Avila Beach is a quaint San Luis Obispo County beach town that is actually part of the city of San Luis Obispo, but it feels like its own special beach mecca--and seems a world apart. While the inland city gets hot in the summer, people head to Avila to cool off.
One of the few spots in California with three piers in a single bay, two of the piers are open to the public. Harford Wharf features a popular fish restaurant, Olde Port Inn, offering spectacular, up-close views the surrounding ocean and mountains. Outside you can watch the seals and sea lions lounging on moored boats below the wharf. Avila Pier is the closest pier to the downtown shops, hotels and dining.
Avila Beach is seven miles north of Pismo Beach, seven miles south of San Luis Obispo, and half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You'll find Avila Beach by turning off the 101 where the signs designate the town access.
Avila Beach itself has overcome obstacles to shine even better than before. The ground once was contaminated with toxic chemicals, and the cleanup effort required several years. Everything is brand new in a certain area of town, including a new beachfront hotel.
The other distinction that you don't see is over the hill from the town. Diablo Nuclear Generating Station is off limits to the public. You don't see it and would not know about if not for a small sign or two near f.
When you want to have some old-fashioned fun, Avila Beach is an ideal destination with hardly any night life, but plenty of sunshine, cool ocean breezes, and good times for young families or retired seniors.
What to see: Play golf, wander the two piers; visit the Avila Barn selling produce and tasty foods (has a play area for kids); and spend time at the beach.
Avila Beach was rebuilt from the
ground up after oil leaks from storage
tanks on the hillside in town
contaminated the ground soil several
years ago.
With three piers all within view of each
other, you'll discover you can walk and
partake of free fishing on two. The
third is a privately owned pier
sandwiched between Avila Pier and San
Luis Wharf. The other two wooden
structures are open to the public.
At the base of the Avila Pier stands a
new structure with restrooms. Built as a
replica to a previous facility,
everything looks clean and neat. Plaques
at the base of the pier and across the
street at the rebuilt market identify
the current structures as replacements
to historical buildings. Construction
continued on our recent visit, with
restaurants and shops planned for
opening in the future.
The old Avila is not forgotten as
college students from Cal Poly in San
Luis Obispo have lounged, sunbathed,
surfed and visited this warm, friendly
beach for decades.
One of the new enhancements to the town is the Avila Sea Life Center. Be sure to drop by and visit it during your next trip to Avila Beach.
There's a playground on a lush, grass lawn. The playground virtually on the beach contains a climbing pole, slides and toddler rides. While the beach is popular, especially in summer months, at one time Avila Beach contained a busy port with thousands of merchants.
Avila's Harford Pier at Port San Luis was one of the busiest ports in California over a century ago. Today, Avila Beach and neighboring Port San Luis are small communities with a resort atmosphere.
While some joke that the Diablo Nuclear Power Plant over the hill creates the warming effect, the sunbathing, swimming, boating, fishing, surfing, golf and the beaches can be 10 degrees warmer than a few miles north in Morro Bay, known for its wind-swept beaches.
Activities include: Avila Beach Golf Course is a seaside resort located 3 miles off Highway 101 between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. Nestled in hills and on the bay, the resort includes a par 71, 6500-yard championship course. The front nine is situated within oak-lined valleys. The back nine transverses a tidal estuary. Golfers of all abilities will enjoy the challenge of this scenic course. The Avila Beach Golf Resort hosts numerous annual events throughout the year such as wine and beer tastings, musical events such as concerts and fundraisers. Reservations are available one week in advance.