Bob Jones Trail
A flat, mostly paved path from the Avila Valley to the beach, shared by walkers, bikes, strollers and leashed dogs.
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- Distance
- About 2.5 miles each way from Ontario Road to Avila Beach
- Surface
- Mostly paved, with dirt strips along the edges
- Elevation
- About 50 feet of change; one short hill near the golf course
- Dogs
- Welcome on leash
- Cost
- Free
The Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail is the easiest way to see the Avila Valley without a car. It follows San Luis Obispo Creek from Ontario Road down to the beach, under oaks and sycamores, past the golf course and out to Front Street. It's flat enough for kids on scooters and long enough to feel like an outing.
The trail is named for Bob Jones, a local environmentalist who pushed for public access to the coast. The long-term plan is a trail from downtown San Luis Obispo all the way to the sea. For now, the finished section is the stretch from Ontario Road to Avila Beach.
Getting there and parking
The main trailhead is across Ontario Road from the park-and-ride lot at 7001 Ontario Road. From Highway 101, take exit 196. There are vault toilets at the trailhead. If the lot is full on a summer weekend, you can also start from the beach end at Avila Beach Drive and San Juan Street and walk inland. See our parking guide for the downtown lots.
In summer the free Avila-Pismo trolley stops at the Bob Jones trailhead on Ontario Road, so you can walk or ride one way and catch the trolley back. Check the RTA trolley page for this year's dates. More on the trolley on our getting around page.
Along the trail
- Oak groves and the creek. The first half is shaded, with views up to Ontario Hill.
- Woodstone Marketplace. About a mile from the Ontario Road end, it has a deli, coffee and a wine shop if you want to stop for a sandwich.
- Sycamore Mineral Springs. The resort sits along the trail. Its hot tubs make a good finish to a walk, and the resort shop rents bikes for the trail.
- The golf course bridge. A short metal bridge over the creek that bikes, walkers and golf carts all share.
- The beach. The trail ends at the edge of town, a short walk from the promenade, the shops and the sand.
Biking the trail
The trail has two bike lanes and is easy on any bike. If you didn't bring one, Bolt About rents e-bikes on Front Street, and Sycamore Mineral Springs rents bikes at its shop. Details are on our biking page. Ride at a relaxed speed and ring before you pass, since the path is shared with kids, dogs and strollers.
Make a day of it
Pair the trail with a stop at Avila Valley Barn, a short drive or ride up Avila Beach Drive, or end at the beach with lunch from one of the restaurants on Front Street. If you want more climbing, the Sycamore Crest Trail heads uphill from the Sycamore Springs end.
Local tips
- Start early on summer weekends, when bikes and strollers crowd the path by late morning.
- Use the dirt strips beside the pavement if you're walking; they're easier on your feet and keep you out of the bike lanes.
- Bring a hat: much of the trail is shaded by oaks and sycamores, but the open stretches near the beach get sun.
- Walk it one way and ride the free summer trolley back; it stops at the Bob Jones trailhead on Ontario Road.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Bob Jones Trail?
The finished section runs about 2.5 miles each way between Ontario Road and Avila Beach, so about 5 miles round trip.
Where do you park for the Bob Jones Trail?
Most people use the park-and-ride lot at 7001 Ontario Road, off Highway 101. The trail starts across the road.
Are dogs allowed on the Bob Jones Trail?
Yes, on a leash.
Can you bike the Bob Jones Trail?
Yes. It has bike lanes, and the one hill near the golf course is easy on a beach cruiser.
Does the Bob Jones Trail go to San Luis Obispo?
Not yet. The long-term plan is to connect downtown San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach, but only the Avila section is finished.
