what is there to do in avila beach

by Mr. Enrique O'Keefe Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Other Things to Do in Avila Beach

Hiking and Biking. Cycling is another of the many popular things to do in Avila Beach. ...
Shopping in Avila Beach. The main street promenade and along with waterfront, visitors find an abundance of boutique and specialty shops.
Dining Options. ...
Wine Tasting. ...

Full Answer

What are the best things to do in Avila?

Beautiful location, tree-lined stroll next to a river and a golf course, takes you to Avila beach. 2. Point San Luis Lighthouse And there is a swing! 3. Avila Main Beach

How do I get to Avila Beach?

Avila Beach is just a short 15-minute cruise from the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo and California Polytechnic State University. Enjoy the quick trip down 101 Highway, where you’ll exit on Avila Beach Drive that will lead you to San Luis St. and straight into the jaw-dropping shores of Avila Beach.

Is Avila Beach the Ultimate Weekend in California?

When you envision the ultimate weekend in California, you’ll find that the picturesque Avila Beach matches it near perfectly. Just off of Highway 1 yet secluded from the rest of the Central Coast, Avila Beach is a laid-back community filled with tranquil hiking trails, indulgent spas and wine that flows with no end.

Where can I go kayaking in Avila Beach?

If you’re looking to go kayaking in Avila Beach, Fisherman’s Beach near the Port San Luis Harbor is the perfect place for launching your kayak into the water and exploring. You can bring your own kayaks, or if you need to rent one then you can check out somewhere like Avila Beach Paddlesports.

Is Avila Beach worth visiting?

Is Avila Beach Worth Visiting? Avila Beach is a great day trip from Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo. The views and the small town feel really relaxes you. If you happen to arrive in Avila Beach on a sunny summer day (which is pretty much every day), then you're in for a treat for all your senses.

What is Avila Beach known for?

With its own uniquely sunny and warm micro-climate, Avila Beach is a breath of fresh salt air, with amenity-laden hotels, charming oceanfront restaurants, magnificent local wines, and shopping and activities for all to enjoy.

Which is nicer Avila Beach or Pismo Beach?

Avila tends to be sunnier and warmer (especially in summer months) and the drive through a wooded area to get there is lovely. Pismo, however, has more options for accommodations. If you love being able to walk a long stretch of white sand beach, go to Pismo. If you are a real sunlover, go to Avila.

Is Avila Beach free?

The Avila Beach Trolley is a free service that connects the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets to Port San Luis, via Avila Beach, Avila Valley (the Avila Barn, Bob Jones Bike Trail, Hot Springs & KOA Campground), along with resorts in Shell Beach and Pismo Beach.

Is Avila Beach warmer than Pismo Beach?

Protected from heavy surf and winds by Point San Luis, Avila Beach is usually warmer than other beaches along the central coast. Half-mile long Avila Beach spreads along the shore of San Luis Obispo Bay, 6 miles north of Pismo Beach.

Is Avila Beach good for swimming?

Located on California's beautiful central coast, Avila Beach is a popular destination for a wide variety of beach activities including surfing and swimming. The beach is relatively small and generally warmer weather than most other central coast beaches because it is south-facing, and sheltered by Point San Luis.

Is Avila Beach a town?

Tucked way into the coastal cove of San Luis Obispo Bay, Avila Beach is a small seaside town with big-time charm.

What is better Pismo Beach or Morro Bay?

I recommend Morro Bay as it is almost always quieter and less crowded than Pismo Beach. For one thing, Morro Bay is off Hwy 1, the coastal road from Big Sur to San Luis Obispo, not 101, a major north-south artery between SF and LA.

Is Santa Barbara or Pismo Beach better?

Pismo Beach is a more laid back family friendly beach town, while Santa Barbara is a far more upscale, romantic couples friendly city next to the sea.

Is Avila Beach Open?

Our wonderful beaches are open, but we ask you to follow physical distancing and wear masks when you can't be six feet apart. Avila Beach is following all CDC guidelines and incorporating their recommendations for your safety.

How much is parking in Avila Beach?

Parking rates are $6.00 for all day. It is closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. If that is full or you still want free parking the long stretch of main road that runs through Avila is all free.

Is Avila Beach Pier open?

This pier is open to the public and extends out almost directly south from the main beach in Avila Beach.

Avila Beach Attractions

It's hardly surprising that so many tourists keep coming back to Avila Beach each year. This alluring city is bursting with awesome things to do. Whether you're interested in sightseeing or trying more action-packed experiences, you'll never have a boring moment here.

Free Things to Do in Avila Beach

Escaping to Avila Beach on a budget? The following can be seen for zip.

Popular places to visit in Avila Beach

Watch whales from the benches that flank this long pier offering unobstructed vistas of the ocean and the hilly environs.

How many piers are there at Avila Beach?

When visiting a beach, taking a walk along the piers is a must-do! Avila Beach actually has three piers (only two of which are open to the public…the third is a research pier) so you will definitely want to check them out.

When is the Avila Beach Farmers Market?

If you’re wondering what to do in Avila Beach in the summer, then the Avila Beach Farmers Market is a great event to attend! It takes place from April through September every year on Fridays from 4pm-8pm.

Where is Kravabowl in Avila Beach?

Kravabowl is located inside Avila Market just along Front Street facing the beach.

Where to go on a beach vacation in California?

This cute coastal town near San Luis Obispo is the perfect place to enjoy a beach vacation, with lots of fun ocean activities, great food, good hikes, and cool local secret spots to explore.

Is Avila Hot Springs a good place to stay?

Avila Hot Springs is a fun and relaxing place to spend the day, whether you are staying here or not. If you want to stay here, they have rental cabins you can use…or if you simply want to enjoy the pool and hot springs you can pay a minimal fee for a day pass to use instead.

Is the Central Coast Aquarium in Avila Beach?

The Central Coast Aquarium is a really fun stop during your time in Avila Beach, and it is fairly central to the main Avila attractions which makes it easy to visit. Although this aquarium only consists of two rooms, it really packs a punch for its size!

Is Smugglers Cave in Avila Beach?

Explore Smugglers Cave. Although Smugglers Cave isn’t technically a cave (it’s really a tunnel), this is still a fun and popular stop while exploring Avila Beach. To get here, you simply take an earlier turn off (before getting to Avila) on the steep Cave Landing Road and then take a short hike.

Central Coast Aquarium

The Central Coast Aquarium has visitors from all across the United States that are dazzled by the up close and personal interactions with the Central Coast marine life. Take tours or self explore to learn about all of the aquatic creatures and their ecosystems.

Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail

The Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail is a 3-mile, leisurely road that takes travelers on a journey through lush forests, along the San Luis Obispo Creek, and out to the beautiful seas of Avila Beach. The Bob Jones Bike Trail is perfect for all levels of biking and hiking. Plus, it’s dog-friendly!

Avila Hot Springs

Discovered in 1907, these popular natural mineral springs are a hidden oasis in Avila Beach. The historic Avila Hot Springs is known for its heated freshwater pools, massage therapy sessions, and, of course, relaxing hot springs.

How Far Is Avila Beach From San Luis Obispo?

Are the Beaches Open at Avila Beach?

Yes, Avila Beach is open and ready to welcome its visitors back to this awe-inspiring coastal beach, just a quick jaunt from downtown SLO.

Go for a Bike Ride at Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail

One of the most exciting ways to see Avila Beach is by embarking on an outdoor adventure.

Take a Refreshing Stroll at Harford Pier

Harford Pier, also known as Pier 3, is 1,320-feet long and was built by John Harford.

Get Up-Close With Whales at Avila Beach

Whale watching is another great activity that you can do with the whole family.

Relax Your Mind and Body at Avila Beach Hot Springs

The Budan family founded Avila Beach Hot Springs in 1907 when the oil drillers they hired discovered hot springs in Avila Beach instead of oil.

Go on a Family Trip at Avila Valley Barn

If you want to buy locally sourced products, then you should go to Avila Valley Barn.

Have a Glass of Wine at Kelsey Key Canyon Vineyards

Are you traveling with your family and looking for a kid-friendly winery?

Learn More About Marine Life at Central Coast Aquarium

The Central Coast Aquarium is a great tourist attraction for the young ones and those young at heart.

What is the best beach in Avila?

Avila Beach is the perfect beach in Avila to relax as it is sheltered from the winds you may have experienced earlier in the day at the other side of town. There is also plenty of space so you don’t feel as if you’re on top of other beachgoers and you can respect social distancing measures.

Where is Avila Barn?

Located on the way into downtown Avila is Avila Barn, directly across from Avila Hot Springs. This is the place to stop if you’re looking for unique gifts, freshly baked goodies, or farm-fresh fruits and veggies. There are also a variety of farm animals here that you can feed lettuce to.

Can I stay in Avila Beach for a weekend?

If you’re able to stay in Avila Beach for more than a weekend, I suggest considering a vacation rental. An Airbnb or something similar will allow you to cook for yourself and will also help with social distancing if you’re traveling there during the pandemic.

Where is Avila Beach?

Avila Beach is located on the coast of California, right off Highway 1 about an hour north of Santa Barbara. In this article, I will share the 11 best places to visit and things to do in Avila Beach during your California road trip! Table of Contents hide. Planning Your Roadtrip.

Where is Pirates Cove in Avila?

Pirates Cove is a stunning beach in Avila that cannot be missed! Where To Park. To get here, navigate to the address 1551 Cave Landing Road, San Luis Obispo rather than Pirates Cove into Google Maps. If you do the latter you will end up in the wrong place!

Is Avila Beach a busy beach?

Whilst Avila Beach is by no means a busy beach compared to other California beaches, if you want to experience it before the families and groups descend for the day head there early in the morning. Or if sunset is more your thing, wait until late afternoon and hang out on the pier as the sun goes down.

WHY AVILA BEACH IS THE PERFECT FAMILY-FRIENDLY GETAWAY

Avila Beach is an awesome destination for families looking for a chill beach getaway. The beach is just steps from the center of town, and the surrounding hills shelter it from the wind. You’ll find that the weather is overall warmer and sunnier than other Central Coast destinations, making Avila perfect for long days playing on the sand.

TOP 10 FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN AVILA BEACH

It should come as no surprise that going to the beach tops a list of things to do in a town called Avila Beach! Of the six main beaches in Avila, three are great for family beach days and can be easily accessed along Avila Beach Drive.

GETTING TO AVILA BEACH

Avila is easily reached by car. It’s located just off 101, 100 miles north of Santa Barbara or 150 miles south of Monterey. The location makes this area a perfect weekend getaway from either the Bay Area or Los Angeles. It’s also an ideal stop on a coastal California road trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN AVILA BEACH WITH KIDS

The beach is at the heart of this laid-back town, and you’ll find plenty of lodging options within an easy walk of the beach and downtown. There’s nothing better than simply waking up in the morning, grabbing some towels and toys, and walking across the street to set up for a family day at the beach.

ITINERARY: FOUR DAYS IN AVILA BEACH WITH KIDS

The following is a sample itinerary for a four-day family weekend in Avila Beach that features the things to do suggested above. I’m the type of person that wants to see as much as possible everywhere I go, so I know it’s on the busy side. John usually offers a pared-down itinerary, but this time there wasn’t much he wanted to take out.