Avila Beach, home to the Chumash people for thousands of years, is a coastal town in California. This is Central Coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, making Avila Beach and this area a great stop for road trips. You can fly into the local airport at San Luis Obispo or take the Pacific Surfliner from San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and in between.
If you’re looking for a laid-back low-key beach getaway, and still be close to the city of San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach is your destination. In a valley of lush woodlands by the bay, Avila Beach has hot springs, local wines, a sandy swimming beach, and spectacular sunsets. It’s also a spot for whale watching.
Quick Links :: Avila Beach History | Where to Stay in Avila Beach | Avila Beach Activities & Attractions
Avila Beach is about half a mile long of sand. Point San Luis serves as a barrier from the winds. This means Avila Beach can have warmer swimming conditions.
Avila Beach History
Portuguese explorer Sebastian Rodriquez Cermeno (1560–1602) stumbled upon the small bay where Avila Beach is located in the late 1590s. That’s quite a while before the Spanish returned in the 1700s and imposed their rule from 1769 to 1822.
The name Avila comes from Miguel Antonio Nicolas Ávila y Osuña (1796-1874). In 1842, the son of a Spanish soldier, Miguel Ávila was granted the Rancho San Miguelito and in 1849, he became the alcade of San Luis Obispo. Between 1775 and 1846, the Spanish and Mexican authorities gave some 300 land grants or ranchos to retired Spanish soldiers and then Mexican citizens in what was yet to be part of the US. Rancho San Miguelito was an initial parcel of nearly 15,000 acres which increased to over 22,000 acres of land and included today’s Avila Beach. For a time, this area was called Ynocenta/Inocenta, after Miguel’s wife, María Encarnación Inocenta Pico y Cota (1810-1886).
There is a number of families tied intimately to the history and development of California, beginning in the Spanish and Mexican eras. They held land grants and political positions. This includes the Pico and Cota families.
María was the granddaughter of Felipe Santiago Pico (1733-1815), Presidio of San Francisco and then San Diego. She was also the granddaughter of Andres Cota (1700-1762). Her uncle Pío de Jesús Pico IV (1801-1894) was the last governor of Alta California.
Avila Beach is about a 15-minute drive from San Luis Obispo. While tourism is the primary economic driver for Avila Beach these days, it was once the shipping port for Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa established in 1772. As the fifth mission in California, it continues to offer mass and Catholic education. It also has a museum you can visit at 751 Palm Street.
Read more from the teacher’s resource on the Port of San Luis website. [download the PDF]
Avila Beach is part of the Images of America series, which give a good background of the towns. The historic photos are intriguing to look at.
To see the old Avila Beach, rent the movie California Dreaming, released in 1979. It was filmed in Avila Beach, with some scenes in Morro Bay further north.
Where to Stay at Avila Beach
Avila Beach has a wide range of accommodations – inns, hotels, and vacation rentals. One of the most popular vacation rentals, with a rating of 10 from over 200 reviews, is this 1-bedroom condo with an ocean view, just minutes from the beach. Need more room? Maybe a family reunion or a celebration? A rare property, this is one of two that’s right at the beach and sleeps 8 to 10 people with its five bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Housekeeping is included, because you’re on vacation!
Hilton Vacation Club in Avila Beach, with its swimming pool and kids pool, may be your best choice. Its friendly 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and tour desk can help you organize and book your activities. Room availability ranges from studios to two-bedroom suites. Enjoy the ocean views, watch the prehistoric-looking pelicans.
Shell Beach, a Great Alternative
Closeby, Shell Beach is also a good place to stay. Shell Beach is about 5 miles or less than a 10-minute drive from Avila Beach. This small neighbourhood has hotels, inns, vacation rentals, restaurants, eateries, and shops. Shell Beach even has a coin/cash-operated car wash.
Highly-rated inns right in Shell Beach, easy walking to all it offers are Shell Beach Inn and Palomar Inn. The hotels like Cliffs Hotel and Spa and Spyglass Inn are a little further from Shell Beach “downtown” and closer to Avila Beach or to Pismo Beach.
Activities and Attractions
Stroll in town, grab a coffee or a tea and take a scroll on the sandy beach. Watch the sunset with a tipple, shave ice, or something warmer in the cooler months.
Your stay at Avila Beach can be peacefully sitting at the beach. Watch the surf, seabirds. Listen to the ocean. Tuck in with a great book.
This is probably the vacation many people need to unwind from the noises in the world.
Here to Explore Our World Book List includes practical and inspirational photography books, books relating to the destinations we’ve travelled and wrote about on the website, and great books for long journeys.
Attractions such as the Point San Luis Lighthouse bring this history to life.
If you’re here between September and November, it’s apple-picking season. Here are details on the Avila Apple Trail.
Avila Beach and Nearby Wine Bars
Avila is also in wine country, with wine tours that take you on a winetasting adventure. Right in Avila Beach are PierFront Wine & Brew and the French bistro, Moon Over Avila. A short drive away, you can find Brix Wine Bar & Bottle Shop in Shell Beach and a few minutes further south is Puffer’s of Pismo on Price Street. Wade’s parents really enjoy Puffer’s which has live music. Check the Puffer’s of Pismo FB page for upcoming events.
Avila Beach
Avila Beach is swim-friendly. The sand is soft and there isn’t a sudden drop off so it’s safe for kids.
This beach is also dog-friendly and dogs are allowed before 10AM and after 5PM. Many accommodations in Avila Beach and the surrounding areas are dog-friendly. I was at the popular Avila Beach Farmers Market after 6PM and saw lots of dogs were on walks and running after balls/sticks. The dog beach is at Olde Port Beach, by Harford Pier. From Avila Beach, turn left on Avila Beach Drive, cross the bridge and the parking and beach are on your left. Here dogs are allowed off-leash 24/7. This beach stretches for a kilometer. The sand is soft and with the gradual bottom, this is a good swimming beach.
Since 2017, dogs have not been allowed at Fishermen’s Beach, the smallest of the three.
Attractions
Avila Beach is tucked away in a scenic part of SLO. The major attractions include the harbour, which is over the bridge past Avila Beach and the historic Lighthouse. There is plenty of hiking, water sports, and whale watching. Did you know that close by is also California’s only legally-recognized nude beach?
Quick Links:: Port San Luis Harbour | Pirates Cove | Point San Luis Lighthouse | Bob Jones Trail | Sycamore Crest Trail | Whale Watching
Port San Luis Harbour
The habour is located at the end of the road, past Avila Beach and the last stop on the trolley. It’s a quiet place to watch the ocean. This was once a busy port, as Harford Pier, a wooden wharf.
Today the harbour is still an operational port, out of which sport fishing and whale watching tours leave. You can also rent paddleboards. Fishing without a license is permitted from both Avila Pier and Harford Pier. According to Avila Pier, you can find halibut, salmon, mackerel, rockfish, barracuda, and shark, depending on the season. Avila Pier extends out 1,685 feet and provides a unique perspective of Avila Beach and the bay.
If you’re travelling, there are also RV camping facilities for fully self-contained units. Reservations are only available online. For 2025/2026, the fees are $104/night at full hook-up sites and $81/night for trailer dry camping.
Further from Avila Beach is the pet-friendly Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground. They offer both RV sites and cabins. This site is great for the whole family, with an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, kids’ playground, dog park, and a general store. And free wifi. You can also rent bikes to ride on the nearby Bob Jones Trail.
Next to Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground is Avila Hot Springs.
Pirates Cove
Originally called Mallagh’s Wharf, this area between Avila Beach and Shell Beach was used for moving goods between the shore and ships, as early as Mexican rule. This was also the “secret” spot where liquor was smuggled during Prohibition and became known as Smugglers Cave and Cave Landing. It was not so secret since apparently the whole community was in on it.
As the only official San Luis Obispo County clothing-optional beach, it also took on the name Pirates Cove in the 1960s. Generally, going top-less in California is not illegal.
To get to Pirates Cove, park at the Cave Landing parking lot, which is also a lookout point. In 2024, an infusion of over $1 million went to upgrading the parking lot, which now accommodates 73 cars. Take the Avila Beach Drive exit from Highway 101. Going uphill, you will see the turn off to Cave Landing on the left, across from Avila Beach Golf Resort. Parking is at the end of this road. A steep trail heading south takes you down to the beach. There are no facilities or lifeguards at Pirates Cove.
Point San Luis Lighthouse
In what was once called Port Harford stands Avila’s historic lighthouse. Completed in 1890, the lighthouse is located on 30 acres of land and stands around forty feet tall. It was built as a result of serious accidents and operated until 1974. By the time the Coast Guard decommissioned it, the two-story Victoria dwelling that housed the Head Keeper, his assistants, and their families was already torn down. In 1960, after pulling the duplex off its foundation, the structure was pushed over the cliff into the water. (See photos from Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers’ Keeper’s Log newsletter or download the PDF). The modern building that replaced it is now used for events, office, and archive.
While the lighthouse was being restored, workers reported hauntings. It’s said that a young girl died of polio here and perhaps it is her spirit that still roams the grounds. In 2012 and 2013, Central Coast Paranormal Investigators were at the lighthouse. On their first visit, owner and leading investigator, Mitch Flores, was told to “get off my gown.” This was captured in their recording. On their second attempt, the CCPI team experienced ” ‘light anomalies’ and sounds, a creepy temperature drop.” According to a 2013 Santa Maria Sun article, this team also captured video evidence of the hauntings at the lighthouse.
For several years, the lighthouse hosted Hallowe’en events and shared about these ghost stories.
According to Evie Ybarra, the Point Sur Lighthouse is believed to be the most haunted in California (even perhaps the whole country) and is listed on “America’s Top 10 Most Haunted Light Stations.” Built in 1889, this lighthouse is claimed to be very active and has twelve spirits, including a small friendly girl and a sailor. The appearance of the sailor has made believers out of at least one person, whose story is recounted in Evie’s book. The girl is believed to be the daughter of a light station keeper.
Other lighthouses of interest in Central Coast, she offered, are Piedras Blancas and Point Pinos Lighthouse, along with Point Sa Luis Lighthouse.
Tours at Point San Luis Lighthouse
Today it’s run by the non-profit Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers, which offers docent tours of the restored lighthouse. These run year-round, rain or shine, Wednesdays at 12:00 Noon and 1:00PM and Saturdays at 11:00AM and 12:00 Noon.
There are two ways to get to the lighthouse for the tours – taking the van or hiking in. By boat and by land were the two original ways to access the station before roads were built in the 1960s. The original trail went up to Rattlesnake Canyon, then San Luis Hill, before the lighthouse. Deemed “too strenuous for the average hiker” (source), the new trail created in the 1990s removed the San Luis Hill segment. In 2023, this trail celebrated its 30th anniversary.
The land that the Point San Luis Lighthouse is on is actually part of the Diablo Nuclear Power Plant property, which is owned by PG&E. This means that the lighthouse is closed to the general public and open only for guided tours or events.
Tour fees:
- $7.20 for the 45-minute virtual tour
- $27 adults, $25 seniors, $20 kids, $15 for an infant carrier seat for the in-person tour
- $10 for hikers (minimum age – 9); it looks like you can also kayak or paddleboard in for the Point San Luis Lighthouse tour
To take the complimentary van ride (SLO Safe Ride Vans), park at Wild Cherry Canyon parking lot, located between Cal Poly Pier and the Harford Pier. Look for the lighthouse banners when you drive along Avila Beach Drive, past Avila Beach. The parking lot is on your right as you drive towards Port San Luis harbour.
The hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse is on the Pecho Coast Trail. Starting at Avila Beach, this is a 3.75-mile round trip trail. Another part goes to Rattlesnake Canyon and is 8 miles round trip. Both are guided hikes available year-round and require reservations. The guided hike for the lighthouse tour takes one hour and runs Wednesdays and Saturdays and the second, first Monday of the month. Hiking starts 8:45AM at the Fisherman’s Memorial in Port San Luis Harbour. Arrive by 8:30AM.
Pecho Coast Trail which has flat terrain also includes steep grades and narrow dirt trails. This is not a beginner’s trail. There are wildflowers and wildlife -it’s a scenic trail in untouched lands.
Note that there is a limit of 20 hikers on the weekdays and 40 on Saturdays.
Wade’s dad has gone to the lighthouse all three ways. He confirmed that there are some steep inclines on the trail though he’s ready to hike it with me again. The Diablo property is highly guarded and there are ex-military guards looking out of pillboxes in the wall, ready to eliminate threats and intruders. It’s serious business. He shared that when there is an open house, be sure to go for the tour. To see the large generators and just see parts of the plant was impressive and amazing.
Purchase tour tickets | Reserve your Hike on the Pecho Coast Trail
Kilauea Lighthouse, Kaua’i, Hawai’i
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, California
If you enjoy music, there is also a concert series at the lighthouse June to October. From 2:30 to 5PM, the Lighthouse Saturday concerts can be accessed either by land or by sea. Board the complimentary van shuttle from Wild Cherry Canyon Tour parking lot. Or you can come via the water to Lighthouse Beach. From Fishermen’s Beach, launch your kayak or paddleboard, hug the shoreline past the Diablo Canyon gate and land inside the break wall.
The Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, owned by PG&E, is the only operational nuclear plant in California. It’s slated to be decommissioned in 2030, pushed back from 2024 and 2025. Senate Bill 846 was signed into law by the governor to keep the nuclear plant operational and to provide $160 million to protect 12,000 acres of land surrounding it. About $110 million has been deferred due to budgetary reasons.
In 2024, $40 million of the California state budget was additionally put towards purchasing Wild Cherry Canyon. This funding is for 2,400 acres with the goal to conserve the environment and to maintain responsible public access. With the deadline of June 30, 2029, the who and the how are still unclear.
Bob Jones Trail
Also known as City to Sea Trail, Bob Jones Trail is 2.5 miles long. It is paved and flat for easy walking and bike riding. The trail goes along the creek and through woodlands. Benches under the trees provide welcome shade and rest on a hot day. This is a dog-friendly trail.
The trailhead is across its parking lot at 7009 Ontario Road, near 101. The trail goes all the way to Avila Beach. The free summer trolley also stops here at the parking lot. See the trolley schedule. I took this from Pismo Beach Premium Outlets (stop at the Chevron station) to visit Avila Beach Farmers Market. This Friday market runs 4PM to 8PM in the summers.
Year-round farmers markets near Avila Beach:
- Wednesdays | Arroyo Grande 8:30AM – 11AM, Smart & Final parking lot at 1464 East Grand Avenue
- Thursdays | Morro Bay 2PM – 4:30PM, Spencer’ s Market parking lot at 2650 Main Street
- Saturdays | Arroyo Grande 12PM – 2:30PM, Village Swinging Bridge parking lot and San Luis Obispo World 8AM – 12:45PM, World Market/Embassy Suites parking lot at 325 Madonna Road
Thursday nights downtown San Luis Obispo are also market nights. This is the largest one and city blocks are closed to car traffic, making it a pedestrian area for the night.
The Bob Jones Trail also has an additional segment between Prado and Los Osos Valley roads in San Luis. A current project is to connect this and the Avila section. Construction is hoped to begin December 2025.
Here’s a handy Avila visitor map to show the points of interest on the Bob Jones City to Sea Trail from Visit Avila Beach.
Sycamore Crest Trail
You can reach this trail from behind Secret Garden off Bob Jones Trail. Continue over the pedestrian bridge for Sycamore Springs Resort. A 1.75-mile loop trail, this wide dirt road goes up Ontario Hill through an oak grove. Reaching over 500 feet, hikers are rewarded with a view of the coast as well as Port San Luis. It takes about an hour and from the top, you can continue to hike the Ontario Ridge Trail.
The Ontario Ridge Trail connects to Shell Beach Bluff Trail.
Secret Garden is a dog-friendly outdoor spot for both guests of Sycamore Minerals Spring Resort and the public. Visit between 10AM to dusk and enjoy a snack or a drink from their concession stand or pick up some produce freshly harvested from the hotel’s garden.
Trailhead : 1215 Avila Beach Drive (35.186, -120.7146). Alternate trailhead: 6675 Laurel Place (past Woodstone Market & Deli)
Whale Watching
The Central Coast area of California is a fantastic and popular place for whale watching. What we can see here are the humpback whales, gray whales, and blue whales. Less common are the orcas. Monterey Bay, further north, is more known for seeing the transient orcas, or Bigg’s orcas. Their movement depends on their prey, such as seals, dolphins, and migrating gray whale calves.
I’ve spotted the undeniable splashes, the plumes of white, off in the distance from the beach, and even on the highway. It’s such an amazing experience. This little surprise, out of nowhere.
According to whale watching updates, August has been a great month. Last Friday, all the trips run by the family-run Avila Beach Whale Watching last Friday (August 15) spotted ten to fifteen humpback whales, including some breaching. Other sightings this month included cow and calf pairs, with one calf right by the boat, feeding on sea lions and fish, barrel rolling, pectoral slapping, tail lobbing, whales surfing down the swells… Their website shows three years of whale watching updates.
Avila Beach Whale Watching offers daily tours that depart at 9AM and 11:30AM year-round. Each two-hour tour on the catamaran has a limit of six guests. The tour departs from Harford Pier, also known as Pier 3 or Port San Luis, located near Patriot Sportfishing. Parking spots painted white are free for the day. This company also offers custom tours, such as photography and ash scattering.