila Beach:
Hike the Coastal Trails near Avila Beach
You can’t take a trip to the Pacific Coast and not view the water from the cliffs above. Located only five minutes from downtown are a couple of gorgeous coastal hiking trails near Avila Beach. You’ll want to park in the Caves Landing Trail dirt parking lot and walk towards the left. The wide paved Shell Beach Bluff Trail will take you along a stunning coastal path where you’ll walk along the rugged ocean cliffs. You’ll eventually come to a neighborhood that, if you continue through, will lead you to Pismo Beach (though keep in mind this hike will take about two hours one way). Or, the trail wraps up the hill if you are in the mood for a steep climb. As we were enjoying our leisurely stroll, we simply turned around and walked the same way we came, taking just under one hour.
Once you are back at the parking lot, you’ll find the Caves Landing and Pirates Beach Cove Trail. These hikes are much shorter, at 5-10 minutes at most. The Pirates Beach Cove Trail winds to the left, down a set of stairs to a tranquil, small sandy beach. Or follow the path straight, and you will come to a cave. The most stunning ocean views will surround you once you walk through it! If you feel adventurous, you can climb up above the cave for 180-degree expansive views of the trails you just walked.
Walk or Ride Bikes along the Bob Jones Trail
The Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail is a paved three-mile trail leading to downtown Avila Beach. You can park in the parking lot located off Ontario Road, near Hwy 101, and begin there. Or, if you are staying in downtown Avila Beach, you can start the trail along the coast. The trail loops over a steel bridge and runs along the San Luis Obispo Creek. There are benches along the way and even a couple of places to pop into for a refreshing drink. It’s a great trail to walk or ride bikes.
Enjoy a Day at Avila State Beach
When visiting, one of your must-dos needs to be spending some time at Avila State Beach. It’s a vast, expansive beach with two piers you can walk on, volleyball courts, and even a swing set right on the sand. There is a fantastic playground on the grass area adjacent to the beach for the little ones.
The beach here is great any time of the day. Quiet for those morning strolls, bustling with beach activities during the day, and calm for a place to stop and watch the evening sunset. Grab those beach towels and sunscreen, and enjoy your day here!
Go on a Sea Kayaking Adventure
When we signed up to go kayaking, we figured we’d be slowly paddling through the ocean, observing the coastal scenery. While there was quite a bit of that, we did not realize the exhilarating adventure we’d also have. We booked our tour with Central Coast Kayaks. They provide you with a wetsuit, booties, life jacket, and helmet. Once dressed, you’ll head down to the beach to your single or tandem kayak.
You’ll start by paddling through the ocean waves and will make your way along the coast. Eventually, you will reach some caves where you have the option to paddle through them. The water will be calm most of the time, as on our first time through. Or you may experience rougher waves with the kayak going practically vertical over the waves. Let’s just say my kayak partner (my son, Tyler) asked the guide if we could go a second time since our first time through was too calm for him. Did we hit the waves vertically the second time? Absolutely! If you don’t want the risk of riding these waves, you can wait outside as the rest of the group goes through. You’ll have a quick snack break on a beach and then paddle back to the starting point. Some adorable sea lions may even accompany you along the way. The entire experience takes about three hours. The minimum age is 12 years old, and the cost for a single kayak is $110 or tandem $198.
Visit the Avila Valley Barn
Once a small farm stand on the side of the road, the Avila Valley Barn is now home to a petting zoo, bakery, sweet store, and gift shop. There are even tractor hayrides, pony rides, and an area for U-pick fruits and veggies.
For adults and kids of all ages, there are shops filled with fresh and local delicacies you can purchase to enjoy. There are even options to interact with the farm animals as you can buy lettuce and then feed it directly to them. The Avila Valley Barn is open year-round from 9 am – 6 pm. There is no cost to enter but an additional cost for the hayride and pony rides.
Go Wine Tasting at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards
While this might not be something your kids can participate in (aka the wine tasting portion), they can accompany you here and will be thrilled to watch the multitude of peacocks roaming the property. I’m not talking about one or two peacocks, but at least ten! To wine taste at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards, you’ll want to walk up to the back counter, no reservations required, and then your group will be seated in the outdoor garden area where you can sip and enjoy the afternoon here.
Explore the Central Coast Aquarium
The Central Coast Aquarium is adjacent to the beach and playground. This aquarium can be a great introduction to your kids about what they can find in the ocean. While it may be smaller, it packs a powerful punch with various marine animals and touch tanks to experience. Cost is $9 for adults, $7 for children under age 12, and free for those ages two years and younger. The aquarium is open Thursday-Sunday afternoons.
Grab a Bite to Eat at the Boardwalk
There are a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes located along the boardwalk in Avila Beach. Whether you are in the mood for a glass of wine at a local wine bar, a slice of pizza, a cone of Hawaiian shaved ice, or maybe some scrumptious seafood, you will find what you need here. After your meal, you can even walk out onto the Avila Beach Pier to watch the fisherman catch the daily fish.
Other Activities Near Avila Beach
If you are looking for other adventures during your stay here, you can visit nearby Pismo Beach, about a 10-minute drive away. Visit Shell Beach or rent some ATVs and off-road the beautiful Oceano sand beach dunes.
Or head north to San Luis Obispo’s lively downtown, about a 15-minute drive. We came here to eat lunch at the famous Firehouse Grill, which has some of the best tri-tip BBQ sandwiches. Other things to do in San Luis Obispo are visiting Cal Poly, hiking Bishop Peak, exploring Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and the various museums in the historic downtown.
If you need some additional R&R, you can visit the hot springs in Avila Beach at the Avila Hot Springs. While the kids enjoy the heated freshwater pool with two waterslides, you can indulge in a massage or dip in the hot mineral soaking pool. Cost is $25 for ages 16 and up and $22 for children 15 years and younger. Due to county restrictions, the water slides are currently closed, but please check before visiting as this may change.
Where is Avila Beach and How to Get There
Avila Beach is located just under four hours from Los Angeles or about three hours from the Bay area. If driving, it’s a beautiful coastal road trip. If flying, you can fly into Los Angeles or Santa Barbara and rent a car. Or, the local San Luis Obispo Regional airport offers flights to/from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix daily.
Places to Stay in Avila Beach
There are a variety of accommodations for any budget. If you prefer a hotel, the Avila Lighthouse Suites and Inn at Avila Beach are located directly across from the beach in the main town. The San Luis Bay Inn on the hill is lovely if you want a more quiet escape. Or, for a true getaway, stay at the Sycamore Mineral Spring Resort and Spa, which offers an array of natural springs to enjoy. There are also a variety of vacation rentals near Avila Beach.
Weather in Avila Beach
Like anywhere in California, the weather in Avila Beach tends to be quite pleasant throughout the year. In the summer, you can expect temperatures to be in the mid-70s. Many people flock to the beaches of California during the summer, so if you prefer to have the beach to yourself, I would recommend traveling in the off-season to Avila Beach. Fall, winter, or even early spring would be a lovely time to visit Avila Beach, though keep in mind the highs will most likely be in the mid-60s. We went in February, and it was gorgeous – warm enough to spend some time on the beach too! As with any location you choose to visit, you can enjoy it any time of the year, if prepared.
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Avila Beach is one of those places in California that is still undiscovered. Brimming with adventurous activities, options for relaxation, and a quintessential California beach town vibe, this is a destination you will want to put on your list of places to bring your family.
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