Olde Port Beach
The beach by Port San Luis where dogs are welcome on the sand.
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- Where
- Avila Beach Drive, between downtown and Harford Pier
- Dogs
- Off leash under voice control, any time
- Parking
- Free street parking along Avila Beach Drive
- Facilities
- Restrooms
- Cost
- Free
What it is
Olde Port Beach is the beach along Avila Beach Drive on the way out to Port San Luis. Most people know it as the dog beach. It's the one beach around the bay where the Harbor District lets dogs run off leash at any hour, so it's the place to bring a dog that loves to run and swim.
It's also a handy launch spot. A ramp runs from the road down to the sand, so you can drop off a kayak or paddleboard and push off into the calm water of San Luis Bay.
Getting there and parking
From downtown Avila, drive west on Avila Beach Drive toward Port San Luis. The beach is on your left, past town and before Fisherman's Beach and Harford Pier. Park for free along the street. On busy days spaces go quickly, so have a backup plan; our parking guide lists other spots.
Rules
These come from the Port San Luis Harbor District's beach regulations:
- Dogs: off leash is allowed, but your dog must be under voice-command control.
- Vehicles: only to launch or retrieve small watercraft.
- No alcohol or glass on the beach.
- No fires: bonfires, campfires and charcoal or wood grills are banned. A small, hand-carried propane grill with an on/off valve is allowed.
- No amplified music or generators.
Pick up after your dog and pack out your trash. If the beach stays clean and dogs stay under control, it stays a dog beach.
What to do
- Let your dog run. This is the main event. See With Dogs for dog-friendly places to eat and stay around Avila.
- Paddle. Launch from the ramp and head out across the bay or toward the harbor. Kayak & Paddleboard lists local rentals. Check the wind on our Weather & Conditions page first; the harbor patrol says wind pushing paddlers out of the harbor is a common reason for rescues.
- Walk to the pier. Continue west to Harford Pier for seafood, sea lions and fishing. Your dog will need to go back on a leash past the beach, and dogs aren't allowed at all on Fisherman's Beach.
- Visit the lighthouse. Point San Luis Lighthouse van tours meet at Port San Luis, near Harford Pier, just past the beach. Tours need a reservation, so check our lighthouse page before you go.
Local tips
- Bring your own bags; you're expected to pick up after your dog.
- If your dog doesn't come back when called, keep it leashed, since off-leash dogs must be under voice control.
- Launching a kayak or board? You can drive down the ramp to drop it off, then park back up on the road.
- Fisherman's Beach next door is off limits to dogs, so turn around at the rocky point.
Frequently asked questions
Is Olde Port Beach off leash?
Yes. The Harbor District allows dogs off leash on Olde Port Beach as long as they're under voice control.
Can I drive on Olde Port Beach?
Only to launch or pick up small boats like kayaks and paddleboards. Other driving on the sand isn't allowed.
Are there restrooms at Olde Port Beach?
Yes, there are restrooms at the beach.
Can dogs go on the main Avila Beach?
Only before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Olde Port Beach is the place for dogs during the middle of the day.
