13 Things to Do in Avila Beach, California

Today I want to share my guide to the best things to do in Avila Beach, California with you. Right on the Central Coast near Pismo Beach, this place is known for its sandy shoreline and long pier. It's a great spot to visit if you love sunshine and small town vibes. There's more to it than that, though, so read on for the highlights of this part of San Luis Obispo County.

Things to Do in Avila Beach

I'm staying at the Avila La Fonda Hotel for a night with my boyfriend and his dog on our way from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Avila Beach is a great place to break up a drive from Southern California to Northern California, and we're excited to explore the town and soak up the atmosphere.

Even if you can't stay a night, this place is a great day trip from Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo. Avila Beach is worth visiting if you're living or staying locally and want to experience a unique beach town with a lot going for it.

1. Avila Beach

Given it's in the name, I'll start my list of things to do in Avila Beach with the beach. It's the main attraction, after all, and no list would be complete without it.

Avila Beach isn't just any stretch of sand, though. It has a few unique features. One is the stunning rock formations at either end. They add atmosphere and make for great photos from the promenade above the shore.

Another is the pier. Well, piers. Suffice it to say this place has more than its fair share of them. The Avila Beach Pier is right on the water in the heart of town. There's a second one to the north of it that you can see from the beach, too. They jut out into the Pacific Ocean, and they're great features of the shoreline.

A third highlight is that Avila Beach is dog-friendly before 10am and after 5pm. If you're traveling with a canine companion, it's a great place to go for a morning or evening walk. My boyfriend took his dog out just after sunrise and they had a great time meeting other pups and playing ball in the surf.

But the real reason the sandy shoreline in Avila Beach is worth a visit is because it's big and beautiful. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or surf (there's a surf school in town), there's a lot to love about this place.

And it's not the only beach around, either. From Pirate's Cove Beach to Shell Beach, there are a lot of good ones in the area.

2. Restaurants and Cafes

Next on my list of things to do in Avila Beach is try the restaurants. There are plenty of them dotted around 1st Street, San Miguel Street, and Front Street. Given this is the Central Coast, some specialize in seafood. Others offer everything from pizza to burgers and steaks.

At the recommendation of the front desk staff at the Avila La Fonda Hotel, my boyfriend and I head to Custom House for dinner on our first night in town. This seafood restaurant is right on the waterfront and it has everything from a big bar to a spacious dining room and ample outdoor seating.

We tuck into an iceberg wedge salad and a huge pot of cioppino, both of which go down a treat after a long day of driving.

The next morning we head to Hula Hut for a breakfast smoothie. It tastes sweet and delicious in the California sunshine. As we walk down the waterfront with it, we pass everything from coffee shops to ice cream parlors.

Afterwards I can't resist driving over to Pismo Beach to get one of the famous pastries from Old West Cinnamon Rolls, but that's a subject of another blog post.

3. Bob Jones Trail

Speaking of food, if you're in need of burning off some calories, the Bob Jones Trail is one of the best things to do in Avila Beach. This 3-mile "City to Sea" trail is a great place to walk, run, or bike in and around the area. If you don't have your own wheels, you can rent electric bikes in town.

A relatively flat, paved path, the Bob Jones Trail in Avila Beach runs from the Ontario Road trailhead near the 101 Freeway to the Pacific Ocean in the heart of town. It follows an old Pacific Coast Railroad right-of-way along the San Luis Obispo Creek.

4. Avila Beach Park

Right before the Bob Jones Trail reaches the coast, it goes through Avila Beach Park. This green space has everything from a children's playground to an aquarium. It's also home to curving paths for walking and cycling, public restrooms, and benches that look out over the water.

5. Central Coast Aquarium

Speaking of the aquarium, visiting it is one of the best things to do in Avila Beach. The Central Coast Aquarium is a small non-profit science education center with exhibits and hands-on programs focusing on marine life.

The aquarium is a fun place to learn about local sea life in this part of California. Opening hours are limited, so make sure to check before you visit.

6. Bars

Back to food and drink, there are some fun bars in Avila Beach. From wine to beer and cocktails, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to the options in town.

From PierFront Wine & Brew to Mr Rick's, the waterfront has plenty of places to get a sunset cocktail or after-dinner drink. Libertine Brewing Tasting Room is a great spot to try local Central Coast beers, too.

7. Wine Tasting

It's not just bars for drinking, either. This being California, there are plenty of places to go wine tasting in and around Avila Beach. From Peloton Cellars to Avila Wine & Roasting Co, Sinor-LaVallee, and Alapay Cellars Tasting Room, you can sip and savor right in the heart of town.

If you want to go further afield, there are wineries around the local area as well. You'll spot signs for them along Avila Beach Drive, and they'll direct you to places like Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards.

Avila Beach isn't too far from Paso Robles, either, and there are lots of wineries to discover there.

8. Avila Beach Golf Resort

If you're into golf, you're in luck. The Avila Beach Golf Resort is the most well-known Central Coast golf course. Playing a round here is one of the best things to do in Avila Beach.

If you're not into golf, there's still plenty for you to enjoy. The resort hosts a yearly concert series from May to October with a variety of performers. The venue has great views over the beach, too.

There's also a restaurant on the grounds if you want to eat here before or after a round of golf.

9. Avila Valley Barn

It's a bit inland from the ocean, but visiting Avila Valley Barn is another of the best things to do in Avila Beach. This complex features everything from farm animals to shops and food.

There's something on here every season, from spring hayrides to fall pumpkin patches and winter Christmas trees.

The farm shops here are full of delicious produce and local gifts, and the outdoor area is perfect for al fresco dining and taking in the scenery.

My boyfriend and I stop here on our way out of Avila Beach to stock up on jams and other specialties. It's buzzing with energy, and we have fun taking in the atmosphere as we walk around.

10. Point San Luis Lighthouse

Just outside Avila Beach, the Point San Luis Lighthouse is another great place to visit. Founded in 1890, the Point San Luis Light Station has served as the beacon over San Luis Bay for over a century.

The the only surviving Prairie Victorian model lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a beautiful structure in its own right, and it offers sweeping ocean views.

You can visit the lighthouse on a guided tour several days a week. You can also hike there on the Pecho Coast Trail. You'll need to book both in advance, so make sure to plan ahead.

11. Shopping

Back in town, another of the top things to do in Avila Beach is go shopping. There are boutiques dotted throughout the streets, and they're great places to pick up gifts and souvenirs.

From Hula Hut to art galleries, hat shops, and clothing stores, there's no shortage of things to browse and buy here.

12. Hot Springs

Did you know there are hot springs in Avila Beach? Discovered in 1907 by local oil drillers, they're natural mineral springs visitors and locals can enjoy. Going to them is one of the most unique things to do in Avila Beach.

There are several places you can enjoy them, from Avila Hot Springs to Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. Depending where you go, you can find everything from water slides to steaming mineral soaking pools, hot tubs, and spas.

13. Water Activities

If you love the water, there's plenty to do on the bay. Whether you want to swim, surf, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), whale watch, or go boating, there's something for you. Many companies in town offer rentals, lessons, and tours, so it's easy to do anything you want.

Avila Beach is a great place to learn how to surf or spot whales off the coast on a special excursion. There's no shortage of ways you can enjoy getting out on the water here.

Best Things to Do in Avila Beach

I hope you've enjoyed this look at the best things to do in Avila Beach. It's a great place to visit on the Central Coast in California, and a fun town to discover. I really enjoyed my stay, and I'm sure you'll have fun here if you get a chance to visit. Happy travels!

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