Things to Do
Trails, paddling, fishing, the aquarium, the barn and the hot springs.
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Avila Beach packs a lot into a small town. The beach sits in a sheltered cove, so the water is calmer than most of the Central Coast. That makes it a good place to try a kayak, a paddleboard or a first surf lesson. Sea otters and sea lions hang around Harford Pier, and humpback whales feed in the bay for much of the year.
On land, the Bob Jones Trail runs about 2.5 miles from the Avila Valley to the beach, flat and shaded, with leashed dogs welcome. The hills above town have short, steep hikes with views over the bay. The only way out to Point San Luis Lighthouse is a van tour, a guided kayak trip or PG&E's free docent hike.
A few minutes inland, you can soak in a private hot tub at Sycamore Mineral Springs, swim at Avila Hot Springs, or pick fruit and ride a hay wagon at Avila Valley Barn. Downtown has the Central Coast Aquarium, beach shops and, in summer, a Friday evening farmers market on the promenade.
One note: the Avila Beach Pier is mostly closed for repairs. Harford Pier at Port San Luis is open for walking and fishing.
Browse by activity below, or start with a guide for kids, dogs, a free day or a rainy one.
