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    Avila Beach

    4.3 (235 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

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    Britt C.

    We enjoyed our last visit to Avila. We walked from one end to the other down by the beach. Brought back memories of my kids loving this beach. If I had to pick Morro is definitely my favorite due to the colder weather. It was rather warm in Avila and crowded. Not much to do there, but it is nice to just relax. 8/20/25

    Whit D.

    Need some vitamin D or sometime away from the Central Valley? This beach is worth the drive. There is a pier, with little food trucks/huts that sell snow cones and cinnamon rolls, located at the top of the pier. Little shops and restaurants are located in the area as well. This is a nice beach; free street parking, also has a paid parking lot , located a couple blocks away ($9). This beach is nice and less packed than Pismo beach or beaches in the La area. Public bathrooms also near the pier.

    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

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    4 years ago

    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°.… 

    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.

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    Avila Sea Caves

    Avila Sea Caves

    3.9
    (20 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Date: Monday, July 24th, 2023 Time: around 12:45pm…read more We were at Pirate's Cove so decided to check out a cave. We actually didn't make it all the way down to the beach, but I did go into a cave and enjoy the view on the other side. Not sure if that qualifies as one of the Avila Sea Caves, but I will just assume it does. Parking was pretty easy. There is a small lot. No issues finding a spot since it was a Monday afternoon. We only walked down to the first cave, so probably spent a little more than 15 mins walking around and taking pix. If you enjoy water and a view, I'd say definitely check this spot out. REVIEW #3441

    Locals call this place the Smugglers Cave. Cool name. But it's not really a cave and not near the…read moreshoreline. It's a natural carved tunnel through the a rock formation on a bluff overlooking Avila Beach and the ocean. Sadly though the cave is tagged with graffiti and folks treat the inside of the cave as a trash bin. Disheartening site to see a beautiful work of nature treated like this by those that come to view and hang out. Ironic. The hike from the parking lot is less than half mile one way. It starts at a slight incline. When you get to the point where the path splits to the right and left, turn right... the cave is to the right. You're less than halfway there at this point. The cave overlook has no guardrails, so please pay attention especially with the kiddos. The cliff has a drop. Have your wits about you and stay alert. If you have an overwhelming urge to creep close to the edge to take the perfect selfie, do so cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. Overall the views are gorgeous. But the trash bin cave vibes was a downer.

    Photos
    Monday, July 24th, 2023 - View from Cave
    Monday, July 24th, 2023 - View from Cave
    Avila Sea Cave Entrance
    Avila Sea Cave Entrance
    Avila Sea Cave Graffiti

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    Avila Sea Cave Graffiti
    Dinosaur Caves Park

    Dinosaur Caves Park

    4.5
    (205 reviews)
    4.2 mi

    Such an idyllic park. We stopped by to give our pup some nice playtime and relaxation and were…read moregreeted with the sight of families enjoying the play structure, beautiful cave and rock formations cliffside, various coastal flora and green grass. It is called dinosaur caves park due to the caves and some dinosaur sculptures located in the play area. Apparently there use to be a big dinosaur centerfold but that was taken away. A great walk and area to coast for a bit (pun intended) but bring your own shade.

    My family and I saw this park while driving to Solvang a few weeks ago and knew we had to check it…read moreout on our way home! Dinosaur Caves Park is just gorgeous! A lovely neighborhood park with amazing views of the ocean! The park was clean and well maintained - they offered bathrooms as well! Swings, slides, spiny rides - you name it. Our daughter had a blast! After our daughter enjoyed the park, we walked around the trails and took so photos of the flowers and ocean views. Why is it called Dinosaur Caves Park? Apparently per the information area, there used to be a massive dinosaur statue that was eventually taken away - caves? I did see a cave or 2 when we were checking out the ocean views. Overall, I think Dinosaur Caves Park is a great place to get out and stretch your legs - it's especially nice to let the kiddos get some energy out before heading back to your roadtrip!

    Photos
    Rawr!
    Rawr!
    Beautiful views
    Beautiful views
    Beautiful plant life throughout the park!

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    Beautiful plant life throughout the park!
    Shell Beach Bluff Trail

    Shell Beach Bluff Trail

    5.0
    (10 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    I like that part of the trail was paved. This hike one way takes about 20 minutes one way, so 40…read moreminutes round trip, obviously it depends on how fast you walk. If you go beyond the paved trail, it's another 20 minutes to the cave, So pave trail plus dirt trail = app. 80 minutes

    The Shell Beach Bluff Trail connects up with the Cave Landing Trail that overlooks Pirate's Cove…read moreand has a "cave" with a beautiful view. The shell trail starts out paved and easy and then there is a moderate to strong grade to get to the cave trail. The shell trail is not really a trail and is a paved walkway. The cave trail is rock and dirt and more like a "trail." There is a separate and larger dirt lot for the cave trail that you need to walk through from the shell trail to access Pirate's Cove and the cave. There is a steep "natural" staircase going down to Pirate's Cove. If you are either older or afraid of heights, you might not want to go down to the cove. The cave has a beautiful view, but no guard rail on the view side. For this reason, we would recommend you not bring your kids on this trail unless they are older, mature, and well behaved. Depending on whether you say on the shell trail or go on to the cave trail, the whole thing is anywhere from 30 min to 2 hours and depending on which sights you see and how long you look at them. This is really one of nicer trails in the area, especially if you take the shell to the cave trail. Definitely recommend visiting.

    Photos
    Starting our hike.
    Starting our hike.
    Shell Beach Bluff Trail
    The hiking gang.

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    The hiking gang.

    Avila Beach - beaches - Updated August 2026

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