Avila Beach, California

If you haven't visited Avila Beach lately, you should make the time to drop by and spend some time. Avila Beach is on the central coast of California, approximately equidistant between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is surrounded by gentle, sloping hills, which both define the limits of the town and help to create the sunny micro-climate that has been bringing back visitors for generations. Avila's beach, facing south into the Pacific, draws sunbathers and swimmers, due to its having more sun and less fog than any other coastal areas nearby. While they shiver under the marine layer, Avila is warm and inviting. Three piers reaching out into the ocean complete the look.

Downtown Avila Beach was demolished in 1998 to clean up an extensive oil leak from a nearby Unocal tank farm. With the settlement, the contaminated soil was excavated and replaced with clean soil.  Now the town has been rebuilt, with the oceanside promenade fully restored, true to its original offbeat character. In addition to new versions of many of the original shops and stores that filled the downtown, new hotels, restaurants and other establishments have joined them.

Most noticeable when you arive at the beach, Avila's piers are major points of interest and exploration. Avila Beach Pier, 1,685 feet long, is the public pier jutting out from the town's promenade. With the San Luis Yacht Club standing off to the side, this pier is perfect for strolling and recreational fishing. The California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly SLO) Pier, part of the university's marine research program is not accessible to the public. Likewise, Harford Pier, for commercial fishing boats, is not accessible to the public. But for real local color, head to the end of the cove where the pier is and watch the fishing boats offload their catch on the wharf. A couple of seafood shacks and fish markets are on the pier, and would be happy to provide you with fresh seasonal seafood from the daily catch.

• BJ's Live Seafood - 805-680-5143
• Olde Port Fisheries - 806-595-9456
• Pete's Pierside Cafe - 806-595-7627

The Avila Beach Golf Resort, nestled in the surrounding hills and on the bay, 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.

In addition to great golf, there are multiple activities on the water and under the sun. Fishing, both from the piers and on commercial boats, boating, kayaking, surfing, snokeling, bicycling, hiking, wine tasting, sunbathing or a visit to one of the local spas, you are sure to find activities to your taste.

In addition to all the things you can do in Avila Beach, be aware that it also provides a great home base for touring the rest of California's Central Coast. Minutes away are Edna Valley and See Canyon vineyards with world class wine tasting.

Seven minutes away is San Luis Obispo, which offers unique downtown shopping, the famous Madonna Inn, and Cal Poly State University. Pismo Beach, just three miles south, offers more miles of beaches, camping, outlet shopping, and the Oceano Dunes recreational vehicle park.

Travelling northwest will take you to Morro Bay (25 miles) and the amazing Hearst Castle is only 45 miles away. 

• Avila Lighthouse Suites - 800-372-8452
• Avila Village Inn - 805-627-1810
• San Luis Bay Inn - 805-595-2333
• Sycamore Mineral Springs - 800-234-5831

• Fat Cat Cafe - 805-595-2204
• Gardens of Avila Restaurant - 805-595-7365
• Marre Blu Restaurant - 805-595-4001
• Mr. Ricks - 805-595-7425
• Mulligan's Bar and Grill - 805-595-4000
• Old Custom House - 805-595-7555
• Olde Port Inn - 805-595-2515
• Pete's Pierside Cafe - 805-595-7627