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29 Best and Fun Things To Do In Avila Beach, California


TouristWire Editors

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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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Credit: Courtney Thomas, License, Flickr

24. Cerro San Luis Obispo

4.9 ★★★★★ (17 reviews)

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Credit: paul amato, Google Maps

23. San Luis Obispo Bay

4.8 ★★★★★ (20 reviews)

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Credit: Scooterboss, License, Wikimedia commons

22. Laguna Lake

4.2 ★★★★☆ (21 reviews)

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Credit: joyce cory, Google Maps

21. San Luis Obispo Creek

4.3 ★★★★☆ (24 reviews)

20. Alapay Cellars Tasting Room

4.8 ★★★★★ (74 reviews)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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Credit: JH nosee, Google Maps

Location: 1618 Cave Landing Road San Luis Obispo CA

15. Harford Pier

4.6 ★★★★★ (312 reviews)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

798px-avila beach pier

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)

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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)

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Credit: Courtney Thomas, License, Flickr

Location: Cave Landing Road San Luis Obispo CA

7. Point San Luis Lighthouse

4.7 ★★★★★ (186 reviews)

800px-point san luis lighthouse

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)

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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)

800px-central coast aquarium sign

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)

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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)

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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!

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