Avila Beach, one of California's hidden seaside-gems, is situated in a sheltered bay, a short drive from Highways 101 and 1, mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, just south of San Luis Obispo.

Sand, surf, and sun remain as the big-three draws at Avila. During the summer months, flocks of college students, families and beach combers religiously lay out and pitch their towels and umbrellas.

In addition to the main beach, a half mile from town there's the smaller, less frequented Olde Port Beach (with a small-boat launch ramp) that generally offers a more sedate beach experience.

A half-mile further along the shoreline road is Port San Luis, a rare throwback to the days when California's seaports functioned minimally as tourist attractions and primarily as bases for commercial fishing operations, moorage, processing and transferring of aquatic harvests.

Hunkered against the edge of the cliffs, rests a hodge-podge row of dry docked boats, both pleasure and commercial, chocked up on blocks and supporting posts and cribbing.

Listen closely and you'll hear the whining drills and whirling sanders of honest work melded with the timeless maritime melody of clanking anchor chains and wind-slapped rigging-- all underscored by the melodic sizzle of the surf.

A stroll along the wood-planked Port Harford Pier reveals unassuming fish-cleaning stations, cranes for launching small boats, the office of Patriot Sportfishing, a deep sea, day-trip fishing operation; and B.J. Enterprises, an open air, live-fish business where flounders, bullhead, crab and black-bass swirl laconically around their pens.

Close to the canopy-covered end of the pier is the home of Louie's on-the-pier, a walk-up seafood and fish and chips diner. At the very end of the pier is the Olde Port Inn, commonly regarded among California's top waterfront seafood restaurants-- one of those special dining destinations that regularly draws people from many miles away.

Back on shore by the edge of the bay, adjacent to two towering boat launch gantries, is the Port Side Marine Supply & Repair and Mini Mart. Step inside and you'll find the usual pretzels, Twinkies, sodas and beer, but the bulk of the inventory is dedicated to essentials such as shackles, cotter pins, bilge pumps and wire brushes stacked alongside rods, reels and tackle.

Across the parking lot from Port Side Marine is the home of Fat Cat's Café--a top notch place for fish and chips, seafood in general and killer salads.

Even though downtown Avila is presently non existent, there's still an abundance of things to do and sights to see. For the golfer, the Avila Beach Resort's 18-hole course offers challenging play in a stunningly beautiful tree-shrouded seaside and creekside setting. Mulligan's Bar & Grill, adjacent to the club-house, offers lunch and dinner daily as well as 19th Hole libations.

The south-facing beaches of Avila offer maximum sun, minimum fog, along with shelter from the prevailing winds due to a large protective promontory at the north end of San Luis Bay. Avila's broad, fine sand beaches are ideally suited for sunbathers, frolicking in waves, swimming and body surfing. Sunset strolls, evening-time beach bonfires and weenie roasts are popular pastimes.

Bicycles and kayak rentals are available locally for further explorations of the surrounding land and sea, and if your sensibilities tend toward sun bathing sans-clothing, you're in luck as Pirate's Cove, just over the hill from Avila Beach, is one of California's few clothing optional beaches. A dedicated nature-trail wends its way along the banks of San Luis creek, while kayaks and bike rentals are available for further explorations of the land and sea.

Avila Beach offers the best of both worlds-- plenty of activity options in a sedate and tranquil off-the-beaten path location.

Back to the Top