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    Avila Beach

    4.3 (234 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

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    Afternoon view of Avila Beach from the north.
    Dave M.

    I have been visiting this stretch of sand since 1982. Back then, it wasn't nearly as attractive. There were massive petroleum storage tanks up on top of fossil point. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 5pm. No alcohol on the beach, either. Lifeguards on duty. Plenty of food and drinks seaside. If you haven't been, come check it out. A gem on California's Central Valley coast.

    Chiquita G.

    A great beach with plenty to do for the family. Free parking is limited but they do have an area not far from the beach where you can park and pay. There is also a playground and a museum for the kids. On the actual beach they have swings and slides. My boys love just hanging out and building sand castles. The only bad thing is the sand on this beach is a little rough and does get hot very fast. They do have a few rinse off areas and restrooms close. Plenty of food options nearby if you didn't pack your own.

    Karne N.

    This small somewhat sleepy town is a delight ( note: we were here off season). Everyone is friendly, there are playgrounds, huge beach areas, public bathrooms and fairly generous parking around town. The decor is simple but lovely and not tacky at all. And it's clean! Compared to Pismo Beach down the road, this town is far more attractive and welcoming.

    Marielle V.

    We love Avila beach, the wine shop, the restaurants, the pier. The views are stunning, great food and not too expensive, even for the area. The beach is very clean and pretty quiet each time we've been with folks just minding their own business and doing their own thing- from wedding pics, dancing in the beach, picnics at dusk, it's the perfect setting for making wonderful memories.

    The pier on an October Tuesday evening.
    Lianne K.

    We were wending our way home from the Bay Area yesterday. It was a push, but we made it to Avila Valley Barn about a half hour before closing. We did a power shopping pass and picked up a few things, but as they were getting ready to pack it in for the day, we had to move on. Not anxious to get right back in the car again, Dear Hubby suggested that we pick up food in Avila Beach. I said, "What about getting a sandwich at the deli (Woodstone) and taking it down to the beach?" Huzzah! A plan was born. We took our light repast right down to Front Street, parked, and found a bench overlooking the shore as the sun was setting. On a Tuesday evening, it was quiet in town. A few hardy people were still sitting out on the sand, and a few more were actually wading in the water! At 65 degrees and calm, it wasn't that cold. Not that warm, either. Wearing a flannel shirt, I felt comfortable. The surf was quite flat, and it felt like a very peaceful evening. We are lucky to live in California and have access to lovely places like this quirky beach town. This time we didn't linger too long. During our last visit we enjoyed strolling along Front Street and popping into the small shops. It was a perfect little rest stop to be next to the Pacific and enjoy the fresh air and calm scenery.

    Nate M.

    This was my first time at Avila Beach and it was just what I needed after being landlocked for four years. Just like any beach, the parking is tough, but there are plenty of neighborhoods where you can park and take a short walk to the beach. I really enjoyed the distance from the seawall to the actual water. Many California beaches are wide, so the walk from the parking lot to the water can be long. Avila is the opposite which is perfect when you have two small kids. The tide was out while we were here, so we were able to explore the attached river and walk to what felt like a hidden cove next to bustling beach area. There aren't a ton of restaurant options, maybe three or four? And if you get here during a certain time of day, the line could be quite long. The pier was closed while we were visiting, but that didn't stop us from having a good time and enjoying the sunshine. We will definitely be back to visit this beach for a longer stretch of time and actually dip more than dip our toes in the water.

    Erica G.

    Really enjoyed our getaway. Nice quiet place. Such a cute little town! The colorful buildings are so wonderful too. This place and businesses here are so aesthetically pleasing .. lol. Very picturesque!

    Ino R.

    Clean beach and plenty of sand. Great suggestion from Liz's Uncle Gaspar. It was a nice beach in a cove that allows for calm water so it's plenty safe for kids (and even safer if they know how to swim).. This beach has a playground attached on the north end, and has life guard stations on either side of a soon to be opened pier. Farther north is the SLO Creek which provides a fresh water lagoon and connection to the ocean. The recommendation is that the rocks on the north end have sea anemones, crabs, sea stars, etc. In them. Unfortunately, the tide came in in the late afternoon, and we chose not to swim across the channel, but some of the older kids did. The bathrooms were clean. Showers were available at each end, and we would return to this beach for beachy fun.

    Outdoor dining with view of ocean
    Lynn F.

    The town & it's beautiful beach is right off hwy 101, & 6 miles from San Luis Obispo through a scenic drive. There's about a 3 block strip of touristy shops, wine tasting, & some pretty good restaurants directly across from the beach. Avila Beach is definitely worth a detour. I went on a Wednesday & parking was plentiful, no wait at the restaurants. Of course it was an overcast day, but so what. The atmospheric fog & filtered light was perfect for photos. The place has a SoCal vibe, no matter what the weather, the locals are wearing tank tops & flip flops. No need to dress up here. Enjoy!

    The ocean
    Kathleen C.

    Clean beautiful beach with a street of eateries, shops and hotels. Clean bathrooms, outdoor showers and I found seashells! Parking $8 for the day. We will be back!

    Montage of images from Avila Beach
    Ed U.

    If you're looking for a more low-key experience than bustling Pismo Beach nearby, you will likely be better served by this becalming sandy stretch. Parking is more convenient here as there is a huge pay lot about a block from the beach. Like the other local beaches, there is a wooden pier though admittedly the Avila Pier felt more weather worn than other boardwalks with slats that had fearsome spaces between them. The further half of the pier was closed for renovation when we were there. The beach is bookmarked by a spit leading to a creek on the northern end and a rocky headland on the southern end. It's just the type of enclosed beach spot ideal for a Central Coast weekender. RELATED - Exploring California's Central Coast? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3zSyudU

    Sara B.

    This has been my 3rd time to this beach. I have typically come during the summer on weekdays. Today we went here on a weekend and in the beginning of September when school is back in. After being spoiled by Carpinteria beaches last weekend, I have to say Avila is just not as nice to me. The water definitely felt much colder than I remember just 2 months ago on my last visit in July. There was a lot more washed up seaweed on the beach which meant a lot of flies. Luckily this time the flies only seemed to pester us the first 2 hours we were there and after 2pm, they seemed to leave us alone. Parking in the paid parking lot will cost you $7 but at least this beach has lifeguards, the pier just a few yards away and public bathrooms to use.

    Irena S.

    Have to come here every time we visit SLO, it is literally one of the chillest and nicest cold beaches I've ever been to. We absolutely love it. Pros: - Surprisingly parking is much easier here than Santa Cruz, and even if you have to park a little further, it's a nice scenic walk down to the water. - Plenty of sitting space along the walls, on the sand. Great study vibes, date vibes, tourist vibes. - Dog friendly - Busy but not excessively crowded even on a long weekend. - Various businesses near the beach if you want ice cream, souvenirs, etc. Cons: - NONE. Will come again over and over.

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    One of my favorite spots in SLO. They have great coffee near by and a super fun boardwalk. I enjoyed the sun and vibe tremendously.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Avila Beach

    Where is the dog beach?

    North of Morro Bay~ between Cayucos & Morro Bay. Plenty of parking.

    Can you have beer on beach?

    Negative.

    Are there firepits available to rent?

    None on avila beach. Taken out years ago. There may still be some on the beach by the harbor and they were first come .

    Currently in Avila Beach, are the public restrooms closest to the beach open to the public? Are there outdoor showers? If so, where? Appreciate any info, thanks in advance.

    The public bathrooms are at the beginning of the pier. Men's on South side, women's on North. There are outside showers next to the womens bathrooms but they are only for rinsing off sand.

    Can I bring my dog?

    I did see dogs on leashes. I also saw signs posted on the beach dogs allowed on beach from 10am to 4pm. Its advertised as a pet friendly beach.

    What section of beach is best for a couple in their 40s?

    Any section will do. It seemed to be an all inclusive type of atmosphere.

    Is today a good day to come here? will the water have a good temperature?

    Any day is a good day to come here unless it's winter or raining. It's going to be 83° today 8/19 and the water is still 50-60°.… Read more

    Is the water super cold or is it warm enough to enjoy?

    Hi Daniela, Water is cold until your body acclimates to it; however, sand is warm, breeze is nice. Avila Beach is the only south facing beach on Central Coast :-)

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    Review Highlights - Avila Beach

    The pier is temporarily closed for a while now, probably due to the rainy weather we have been experiencing.

    Mentioned in 45 reviews

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    Pirate's Cove - Cave where you can see the ocean and cliffs.

    Pirate's Cove

    4.2(107 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    Ended up taking the long route to Pirate's Cove (parked near homes and took the trail) which we…read morelater found out is the Shell Beach Bluff Trail. We enjoyed this scenic trail, which had multi-million dollar homes to our right, and the beautiful ocean to our left; and a somewhat steep incline up to the dirt parking lot and Cave Landing trailhead. Good thing the weather was perfect and there was a lovely breeze; otherwise I would've stopped walking and demanded to go back to the car. Once we got to the trail, it was a fairly easy short walk to get to the cave. After taking in the stunning views from the cave, we trekked to the cove. Be cautious going down, as it's a steep dirt path and a couple flights of stairs. Also note that clothing is optional, and you may run into people in their birthday suits on this secluded beach.

    While visiting SLO, I was looking for an ocean hike to complete and found this hike on All Trails…read moreso I went for it. I took the long way traversing through a million dollar neighborhood of gorgeous homes lining the street. Once I was in the dirt I could see the cove from above. The beach is beautiful and not crowded. Of course, clothing is optional but I didn't come for the beach. I came to see the cove. You have to hike down to the cove as it sits on the water, but no biggie. Hiking back up and out for some may be challenging for some so just go at your own pace. When I arrived there was a guy playing a guitar so that was nice, not too many peeps around which allowed me to take a couple of pics. The cove itself is picturesque but the graffiti sucks!! Why must people have to paint on rocks in nature?? I just don't get it!! Go paint on abandoned buildings etc. I stayed for a few minutes then I walked out on the rocks and took in the views of the mighty Pacific Ocean. So gorgeous! I could have sat there all day. You can also access this cove and beach by driving directly to it and then following the path down to it, but I preferred the mini hike instead. Remember to Leave No Trace always.

    Photos
    Pirate's Cove - Pirates Cove Beach in Avila.

    Pirates Cove Beach in Avila.

    Pirate's Cove
    Pirate's Cove

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    Avila Beach - beaches - Updated May 2026

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