Avila is the first beach city along the southern coastline of San Luis Obispo County, approximately 10 miles south of San Luis Obispo on Highway 101. The quick drive between the two cities means locals and visitors can easily enjoy both places in one day, often spending the day at the beach and experiencing downtown SLO at night.
This perfect beach town also boasts some of the best weather in the county because of how it is situated on the coast, which allows visitors and locals to have an ideal day at the beach year-round with all the good food, wine, and drinks that come with it.
Just south of Avila is Pismo Beach and the Five Cities area, which includes Pismo, Shell Beach, Oceano, Grover Beach, and Arroyo Grande.
The close proximity of Avila to Pismo and the Five Cities allows visitors and locals to quickly travel between the cities and enjoy all the food, drink, and fun times along the way.
Demographics | Breweries & Wineries | Food & Drink | Events | Weddings | Fun | Lodging
Demographics
Avila is one of the smallest cities in San Luis Obispo County with 1,080 residents as of 2017, well under 1% of the total population. The median age of residents is 63.1, with an average annual income of $100,076. Most residents work in Management, Sales, and Personal Care across the Construction, Health Care, and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industries; however, there is a large portion of the population that works in the Arts & Media, Office & Administrative Support, and Food Preparation. The vast majority of residents are White (87.6%), followed by Asian at 9.35%, and Two or More Races at 3.06%.
Breweries & Wineries
There are several vineyards in and around Avila with tasting rooms conveniently located downtown on Front Street or 1st Street.
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards is also located in Avila, and have a tasting room located on their property on See Canyon Road.
Additionally, Libertine Brewing Co has a third location in Avila near downtown giving visitors and locals another great place to enjoy an adult beverage.
550 1st Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 459-9595
90 San Miguel Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 548-2337
415 1st Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 595-2632
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards
1947 See Canyon Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 595-9700
404 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 627-1080
Food & Drink
Avila may not be large geographically, but the restaurants and flavors they bring to the table make it a popular dining destination.
Restaurants in the area tend to be inspired by California Coastal Cuisine, which often includes fresh seafood and meats, and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Below are some of the more popular places to eat in Avila, and perfectly represent the California Coastal / Farm to Table cuisine the area is known for.
Ocean Grill Avila
Ocean Grill Avila is fine dining at the beach. Located just across the street from the beach, Ocean Grill Avila offers stunning views, and some of the best food and drink to pair with it.
Address:
268 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 595-4050
Website:
http://oceangrillavila.com/
Blue Moon Over Avila
Blue Moon Over Avila is a french bistro and wine bar located across the street from the beach in Avila. Expect incredible wines from around the world, amazing, and one of the best patios to end your perfect day in Avila.
Address:
460 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 595-2583
Website:
https://www.bluemoonoveravila.com/
Avila Market
Avila Market has their own menu where you can order breakfast, sandos, and salads, but also houses KravaBowl which offers smoothies and bowls. There is also a “grab and go” section in the Downstairs Marketplace, which will soon offer Front Street Sandwich Co sandos!
Address:
354 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 439-4124
Website:
https://www.theavilamarket.com/
PierFront Wine & Brew
PierFront Wine & Brew is located directly across from the beach, and has one of the most comfortable, home-like lounges to enjoy your beer or a glass of wine. They also have a delicious menu of light items to pair with your beer or wine, and relax at the end of another perfect day in Avila.
Address:
480 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 439-3400
Website:
http://www.pierfrontwine.com/
Reimer’s Candies, Gifts, & Ice Cream
Everybody loves ice cream at the beach, and Reimer’s Candies, Gifts, and Ice Cream is the place to go when you are in Avila. There is a huge selection of ice cream to choose from, and if that’s not enough there are boxed chocolates, brittles, toffee, fudge, truffles, and more for you to take home and remember the incredible time you had at the beach.
Address:
324 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 327-0243
Website:
https://reimerscandies.com/
Events
Avila hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, and has two primary places where events are held: the Golf Resort and the Promenade.
Avila Beach Golf Resort
The Golf Resort in Avila has their own private event space complete with stunning views of the ocean and the golf course itself.
Events here range from music concerts to food festivals, and several large annual events are held at this space, like the Tequila Festival and the Mac & Cheese Festival.
The Golf Resort also hosts events like Brunch on Wheels, a monthly gathering of food trucks that serve brunch food and drinks; Concerts at the Cove, a series of music concerts at the resort’s amphitheater; and holiday events, like the annual Valentine’s Day four-course dinner with champagne and live music.
Address:
6464 Ana Bay Drive
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 595-4000
Events:
https://events.avilabeachresort.com/
The Promenade
The Promenade is a piece of Front Street in Avila that is closed to traffic, and the hub for local activities and events in the downtown area.
This is where the Farmers Market takes place every summer, and the Saturday Art On The Beach events.
The Promenade is also the meeting point for events like the annual Polar Bear Plunge, a winter event that takes place in the cold ocean waters just feet away.
Weddings
The natural beauty of Avila makes this a highly popular destination for weddings, and Avila has a strong industry built to support both local and destination brides and grooms on their big days.
Whether you are looking for a wedding right on the beach, or a big wedding at one of Avila’s beautiful hotels, there are several options to choose from.
Learn more about the most popular destinations in Avila to host your wedding below, and the unique services each one provides.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort Garden Weddings
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort is a short five-minute drive from the beach in Avila, but the 100 acres of forest, hills, and meadows that make up the resort make you feel like you are in another world, and provide the perfect space for intimate weddings and receptions up to 100 guests.
Address:
1215 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone:
(805) 595-7302
Avila Beach Golf Resort
The Golf Resort in Avila is located on the beach, and has all the amenities to host everything from a small, intimate wedding to the largest, grandest wedding and reception you can imagine.
Learn more about the resort’s private beach, golf resort, restaurant, amphitheater, and other amenities that could make this space the ideal location for your destination wedding or reception.
Address:
6464 Ana Bay Drive
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 595-4000
Butlerz Event & Beach Rentals
If you are looking to host your wedding right on the beach, then Butlerz Event & Beach Rentals should be your go-to vendor for everything you will need to make your big day successful.
Their extensive inventory covers items ranging from tables and chairs to flatware and the actual dance floor, and is guaranteed to be setup with the importance and attention your big day deserves.
Address:
675 W. Grand Avenue
Grover Beach, CA 93433
Phone:
(805) 878-4283
Email:
info@beachbutlerz.com
Website:
http://beachbutlerz.com/weddings/
Avila Lighthouse Suites
Avila Lighthouse Suites is located just steps from the beach in downtown Avila, and provides a signature Beach Ceremony for brides and grooms looking to marry with sand between their toes.
The beautiful hotel also has banquet space and a patio for 110 guests that can easily accommodate your reception after you perfect ceremony on the beach.
Address:
550 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 627-1900
The Custom House
The Custom House in Avila has a wine cellar underneath their restaurant that can host 110 guests for weddings and receptions.
Their events department also offers photography, DJ, flowers, wedding cake, and other coordination services making this a one-stop shop to plan your destination beach wedding.
Address:
404 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 595-7555
Contact:
https://oldcustomhouse.com/#weddings
Website:
https://oldcustomhouse.com/
Port San Luis Lighthouse
The Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila is a Nationally Registered Historic Site that sits on a 30-acre natural preserve of private land.
Weddings here intimate (limited to 100 people max), and take place on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are also several locations on the property where receptions can be held.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 308
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 540-5771
Community Center
The Community Center in Avila is two blocks from the beach, and has a beautiful garden area patio and multipurpose room to rent for weddings and receptions.
The multipurpose room can host as many as 130 people for banquet-style seating, or 150 people seated and standing.
Address:
191 San Miguel Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 627-1997
Fun
Going to the beach at Avila is definitely a highlight of any trip to the area, but there are also so many more things to do when you visit. From mineral hot springs to kayaking and relaxing at the spa, Avila has you covered when it comes to fun.
The Beaches | Hiking | Museums & Aquariums | Sailing & Fishing | Kayaking & Paddlesports | Spas | Avila Valley Barn | Avila Hot Springs | Golfing
The Beaches
Avila Beach
The beach at Avila faces south because of where it sits on San Luis Obispo Bay, and the mountains to the north that protect the bay give it some of the best weather of all the beach towns in San Luis Obispo County.
From the beach you can also walk out to the end of the pier, or explore the food and shopping in the downtown area between Front and 1st Streets.
Pirate’s Cove
Pirate’s Cove is the other publicly accessible beach in Avila, and is well known as clothing optional (apparently the perfect weather of Avila makes this an ideal destination for those who choose to wear even less at the beach!).
Pirate’s Cove is accessible by taking the Shell Beach Bluff Trail from Pirates Cove Lookout on Cave Landing Road, approximately five minutes from downtown Avila.
Hiking
Bob Jones Trail
The Bob Jones Trail in Avila is the second half of this overall trail (the first half is a round-trip in San Luis Obispo).
The two halves do not connect, but future plans are in place to connect the 4.5 mile gap between the two halves. Currently, the Avila half stretches through a vineyard, oak groves, and through the Avila Beach Golf Resort finally ending on the beach.
The total trail in Avila is two miles, and is all asphalt and concrete until you get closer to downtown Avila. At that point, be prepared to do some street biking if you want to continue to the pier. The trail is accessible from the park-and-ride lot on Ontario Road, or from Avila Beach Drive across from the park.
Pirate’s Cove Lookout
Pirate’s Cove Lookout is an incredible vista point with stunning views of the sea caves in Avila to Pirate’s Cove Beach, and all the way south to Pismo Beach.
There are also two trails that connect at the lookout: Shell Beach Bluff Trail and Smugglers Cave.
The Shell Beach Bluff Trail will take you to Pirates Cove, a clothing optional beach, and the Smuggler’s Cave trail will take you to the caves where pirates used to hide their liquor headed for the San Luis Port.
PG&E Pecho Coast Trail
PG&E owns 12,000 acres of land between Avila and Montaña de Oro State Park in Los Osos, and has built two trails for visitors to experience the beauty of this stretch of land: the Pecho Coast Trail and the Point Buchon Trail.
The Pecho Coast Trail is in Avila, and is open year round with the exception of specific holidays. Visitors can take the Lighthouse Hike to the Point San Luis Lighthouse on Wednesdays and Sundays, or hike Rattlesnake Canyon the first Monday of the month.
Both tours are docent-led and require a reservation, which can be made through the PG&E website.
Museums & Aquariums
The Central Coast Aquarium opened in its current location in 2006, and provides locals and tourists with the chance to learn about and interact with the marine life whose home, or habitat, is right here in San Luis Obispo County.
The aquarium’s founders specifically wanted the school children of the area to have a space to learn about the marine habitats and estuarine environments of the county, and today approximately 23,000 visitors and 4,500 schoolchildren get to do exactly that, thanks to their vision.
Address:
50 San Juan Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 457-5357
Email:
info@centralcoastaquarium.com
Website:
http://www.centralcoastaquarium.com/
Admission:
| General | $8 |
| Seniors | $5 |
| Military (with ID) | $5 |
| Children 2 & Under | Free |
| Museums for All: | $3 |
Port San Luis Lighthouse
The Port San Luis Lighthouse was founded in 1890, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Today the lighthouse continues to serve as a beacon for San Luis Bay, and provides docent-led tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays to the public.
Tickets are required to tour the lighthouse, and can be purchased through the Point San Luis Lighthouse website.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 308
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 540-5771
Contact:
http://pointsanluislighthouse.org/contact-us/
Website:
http://pointsanluislighthouse.org/
Sailing & Fishing
There are several places in Avila where you can go sailing, fishing, and even whale watching. Learn more about the outdoor sea adventures you can have in Avila by visiting one of the places below:
Avila Beach Boat Charters
Port San Luis
Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 703-0397
Central Coast Sailing and Whale Watching
50 San Juan Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 595-7280
Patriot Sport Fishing
Port San Luis
Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 595-7200
Port San Luis Harbor
Port San Luis
Avila Beach, CA 93424
(805) 595-5400
Kayaking & Paddlesports
The San Luis Obispo Bay where Avila is located offers some incredible places to kayak and paddle board.
There are natural sea caves surrounding the bay, and lots of marine life to see and explore.
One of the best ways to experience Avila is through a guided tour, which Avila Beach Paddlesports has been offering to the community since 2009.
Learn more about their pricing, availability, and tour times below, and make sure to get out on the water whenever you make your way to Avila.
Avila Beach Paddlesports
3915 Avila Beach Drive
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 704-6902
Spas
A day at the beach can be a relaxing experience, but there are also several spas in Avila to take your relaxation up to another level.
Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa
The Spa at Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa offers massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, body treatments, and haircuts to members and non-members of the club.
Guests are also welcome to use the pools and Jacuzzis following their treatment, or the FAR infrared sauna.
Address:
6699 Bay Laurel Place
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 595-7600
Schedule Haircut:
(805) 595-7600 x100
Request Services:
https://abac.caclubs.com/spa/forms/request-services-info
Questions:
diane@avilabayclub.com
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
The mineral springs at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa are located on 100 acres of forest, hills, and meadows that provide the perfectly serene space to relax and refresh.
The spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, and special packages, and all services includes a complimentary 30-minute private mineral soak.
Address:
1215 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone:
(805) 595-7302
Spa Avila at Avila Lighthouse Suites
The treatments at the Spa Avila at Avila Lighthouse Suites incorporates well-known techniques with a Central Coast influence.
Guests of the spa can indulge in a warm seashell massage (for example) in honor of the ocean just steps away from the suites, or a citrus body scrub to represent the lemon, orange, and other citrus trees grown in the county.
The spa offers massages, facials, scrubs, wraps, waxing, and special packages to their guests, and services can be provided in the spa, or in the room of guests of the hotel.
Address:
550 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 372-8452
Avila Valley Barn
Avila Valley Barn is a family friendly destination in Avila with u-pick fruits and veggies, farm animals, fresh baked pies, jams, and jellies, and even hayrides.
Located five minutes from downtown Avila, this is a great activity to do with the whole family after a fun day at the beach.
Address:
560 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone:
(805) 595-2816
Email:
avilabarn@aol.com
Website:
https://www.avilavalleybarn.com/
Avila Hot Springs
The Hot Springs in Avila were discovered in 1907, and have been a source of fun and relaxation for the San Luis Obispo County community ever since.
Today Avila Hot Springs features a 20’ x 20’ mineral soaking tub that has been kept at a consistent 104 degrees for over 100 years, a fresh water heated pool with two slides, camping facilities, a spa, and bike rentals.
Located six minutes from the beach in Avila this is a worthwhile stop on your trip to the beach!
Address:
250 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone:
(805) 595-2359
Avila Beach Golf Resort
The Golf Resort in Avila is a championship 18-hole, par 71, 6500 yard golf course on the beach.
The front nine follow the oak tree-lined valleys between San Luis Obispo and the beach, with the back nine situated along the tidal estuary.
All visitors to the golf course are welcome to book a tee time through the resort’s website and enjoy a fun day of golf at the beach.
Address:
6464 Ana Bay Drive
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 627-1900
Website:
http://www.avilabeachresort.com/golf/
Tee Time Reservations:
https://www.avilabeachresort.com/tee-time-booking
Golf Course Superintendent:
mike@avilabeachresort.com
Lodging
There are several hotels in Avila within walking distance of the ocean and the beach, but also those that are deeper in the hills that offer a completely different experience.
Below are some of the most popular hotels in the area and ways to contact them for more information.
Sycamore Mineral Springs
Sycamore Mineral Springs is a short five-minute drive from the beach in Avila, and sits on 100-acres of hills, meadows, and forests.
In addition to the beautifully private and rustic landscape, the property is also home to the Gardens of Avila Restaurant, a day spa, private balcony hot tubs, and health classes for guests to enjoy.
Address:
1215 Avila Beach Drive
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 595-7302
Website:
https://www.sycamoresprings.com/
Avila Village Inn
The Avila Village Inn is located five minutes from the beach in Avila, and in the same area as the Athletic Club and Spa where guests of the hotel receive unlimited access.
The hotel is also walking distance from the Bob Jones Trail, which guests can walk all the way to the at the beach and Promenade downtown.
Hotel Address:
6655 Laurel Place
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Mailing Address:
PO Box 910
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 454-0840
Website:
https://www.avilavillageinn.com/
Avila Hot Springs
Avila Hot Springs is located six minutes from the beach in Avila, and offers tent and RV camping for visitors that want to extend their stay.
There are also cabins for rent that can sleep up to four people. Use of the heated pool and mineral spring hot tub are included with your stay!
Address:
250 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone:
(805) 595-2359
Contact:
https://www.avilahotsprings.com/#contact
Website:
https://www.avilahotsprings.com/
Avila Lighthouse Suites
Avila Lighthouse Suites is located on the Promenade in downtown Avila, and is just feet from the beach.
The second floor balconies of guests rooms offer stunning views of the ocean and surrounding hillside, and their outdoor patio is the perfect place to end the day while enjoying a glass of local wine or beer and watching the sun set over Avila.
Address:
550 Front Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 627-1900
San Luis Bay Inn
The San Luis Bay Inn sits high atop the Santa Lucia Hills in Avila, and offers some of the most stunning views of the beach and surrounding hillsides.
The inn is made up of studio resorts that accommodate up to four, and guests can choose between a studio or one bedroom suite.
Address:
3254 Avila Beach Drive
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(800) 647-8001
Website:
http://sanluisbayinn.com/
Contact:
http://sanluisbayinn.com/contact.html
Avila La Fonda
Avila La Fonda sits just one block from the beach in Avila, but you might as well have been transported to a Mexican village when you stay at the property.
The luxury hotel features Mexican architecture, stained glass windows, beautiful fountains, and unparalleled luxury just feet from the beach.
Address:
101 San Miguel Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Phone:
(805) 595-1700
Website:
https://www.avilalafonda.com/
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