Avila BeachCalifornia
Sunrise on San Luis Bay. Beaches, piers and a small town worth slowing down for.
The whole town, by someone who's shot its sunrises for years
Avila Beach sits on a south-facing cove of San Luis Bay, between San Luis Obispo and Pismo. Here you'll find every beach and pier, where to eat and stay, what's on this month, and the honest answers to parking, tides and dogs on the sand.
Every photo on this site is Jay Olson's, and every one is available as a print.
Beaches
Avila Beach and the promenade, the pier, Port San Luis and Harford Pier, dog-friendly Olde Port, Pirate's Cove and the tide pools.
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Play
Walk or bike the Bob Jones Trail, paddle the cove, fish the pier, visit the aquarium and Avila Valley Barn, and soak at the hot springs.
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Dine
Every restaurant on the promenade and around town on one page, with hours, a map and tags like ocean view, dog-friendly and kids. Plus fish markets on Harford Pier and wine tasting up See Canyon.
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Stay
From beachfront hotels to a campsite on Port San Luis, compared side by side so you can choose before you book.
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Events
Friday farmers market, concerts by the bay, and the town's yearly festivals, each with its own page and dates.
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Plan
First time here? Start with parking, tides and sunset times, the trolley, and the best time of year to come.
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