Harford Pier & Port San Luis
The working pier at Port San Luis, with fish markets, boats, sea lions and the harbor.
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- Where
- End of Avila Beach Drive, Port San Luis
- Status
- Open (Avila Beach Pier in town is mostly closed for repairs)
- Fishing
- No license needed on the public piers
- Parking
- Small paid lot on the pier; larger Harford Landing lot at the base
- Managed by
- Port San Luis Harbor District
Harford Pier is the working pier at Port San Luis, at the far end of Avila Beach Drive past downtown. Fishing boats tie up here, seafood is sold in the market at the end, tour boats leave for the bay, and sea lions rest on the floats below. It is one of the last piers along Highway 1 where you can still drive your car out onto the deck.
With the Avila Beach Pier in town mostly closed for repairs, Harford Pier is the pier to visit if you want to walk or fish over the water.
A little history
John Harford built the pier in the 19th century to ship the county's goods out by sea. A narrow gauge railroad ran down to it, later part of the Pacific Coast Railroad, and in the late 1870s the pier was extended into deeper water. Our History of Avila Beach page has more about the port's early days.
Getting there and parking
Follow Avila Beach Drive west through town, past Olde Port Beach and Fisherman's Beach, to the end of the road. You can drive out onto the pier.
Parking on the pier itself is limited and paid. The Harbor District's parking FAQ explains that you buy a permit at the pay station near the spaces, with a time limit, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The large Harford Landing lot at the base of the pier has most of its spaces free, with a small number of paid spaces marked in green. Overnight parking there needs a permit. Rates and rules can change, so read the signs at the pay station. Our parking guide covers the rest of town.
Things to do on Harford Pier
Fish
The Harbor District says no fishing license is required on the Port San Luis public piers. Spring brings halibut, salmon and mackerel. Summer and fall bring rockfish, sharks and barracuda. If you move down to the beach to surf fish, you need a license. See Fishing & Charters for sportfishing trips that leave from the port.
Buy seafood and eat
- Harford Seafood Company sells fresh fish and shellfish from the market at the end of the pier, in the space that used to be the Olde Port Inn.
- Mersea's is the restaurant on the pier, at 3985 Avila Beach Drive.
- Fat Cats Cafe is at the base of the pier at 3920 Avila Beach Drive.
More options are on our Fish Markets and Restaurants pages.
Get on the water
- Avila Beach Whale Watching runs the Pacific Flyer from Harford Pier, with a one-hour bay wildlife tour and a two-hour whale watching trip.
- SLO Tours runs harbor and whale watching trips in rigid inflatable boats from the pier.
- Avila Beach Paddlesports rents kayaks and paddleboards from the boat launch building at 3915 Avila Beach Drive.
See Whale Watching and Kayak & Paddleboard for details.
Watch wildlife
Sea lions rest on the docks and floats around the pier. Sea otters are often seen from the pier too, and seabirds dive into bait balls in the water nearby. The sea lions can bite, so watch from the pier rather than trying to get close.
Nearby
The Point San Luis Lighthouse stands out on Point San Luis, and visits are by reservation only. The tide pools page covers the rocky shores around the bay, and camping at the port is on our Camping & RV page.
Local tips
- If the few spaces on the pier are full, park at Harford Landing and walk out.
- Look down at the floating docks for sea lions, and keep your distance because they can bite.
- Pair the pier with a stop at Olde Port Beach on the way, where dogs can run off leash.
- Check the Harbor District website for pier notices before a fishing trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive on Harford Pier?
Yes. You can drive out onto the pier, and there is a small amount of paid parking at the end.
Do you need a fishing license to fish from Harford Pier?
No. The Harbor District says no license is required on either Port San Luis public pier.
Where can you see sea lions in Avila Beach?
On the docks and floats around Harford Pier. Watch from the pier and give them room.
Is Harford Pier the same as the Avila Beach Pier?
No. Harford Pier is at Port San Luis at the end of Avila Beach Drive. The Avila Beach Pier is in town off Front Street and is mostly closed for repairs.
