Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:San Luis Obispo, California
It is something of a maritime miracle; When the afternoon fog rolls into the Central California Coast, secluded Avila Beach is somehow still sunny and clear. But the moderate and warm microclimate of Avila Beach is only the beginning of its bag of coastal goodies. A renovated beachfront boardwalk and park, a 1,685-foot pier, sloping sands and expansive views of the rolling hills, are a few of the things that set Avila Beach apart from its neighbors. Located just seven miles south of San Luis Obispo, and half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Avila Beach is a favorite hangout for college students, residents, and tourists. Old-fashioned pretzel stands, hot dog vendors, historic seaside restaurants and delis, as well as the nearby wine country, all add local flavor, making Avila Beach the key ingredient to an enchantingly laid-back day at the shore.
Adults can rent kayaks along the beach front to tour Avila Beach's protected cove. Basketball courts are available or you can spend the day trying to putt your way out of the sand traps of Avila Beach's golf-course. Considered some of Central California's most "family-friendly" sands, the waves at Avila Beach are warm, gentle and forgiving and the naturally shallow water is ideal for toddlers. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months and an adjacent padded playground offers rides and equipment.
To get a very different perspective on Avila Beach, hang out for a while in one of the local bright, yellow bi-planes, chartered from nearby Oceano Airport. The neat and tidy Avila Beach Pier offers both sweeping seaside views and halibut fishing. Fish the in-shore area (the first third of the pier) for calico and barred surfperch, and head further down the pier for waters full of white croaker.
To get to Avila Beach, take Highway 101, then head down San Antonio Street toward Front, which runs parallel to the Ocean. To park, try the lot behind the Avila Beach Post Office on San Miguel Street.
Avila Beach is like a supporting actor that steals the show; while it is small and inconspicuous, it has become one of Central California Coast's most beloved shores.