Beaches & Piers

Avila Beach faces south into San Luis Bay, with headlands on both sides, so the water is usually calmer and the beach more sheltered than much of this coast. Every beach and pier around the bay is a short drive or walk apart along Avila Beach Drive, from the sand in front of town out to the working harbor at Port San Luis.

Start in town. Avila Beach and the promenade is the main beach, with restrooms, showers, a playground and Front Street right behind the sand. The Avila Beach Pier in the middle of the beach is mostly closed for repairs, so for walking and fishing over the water, head to Harford Pier at Port San Luis, where you can drive out, buy seafood and fish without a license.

Head toward the port. On the way, Olde Port Beach is where dogs can run off leash at any hour, and quieter Fisherman's Beach sits next door (no dogs there).

Go east for the rocks. Pirate's Cove is a clothing-optional cove below Cave Landing, reached by a short, steep trail, with a sea cave viewpoint above. Our tide pools guide covers where to look at low tide and how to do it without harming anything.

Before you go, check parking and today's weather and tides.