Avila Beach

Just north of Santa Barbara and below the hills of San Luis Obispo, you will find a town that will leave you in awe of all that Avila Beach has to offer. Located right on the shore of San Luis Obispo Bay, this family and dog-friendly beach is the perfect spot if you’re looking to picnic, featuring beach fire pits, barbeques, and picnic tables. Complete with a beach pier and promenade, you can enjoy a collection of local seafood restaurants, ice cream shops, and local wine bars with tasting rooms. Though there is much to do in Avila Beach, those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city will also find this seafront location will leave you with a relaxed and rejuvenated mindset to take home.

THINGS TO DO IN AVILA BEACH CA

This beach town has an immense amount of adventure just waiting for you to explore and the things to do in Avila Beach is a long list of activities for casual and active adventures alike. Whether you want to partake in whale watching in the San Luis Bay, take a cruise down to the Point San Luis Lighthouse, or rent a stand up paddleboard for the day, Avila Beach has it all.

Family-Friendly Avila Beach Activities

Avila Valley Barn

With its beginning as a roadside umbrella in 1985, the Avila Valley Barn is a treasure of San Luis Obispo, surrounded by acres of orchards, beautiful flowers, and vine-filled trellises. With a full open-air farmers market, you’ll be able to pick up fresh fruit, berries, vegetables, and other locally grown organic produce. They also offer pies, hand-crafted fudge, and other homemade desserts if you’re looking for a sweet treat.

Central Coast Aquarium

The Central Coast Aquarium has visitors from all across the United States who 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.

Avila Beach Outdoor Activities

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. This location also offers convenient cabins and dry tent camping with easy access to the beach and the Bob Jones Bike Trail.

Avila Beach Surf School

There’s no better way to experience San Luis Obispo Bay than riding the waves on a surfboard. Avila Beach Surf School offers hourly lessons for ages six and up, whether you’re looking for a private 1 on 1 lesson, private group lessons, or their all-inclusive package. Bring plenty of sunscreen but know that the board and wetsuit are included in their packages.

Avila Beach Golf Resort

Avila Beach Golf Resort is nestled on the edge of the bay and includes a par-72, 6,500-yard championship golf course. The front nine features hilly terrain within oak-lined valleys, while the back nine runs alongside a tidal estuary. This course has it all, from beachside views to challenging holes, and a neighborhood bar that serves delicious bites and beverages.

Relax at Avila Beach

Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa

Get a little R&R on your trip to Avila Beach, and check in at the Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa. Located on four acres of tropical ground, and featuring a full-service fitness facility with tennis, swimming, a gym, and a full-day spa, Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa has everything you need to get your wellness in for the day.

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 which will lead you to San Luis St. and straight into the jaw-dropping shores of 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. Explore more beaches in San Luis Obispo.
Yes, Avila Beach’s main beach features a half-mile stretch of sand with a pier running through the middle of the beach. This family-friendly beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, stand-up paddleboarding, other fun aquatic activities. Stop in at Avila Beach Paddlesports to get geared up for whatever water sports you’re looking for.
Avila Beach has a long 1,685-foot pier that extends into the San Luis Obispo Bay offering incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, and, if you’re lucky, possibly even some whale watching.
Dogs are allowed at Avila Beach on leash before 10 am and after 5 pm. If you’re looking to bring your pup during the day, OIde Port Beach next to Harford Pier allows dogs on leash all day, every day.