Date Ideas

Avila is small enough that a date here feels easy. Park once, walk everywhere, and end the night in warm water under the trees. Pick one or two of these, or string them together for a full day.

Soak in a private hot tub

Sycamore Mineral Springs rents 24 private hillside tubs by the hour, each on its own fenced deck under sycamores and oaks. Book an evening slot for stars and steam. Prices in 2026 start at $25 per person per hour on weeknights. See hot springs and spas. Add a massage at The Spa at Sycamore if you want the full treatment.

Watch the sunset

Walk the promenade and find a spot on the sand to watch the sun go down over the bay. The Avila Beach Pier is mostly closed for repairs, so for a pier walk at golden hour, drive to Harford Pier at Port San Luis. Sunset times are on our weather and conditions page.

Go wine tasting

Several tasting rooms are a short walk apart downtown, and the See Canyon wineries are a few minutes up the road. See wine tasting.

Get out on the water

• Whale watching. Avila Beach Whale Watching takes six people at most on its catamaran, so it can feel close to a private trip. See whale watching.
• Kayak or paddleboard. Rent kayaks or paddleboards, or take a guided tour toward the lighthouse. See kayak and paddleboard.

Take a walk or a ride

• Rent e-bikes from Bolt About and ride the Bob Jones Trail into the valley and back.
• Hike the short, steep Sycamore Crest Trail for a view over the bay, then soak your legs after. See hiking.
• Join a free docent hike to the Point San Luis Lighthouse.

Dinner and drinks

Front Street has restaurants, a wine bar and an oyster bar within a block or two. Mulligan's Bar & Grill at The Avila has live music on weekends. See restaurants and bars and happy hour.

Stay the night

If you're making a weekend of it, see hotels and inns.