Avila Beach

The single-lane road that leads north into Avila Beach, just off Highway 1, winds through a lush oak valley and past natural mineral-rich hot springs until—suddenly—a panorama of ocean and palm trees appears. This bright, sweeping view includes just a half-mile of beach and a small town center, but don’t let its size fool you: There’s a lot to explore in this San Luis Opisbo County coastal town.

Water Activities in Avila Beach

Avila Beach is sheltered in San Luis Obispo Bay, with calmer waters and warmer air than other towns on the Central Coast, making it ideal for water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. Rent supplies from Avila Beach Paddlesports and make your way out to the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse for a docent-led tour available every Wednesday and Saturday (appointment only). Admire the bluffs overlooking San Luis Bay on the Pecho Coast Trail before heading out. On your journey back, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea otters, and other resident marine wildlife.

Feel like dinner and a show? Reserve a patio table at a beachside restaurant, then keep your binoculars handy for pods of grey and humpback whales. For up-close viewing, book a catamaran tour with Avila Beach Whale Watching. Bodysurfers and sunbathers alike can enjoy the shores of Cave Landing Beach and Olde Port Beach, while those traveling with dogs are welcome to let them explore off-leash at Fisherman’s Beach.

What to See and Do in Avila Beach

When you’re not enjoying the beaches, stroll along the promenade on Front Street and peruse its shops, bistros, and chic tasting rooms, like the one at Peloton Cellars. Then go for a soak in the mineral-rich waters of Avila Hot Springs. Golf lovers can play with a view of the water at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, set in the tree-filled valley you drove through on your way in. (The resort also hosts a blues festival on Memorial Day weekend and a pop concert on Labor Day weekend.) Or crank up the activity level by cycling or walking the Bob Jones Trail, which follows San Luis Obispo Creek. Traveling with children? Don’t miss the interactive exhibits at the Central Coast Aquarium, where the focus is on giving visitors the opportunity to see local marine life up close, or Avila Valley Barn, which offers the chance to pet and hand-feed farm animals, go on a hay or pony ride, and enjoy delicious bakery treats—especially the pies.

Where to Stay in Avila Beach

At the Inn at Avila Beach, you can get a front-row seat for the wave action from your oceanfront balcony. Quirky rooms boast features like a swinging king-size bed and themes like a 1930s theatre. You’ll also find a complimentary continental breakfast on the rooftop each morning, as well as pie à la mode every night at 8 p.m. Not quite two miles inland, Avila Village Inn offers a more country-like setting, where warm tones and gas fireplaces dial up the romance. Or immerse yourself in the outdoors by staying in a cabin or tent at Avila Hot Springs.

Where to Eat in Avila Beach

Start your day with biscuits and sausage gravy or crab eggs Benedict from Fat Cat’s Cafe; later, choose a record to play from the extensive collection at Locals Taproom before tasting the featured local brews, or savor a coastal Syrah from Sinor-LaVallee. Lunch calls for oysters on the half shell at Mersea’s, located on the very end of Port San Luis Pier. For dining with a view, try Custom House, which serves everything from pancakes to fresh seafood on a patio overlooking the bay. Or head to the nearby Blue Moon Over Avila, where you can dine on classic French dishes like escargots as the sun makes its slow descent over the shimmering bay waters.