Avila Beach is special. Standing on the pier gives great views. And when waves are rolling through, it's so calming. The Boardwalk has always had beautiful people enjoying the views and vibes every time I've been here. Parking is tough but once you got a spot, you're good. One of my favorite places to get away. read more

Avila Beach Pier - Avila Beach on a 70 degree day - Oct 2025 - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

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I loved every moment of this trip, especially because of Avila. It's such a beautiful place, and the people are truly one of a kind. Everyone I met on the pier radiated the best vibes. If you're visiting California, make sure to carve out time for Avila--the breathtaking views are absolutely unforgettable. read more

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This is a great tourist destination. Beautiful ocean views. It's a nice stroll along the pier.

Not much to do here. It was nice to see all the seals and hear them barking. Not many restaurants or the nicest pier but glad we visited. read more

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Y'know how really nasty people tell you to take a long walk on a short pier? Well, I think the good people of Avila Beach would likely tell you to take a short walk on a long pier because the further end has been closed for long-term reconstruction. Normally it would be 1,685 feet long, which makes it longer than nearby Cayucos Pier, but it's now a quick stroll to a chain-link fence barrier and a sign that explains the game plan for reopening (photo: https://bit.ly/3pvlV5k). We could see why reconstruction is necessary since there were see-through slats under our feet. But don't fret - the beach itself is nice with or without the pier, and the waterfront town is still quite inviting. So go ahead and take a short walk on a long pier, will ya? RELATED - Exploring California's Central Coast? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3zSyudU read more

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Outdoors is so calming that even with lots of visitors around, the Pier at Avila maintains its tranquil allure. We drove out to Avila by the back roads yesterday, and sat to enjoy the view of the harbor from the rock breakwater. There is lots of parking down near the entrance to the Pier. You can actually drive out onto the pier, but it is tight and the view is just as glorious of the harbor. We drove out on a Monday afternoon to avoid the weekend crowds and order take-out from Mersea's at the end of the pier. You can hear the seals and seagulls and enjoy the alternately hot and cold breezes that circulate here. Sit and watch kayaks and boats breezing by, and listen to the waves lap the breakwater. The view back to Avila Beach is lovely, and the reconstructed town recalls a peaceful turn-of-the-century village. read more

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We made a little stop here to check out the pier but unfortunately it was closed. Nevertheless, we still had fun walking the coastline and checking out the shops and restaurants. We lucked out with parking and got a spot right away on a Sunday. Lots of college kids were seen enjoying their afternoon here as well. read more

What a mellow pier as it has that old school vibe but not too much so that it's just a pier to fish off of! Walking this pier was what was totally needed on this given day as it had been a bit of a drive and oh how nice it was to see the water and walk out on the planks of wood into that big pool of an ocean! This is one of the few piers I've been on recently that still let's you drive your vehicles out onto it as it's kind wide and even has a few parking spots near the end for those who choose to visit the few eateries/bars I found to welcome you at the end! By the looks of it you could have some fun at a few of the places here as I heard some live music and saw many people enjoying drinks on one of the few patios at these couple establishments. The pier itself was a totally rad find and I'm sure glad I got to take a walk down for all that was an awesome little adventure. read more

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The Avila Beach came highly recommended by Ranger Davin, from Pismo State Beach Campground Oceano. It's not very big, probably the size of a football field, but enough room for our pawkids to roam and romp freely, and get in the water especially when it's hot so they can cool off. The people at this beach was super friendly as well as all the dogs. There was a jitterish Chihuahua that gave Jackson Louie a snicker though! Hahaha.... There are street parking, and if you get here early, you can park facing the beach all day. We saw trailers and motorhome cooking and having a blast. Cheers! read more

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There are several piers here in Avila, but the one you want to go to is the one farthest north across from the Fat Cats Cafe. It's called the Port San Luis Pier, and it's where the Yelp marker is on. This is a really nice pier with some great views. It's also a business pier with two restaurants, a seafood market, and a charter sport-fishing company. - Fish Market Okay prices and friendly fishmongers. The fun part are the tanks of live crabs. One of the cooler aspects of this pier are the two "Under-the-pier" ramps. These are used for boaters to tie up to but anyone can go down there. Its a cool perspective from below the pier. Tip - Don't actually drive on the pier ( even though you're allowed to ). Not many parking spaces and you'll end up having to turn back around. Unless you just want to experience a drive on a pier. read more

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I like Avila beach better than Pismo just for the fact that there are bathrooms close by and all the shops and restaurants that make a day at the beach a live of cake! There are so many restaurants I did not try and on my next trip back, I would like to try some of the sit down restaurants. This trip, I only did quick to-go orders and did a little gift shopping. read more

The pier is partially closed at the moment, meaning you can only walk through just about halfway of it. It's old with large cracks so be careful about dropping your phone. If it falls through the cracks, it will go bye-bye into the ocean. I've seen quite a few kids trip over a plank so beware and don't get hurt! However, the views from the pier are still amazing. Try going on the Port of San Luis pier. That one is further down the road past this Avila Beach pier and has many boats nearby! read more

Avila Beach Pier - Length of Avila Beach Pier - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

Fun, easily accessible beach. Parking nearby has a three hour limit so keep that in mind. The tide pools are great to explore, you don't need shoes to check them out. There is a creek that flows to the ocean. We didn't read the signs before we played in it, there are signs posted near the bathrooms that say don't go in the creek because it is potentially full of pesticides and runoff. Oops. It gets very windy in the afternoon and it's chilly in the morning. The bathrooms were clean but there is no soap. Overall a good family beach. Note that they have lifeguard and surfing lessons so you may want to pick a spot away from them as they do a lot of running around and none of them are wearing masks. read more

An easy 5 stars for me... SUPER LOW-KEY pier with a great beach and small town attached. It's so fun to stroll the pier and chat with the fisherfolks...not a bunch of touristy nonsense wrecking the vibe. I love Avila Beach and its cool pier. 5 stars. read more

Avila Beach Pier - Friday evening on the pier. - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

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Hidden gem of the central coast. Charter boats, 2 restaurants, fresh caught seafood, dry dock boatyard. You can drive on the pier. Parking is minimal, not much in parking lot either. Great for family read more

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This place is magical! Love the peace at this beach. The views are spectacular, and the sun feels so good. The little shops, and restaurants surrounding the beach are super cute. Really enjoyed my time here. Felt like I was in a far away land. I'll be back! read more

Avila Beach Pier - Avila Beach- SLO - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

A cute, old pier. The view of families playing in the water is great. This is a family-friendly beach and pier. We were lucky enough to come here during the Farmers Market. read more

I love this beach! I always visit this place whenever I'm down in SLO. FYI there's no street parking around and you basically have to pay the $6 parking lot fee. Huge, very clean beach with swings and lifeguards. There's also a pier and couple shops around- went for ice cream after. Definitely a must when you're in SLO! I mean where else would you find a beach with swings..... read more

Avila Beach Pier - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

This is so cool! The energy in this place is absolutely awesome! My family and I really enjoyed the Sunday here read more

Avila Beach Pier - Avila beach - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

The pier could use an update but this is my favorite beach. It does get busy during the weekends of course but it doesn't get as crowded as other places. read more

Avila Beach Pier - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

Been awhile since the last time that I walked on the pier. Was looking forward to stepping onto it again. Alas, it was closed last Wednesday that we were there. Will have to wait til next time. I can say that the pier is very close to a lovely little beach and some shops and restaurants. Good spot to go when in Avila Beach. Better place to go when the pier is open. read more

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Awesome beach front .Parking is a mess on the weekend and I guess summer . Enjoyed the farmers market.( I guess on weekend only) Must visits if in the area.Enjoyed the day spend on the beach. Life guard . That weekend a sea lion .was injured / sick and was stuck on the shores sad. There was a NOTE by the life guard do not go close you will scare the seal/ sea lion .But we humans do not care about animals.Sorry sea lion/ seal. We were sad . And did get into Verbal tiff with some people .Who came close to the animal and wanted to kick water on the mammals. Sorry but sad. The life guard did tell the human species to stay away. The life guard had to worry about people in the sea water and people on sand getting close to the mammal. Pls NOTE not all were doing the same.Some human rare species. When we tried to tell them pls step back . We get an answer from these rare human species . Are you a life guard. And the F word. I hope they realized later they mistake. The parking lot had two pay station one was broken. We and other had to wait a while before we could pay. We had a relaxing day at the beach. read more

Avila Beach Pier - At the beach and in the surrounding area. - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

Go down to Avila Beach and you'll see a few piers. The one at the furthest end near Fat Cats Diner has the Old Port Inn on it which is a lovely romantic Resturaunt. This pier is open to the public. They have parking on the pier or on the lot before the pier. The parking near the Fat Cat Diner is free and easy walking into the pier. We love taking a stroll and watching the sea lions play. There is also a tackle shop and fishing off the pier as well as a cafe for an open air snack or lunch. The vibe is very relaxed and mellow here. read more

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Hidden quaint, uncrowded all day retreat for relaxing. Drive right onto thr pier to Enjoy a nice bowl of clam chowder for a quick, tasty snack. Then sun bathe on the waveless shore read more

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I love Avila beach it is one of the most cleanness calm beaches . On Fridays there is a farmers market with delicious food as there are other cute little restaurants around the area you can also go to one end and enter the caves and on the other end you can rent kayaks it's pretty darn cool read more

Avila Beach Pier - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

Really nice area since they redid it. Cool kids area, nice sign, great restrooms as well

A wonderful beach.Located in San Luis Obispo. Many wonderful activities for all ages. *You can shop * dine *surf And many other things read more

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If you are near Pismo Beach or San Luis Obispo this is A MUST GO TO! This and the overlook. Lots of shops, walking, and views! On the pier there is a resturant/coffee shop/hotel at the end. There are also a few seafood shops on the pier to get fresh crab, crustacean, fish, and more. You can drive on the pier but I recommend walking from the parking lot. They also have stairs to go down, you can see the starfish and other sea critters hiding on the beams supporting the pier. Definitely a great place to chill. There was also a restaurant in the parking lot that seemed to have a big line, looks like it was worth checking out. read more

Avila Beach Pier - sea lions? - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

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Love it! Clean,friendly environment. Seen no smokers or didn't even come across anyone smoking or vamping. Will be back for sure

Beautiful place... worth a ride and a visit to all small shops around and enjoy the great views!

What's not to love about a long walk at sunset on a beautiful pier overlooking a glorious California beach and an ocean dotted with surfers?

Avila in the summer? Are you kidding me? The surf, the sand and the eating options! The choices are to die for! The pier itself is one of the nicest as I'm not a huge fan of amusement rides. If you find yourself in the San Luis area take a few minutes and walk to the end. Breath the air and enjoy. Parking in Avila is not the best...but worth the $5 in the public lot. read more

Avila Beach Pier - Sunny and warm. - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

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What an incredible vacation in Avila! Avila Beach is like a paradise an escape from the city but not too far from home is absolutely breathtaking the wildlife and nature out there is incredible! If it were possible I'd move out there tomorrow the pier is gorgeous! So perfect to feel like you're on a movie set! read more

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Never been to this beach until our friends began to tell how much we need to go visit this place. This is our second time coming here and both times have been excellent! The view of the ocean is amazing and the beach is great! It does get fairly busy and crowded on the beach but the vibe is excellent- very friendly people, laid back, and restful! The pier is closed at the moment for repair, which is disappointing, but there are shops and restaurants you can peruse through and eat at. EXCELLENT place for family! This has become one of my favorite spots in the Central Coast. Go experience for yourself! read more

Avila Beach Pier - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

Disappointed stinks and flies and gnats and bees all over. Disgusting..dont ever wanna go back..morro bay by far is wayyy better and cuter shops to walk arnd oh and more tasteful restaurants with by far offer more seafood read more

Avila is more remote and I guess less famous from Pismo Beach because it's less crowded. The pier area is smaller but beautiful and a few restaurants and coffee shops line the street. All in all it is a picturesque, nice place to spend a day on the beach, or hike one of the beautiful trails around here. There are nice lodging options here and a slight different ambiance than you find in Pismo. It has the fine relaxed beach town personality without the surf town look. It is a shame they don't allow dogs in the beach here between 10am to 5pm. But there are near by beaches where they allow unleashed dogs to have fun too. And on Christmas day we found here a rear open shop/Cafe selling sandwiches and salads. read more

I used to come here often as a kid. I remember running down the pier and then tripping flat on my face. It was no different this time around. I kept on tripping on the gaps between the wooden slats. With that said, I felt entirely blissful! There were people carefully fishing off the side, other people taking pictures or asking the fishers about the fish. At the total end of the pier, we spotted seals swimming and the lovely horizon. I remember that I never caught more than a starfish (which did seem to be the case for a few of the people out there), but who knows? Maybe you'll have better luck. read more

OK, here is a local secret. If you go to Pismo Beach and it is a little colder than you were expecting, it is fogged in or the fishing areas are too packed and loud with foot traffic for your liking, get back on the 101 North and head about 5-8 miles north towards San Luis Obispo and get off on Avila Beach exit. You will twist and wind about 7-10 minutes to a cool little local spot at the half way point or drive all the way to the end and head out to the pier. If you get hungry stop in to the Fat Cat! It's ALWAYS 10 degrees warmer and the pier is nice and chill, and quiet. Fish are always biting! Cheers read more

Love! Love! Love coming here! The weather is amazing, the ocean is beautiful, the sea lions (and sea otters!) are adorable, the culture is awesome, the crowd is kind, and the food is yummy! Great place to spend a few hours walking, chatting, or eating. Bring the kids and bring the dogs! read more

Avila Beach Pier - Sea otter just under where we were eating lunch! So cool! - Beaches Near Me - Avila Beach, California

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After living in Santa Maria for two years I can honestly say this is still my favorite beach of the local ones. It is very quiet, clean, and gives the impression of being private. Except for a festival, I don't think I have ever seen more than 50 people on the beach if ever. Not a large distance but just nice and the drive in is very pretty depending on the time of year. You pass Avila Barn on the way to Avila community, hot springs resorts and a golf course. A good handful of wine tasting spots exist here and a few restaurants. Watching the day break is just spectacular on the waterfront. If Pismo is too noisy or smelly for you I recommend giving Avila Beach a chance to charm you. read more