With Kids
Small waves, a hands-on aquarium, a farm with hayrides and a heated pool with water slides, all within a few miles.
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- Best beach
- Avila Beach downtown, with small waves most days
- Rainy day
- Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Hot Springs pool
- Free
- Avila Valley Barn admission, Bob Jones Trail, tide pools
- Getting around
- Free summer trolley; bike trailers at Bolt About
Avila is an easy town to do with kids. The beach is protected and gentle, downtown is walkable, and the bigger outings, like the barn and the hot springs pool, are a five-minute drive or a flat bike ride away. Here's what works for families, roughly from youngest to oldest.
On the beach
The main beach downtown faces south into the cove, so the waves are usually small. That's good for wading, sandcastles and boogie boards. The Sea Barn on the promenade rents boogie boards, wetsuits and beach gear if you didn't bring yours. More on the main beach.
The Avila Beach Pier is mostly closed for repairs. To walk a pier and hear sea lions, go to Harford Pier at Port San Luis.
At low tide, explore the tide pools. Teach kids to look, touch gently and leave everything where they found it.
The pirate playground and park
Avila Beach Park sits at the west end of Front Street, right behind the sand. The playground has a pirate ship, climbing sculptures and a sand pit, and there are swings on the beach nearby. Older kids can use the basketball court in the park or the sand volleyball courts on the beach. It's all free, with restrooms close by. Picnic tables and BBQ pits on the sand are first come, first served, so grab one early on summer weekends.
Central Coast Aquarium
A small, hands-on aquarium a short walk from the beach, with local sharks and rays. Daily feedings run at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m., and afterward kids can gently touch swell sharks. There's a playground and picnic area outside. See Central Coast Aquarium.
Avila Valley Barn
Feed the farm animals, ride a hay wagon, pick fruit or pumpkins in season and split a pie. Parking and admission are free. Hayrides run about May through October and the pumpkin patch September through November. See Avila Valley Barn.
Avila Hot Springs pool
A big heated freshwater pool with water slides (weekends, noon to 5 p.m.). Kids 8 and up can join you in the hot mineral pool. See hot springs and spas.
Bikes, kayaks and boats
- Bob Jones Trail. About 2.5 miles of mostly flat, paved path from the valley to the beach. Good for scooters, strollers and kids on bikes. Bolt About on Front Street rents kid e-bikes and scooters and lends kid trailers free. See Bob Jones Trail.
- Kayaking. Avila Beach Paddlesports runs a Little Explorers family kayak tour for kids 7 and up, with a walk to the lighthouse. See kayak and paddleboard.
- Surf lessons. The cove's small waves are a good place for a first lesson. See surfing.
- Whale watching. Small-boat trips leave from Harford Pier. See whale watching.
Treats
Reimer's Candies & Ice Cream on Front Street makes its own ice cream and fudge. More on sweets and treats.
For a ready-made plan, see our itineraries.
Local tips
- Plan beach time for the morning, before the afternoon wind kicks up sand.
- Time an aquarium visit for a feeding at noon, 1:30 or 3 p.m.
- Kids under 8 can't use the hot mineral pool at Avila Hot Springs; the big heated pool and slides are fine.
- Pack layers and a sweatshirt for the kids; it can be cool by the water in the morning and evening.
Frequently asked questions
Is Avila Beach good for kids?
Yes. The beach is in a sheltered cove with small waves most days, and the aquarium, shops and food are a short walk away.
What can kids do in Avila on a rainy day?
The Central Coast Aquarium and the heated pool at Avila Hot Springs are both good bets.
What age can do the lighthouse tours?
The van tours sell kids' tickets and infant carrier seats. Kayak tours to the lighthouse take kids 7 and up on the family tour.
Where can kids see farm animals?
Avila Valley Barn has feeding corrals and a petting area year-round, with hayrides in summer and fall.
