This unincorporated, census-designated community in California, 200 miles from San Francisco, has been described as a seaside haven and one of the hidden gems that make California worth visiting.
Avila Beach is a popular family destination with many adventurous outdoor activities to enjoy, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. There are also many guided tours, such as the ones to the famous Old Point San Luis Lighthouse.
Swimmers will be delighted to know that dolphins and whales are commonly spotted in the waters of Avila Beach, and hiking enthusiasts have many scenic nature trails to explore. The beaches are dog-friendly, and there is a wide range of fun and unique shopping options inland.
Read further to discover our list of the best and most fun things to do in Avila Beach, California
The 29 Most Popular Things To Do In Avila Beach, California
29. Fossil Point
5.0
(1 review)Credit: Micheal Brink, Google Maps
28. Windemere Winery
5.0
(1 review)Location: 1653 Old Price Canyon Road San Luis Obispo CA
Tel: 805 542 0133
Web Address: https://windemerewines.com/
27. Avila Beach Farmers’ Market
4.3
(4 reviews)Credit: Flickinpicks, License, Flickr
Location: 443 Front Street Avila Beach CA
Tel: 805 602 8266
Web Address: https://visitavilabeach.com/avila-beach-farmers-market/
26. Bob Jones Trail
4.8
(5 reviews)Credit: docentjoyce, License, Flickr
Location: 443 Front Street Avila Beach CA
Tel: 805 441 5085
Web Address: https://visitavilabeach.com/bob-jones-trail/
25. Pirate’s Cove
4.5
(13 reviews)Credit: Courtney Thomas, License, Flickr
24. Cerro San Luis Obispo
4.9
(17 reviews)Credit: paul amato, Google Maps
23. San Luis Obispo Bay
4.8
(20 reviews)Credit: Scooterboss, License, Wikimedia commons
22. Laguna Lake
4.2
(21 reviews)Credit: joyce cory, Google Maps
21. San Luis Obispo Creek
4.3
(24 reviews)20. Alapay Cellars Tasting Room
4.8
(74 reviews)Credit: Alapay Cellars Tasting Room, Google Maps
Location: 415 1st Street Avila Beach CA
Tel: 805 595 2632
Web Address: http://alapaycellars.com/
19. Fisherman’s Beach
4.6
(125 reviews)Credit: Highway 1 Discovery Route, Google Maps
Location: San Luis Obispo CA
Web Address: https://highway1discoveryroute.com/activities/fisherman-s-beach/
18. Ebb Tide Park
4.7
(137 reviews)Credit: Ebb Tide Park, Google Maps
Location: 319 Ebb Tide Ln Pismo Beach CA
Tel: 805 773 7039
Web Address: http://pismobeach.org/289/Ebb-Tide-Park
17. Tolosa
4.5
(142 reviews)Location: 4910 Edna Road San Luis Obispo CA
Tel: 805 782 0500
Web Address: http://tolosawinery.com/
16. Smugglers Cave
4.4
(191 reviews)Location: 1618 Cave Landing Road San Luis Obispo CA
15. Harford Pier
4.6
(312 reviews)Credit: Mike Baird, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 3950 Avila Beach Dr Avila Beach CA
Web Address: http://portsanluis.com/
14. Irish Hills Natural Reserve
4.6
(314 reviews)Credit: Andrew Alan, Google Maps
Location: Prefumo Canyon Road & Isabella Way San Luis Obispo CA
Tel: 805 781 7300
Web Address: http://visitsanluisobispocounty.com/profile/1691/irish-hills-natural-reserve
13. Johnson Ranch Open Space
4.7
(330 reviews)Credit: Ann Rivera, Google Maps
Location: Johnson Ranch Loop San Luis Obispo CA
Tel: 805 781 7300
Web Address: http://slocity.org/government/department-directory/city-administration/natural-resources/open-space-plans
12. South Palisades Park
4.7
(369 reviews)Credit: South Palisades Park, Google Maps
Location: Beachcomber Dr Pismo Beach CA
Tel: 805 773 7039
Web Address: http://pismobeach.org/index.aspx
11. Port San Luis Pier
4.6
(467 reviews)Credit: Chris Biggers, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 3975 Avila Beach Dr San Luis Obispo CA
Tel: 805 595 5400
10. Pismo Preserve
4.7
(775 reviews)Credit: Rob DeGraff, License, Flickr
Location: 80 Mattie Road Pismo Beach CA
Tel: 805 544 9096
Web Address: http://lcslo.org/pismopreserve/
9. Avila Beach Park
4.7
(1,225 reviews)Location: 50 San Juan Street Avila Beach CA
Tel: 805 781 5930
Web Address: https://slocountyparks.com/
Our Top picks
8. Pirate’s Cove Beach
5.0
(5 reviews)Credit: Courtney Thomas, License, Flickr
Location: Cave Landing Road San Luis Obispo CA
7. Point San Luis Lighthouse
4.7
(186 reviews)Credit: Shea Hazarian, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1 Lighthouse Road Avila Beach CA
Tel: 805 540 5771
Web Address: http://pointsanluislighthouse.org/
6. Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards
4.7
(214 reviews)Credit: Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards, Google Maps
Location: 1947 See Canyon Road San Luis Obispo CA
Tel: 805 595 9700
Web Address: http://kelseywine.com/
5. Central Coast Aquarium
4.3
(241 reviews)Credit: Coughdrop12, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 50 San Juan Street Avila Beach CA
Tel: 805 457 5357
Web Address: http://centralcoastaquarium.com/
4. Pirates Cove Beach
4.4
(384 reviews)Web Address: https://visitavilabeach.com/
3. Olde Port Beach
4.7
(561 reviews)Credit: Gregory “Slobirdr” Smith, License, Flickr
2. Avila Hot Springs
4.1
(628 reviews)Location: 250 Avila Beach Dr San Luis Obispo CA
Tel: 805 595 2359
Web Address: http://avilahotsprings.com/
1. Avila Valley Barn
4.7
(3,682 reviews)Credit: Eric Neitzel, License, Flickr
Location: 560 Avila Beach Dr San Luis Obispo CA
Tel: 805 595 2816
Web Address: http://avilavalleybarn.com/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Avila Beach, California! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
Join the TouristWire community
At TouristWire, our team works tirelessly to bring you the most comprehensive itineraries and reviews to help you plan your next trip. Don’t miss out, join our mailing list and our reviews delivered directly to your mailbox!
.