Things To Do
Best Beaches and Hiking Trails
Beach Recommendations: 1. Avila Main Beach, Avila Beach 2. Shell Beach 3. Pismo Beach Best Hiking Trails: 1. The Shell Beach Bluff Trail 2. Pismo Preserve
Dining & Shopping
Most of Avila Beach's dining and shopping options run along the "Front Street" of downtown Avila. Because of this, we really recommend just walking along the strip, there's no end to great restaurants, bars, boutiques, wine tasting, and more. However, some of Avila's hottest spots off of Front Street are: 1. Mersea’s Restaurant: 3985 Avila Beach Drive Avila Beach, CA 93424 Dine on fresh, delicious seafood, grab a drink at the bar and enjoy the awesome views from the Harford Pier in Avila Beach. 2. Mulligan’s Bar & Grill: 6464 Ana Bay Drive Avila Beach, CA 93424 If you can't get enough of our beautiful venue (we can't!), the venue also has a delicious restaurant with beautiful views of the water! 3. Gardens of Avila: 1215 Avila Beach Drive San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 The Gardens of Avila Restaurant at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, voted “most romantic” and a favorite spot for locals as well as travelers, is situated in a beautiful garden setting.
Kayaking & Paddle Boarding
There are tons of amazing places to kayak or paddle board in Avila Beach. The website listed gives a great overview of places to rent kayaks/paddle boards, tour options, and the best beaches to launch from!
Avila Beach Farmers Market
A beautiful farmers market on the beach! Occurs every Friday 4:00-8:00 pm.
Wine Tasting
There are multiple great locations for wine tasting in Avila Beach! We recommend Peloton Cellars, which has ocean front views. Locals also love Sinor-LaVallee, Alapay Cellars, and PierFront Wine and Brew.
Avila Valley Barn
In the summer, Avila Valley Barn offers activities like U-Pick fruits and vegetables (including olallieberries), a petting zoo, and homemade ice cream from its country bakery. Visitors can also enjoy other farm-fresh treats, seasonal produce, and the country market. The barn is a popular destination near Avila Beach Drive for family fun during the summer season.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
A bit outside of Avila Beach, the Monarch Butterfly Grove is about a 20 minute drive from out venue. However, we think it's worth checking out! Monarch butterflies are a beautiful species, but are seen more and more rarely. Sanctuaries like this are a great opportunity to see them!
Avila Trolley
A great free transit option to go from Avila Beach to Seal Beach and Pismo Beach! ***DISCLAIMER: Please check the website for the most updated stop information. All Trolley Stops: NORTHBOUND to Avila Beach • Pismo Premium Outlets • Avila Beach Drive @ Ontario, at the Avila Hot Springs Resort parking lot • Bob Jones Bike Trailhead @ Ontario Road • Avila Beach Drive @ 1st - at the stoplight • San Luis Bay Inn @ Avila Beach Drive • Babe Lane/Campground • Port San Luis - near Fat Cats restaurant SOUTHBOUND to Pismo Beach • Avila Beach Drive @ 1st Street • Cave Landing Road • Bob Jones Bike Trailhead on Ontario Road • Avila Beach Drive @ Ontario Road • Pismo Premium Outlets Connect to South County Transit Routes 21 & 24 and RTA Route 10 at the Pismo Premium Outlets