The community was named after Miguel Avila, who received Rancho San Miguelito in a land grant in 1842. The town was established in the latter half of the 19th century, serving as San Luis Obispo's main shipping port.
Avila Beach still has a commercial fishing pier and apple orchards, but tourism is its main industry today. Tourists enjoy renting paddleboards and kayaks at the main beach, or sailing and whale watching at Port San Luis. They can learn about ocean dwellers at the Central Coast Aquarium, which offers public and private tours and feeding tours. Avila Beach is known for its hot springs which are utilized by resort spas. An eclectic mix of boutique shops, restaurants, vineyards, wineries, Avila Beach Golf Resort, and other attractions make this unique little town a gem for travelers.
When should you visit Avila Beach, CA?
The best times to visit Avila Beach for comfortable temperatures is mid-April to early November. If you're looking for a lot of warm-weather activities and events, you'll probably want to visit between late June and early October, but book early to ensure availability and a lower rate.
The warm season runs from early July to late September, with average highs ranging from 72 to 74 degrees and average lows of about 54 degrees. Spring and fall travelers experience highs ranging from 63 to 72 and lows from 46 to 54.
December through March is the cool season when average highs range from 63 to 65 degrees. You can enjoy hotel savings if you travel during this time. Average winter lows are nippy at 43 to 46 degrees.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Avila Beach, CA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Avila Beach, CA. Analyze these illustrations to calculate the cheapest time period to book in Avila Beach throughout the year.
What luxury hotel options are in Avila Beach, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: $188.22
Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Pismo Beach is a luxury hotel that scores a perfect rating among guest reviewers. Rooms are individually decorated and feature fireplaces, flat-screen televisions, and free Wi-Fi. You'll sleep on a pillowtop bed with down comforter and premium bedding. Rooms have patios or private balconies, sofa beds, and full kitchens. They range from spacious, luxurious suites to large, elegant penthouse apartments with pool and ocean views.
The full-service spa provides massages, facials, and body treatments. You can enjoy the outdoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center. Lido at Dolphin Bay is a poolside restaurant with bar and ocean views. You can also get room service during limited hours. Breakfast is available for a fee. Guests spoke highly of the bar, the vibe, the pool, clean and comfortable rooms, and service. The hotel is less than 3 miles from the Avila Beach Pier.
The Avila La Fonda Hotel will pamper you with a pillowtop bed with a down comforter and Egyptian cotton sheets. Your room will feature jetted bathtubs, fireplace, plasma television, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel spa provides body treatments and facials, and the hotel offers a free reception for guests daily. Other amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, fireplace, and free newspapers in the lobby. Guests praised the breach, cuisine, location, and vibe at this stylish boutique hotel. Downtown Avila Beach is just a block away.
Are there budget hotels in the Avila Beach area?
3 Star Average Prices: $138.70
Your best bet for a budget-friendly hotel is Super 8 By Wyndham San Luis Obispo, about 9 miles from the center of Avila Beach. You can save more by utilizing your in-room refrigerator and microwave and enjoying the free continental breakfast. Your room will also have a flat-screen TV with cable, coffee/tea maker, and free Wi-Fi. You'll find a computer station, free newspapers, and coffee in the lobby.
Another affordable hotel is the Aloha Inn in Arroyo Grande, also about 9 miles from the center of Avila Beach and near the Clark Center for the Performing Arts. Rooms feature refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen televisions, coffee/tea makers, and free Wi-Fi. Free breakfast is served each morning. The hotel provides a computer station, free newspapers, and coffee in the lobby.
2 Star Average Prices: $89.67
How can you find the best discounts in Avila Beach, CA?
Quality Inn Pismo Beach offers government/military, senior, and AAA discounts. Rooms feature microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, desks, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and free weekday newspapers. The hotel provides a spa tub and fitness center. Complimentary breakfast is served daily. You'll be within walking distance of many Pismo Beach attractions, including Pismo Beach Prime Outlets, and you'll be 6.5 miles from downtown Avila Beach.
Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Obispo offers discounts to seniors and AAA members. The hotel is near several attractions in San Luis Obispo, including the San Luis Obispo Historical Society, San Luis Obispo Children's Museum, San Luis Obispo Art Center, and the downtown area. You'll also be about 5 miles from the Avila Beach Pier and downtown Avila Beach. Rooms are equipped with refrigerators, LCD televisions, desks, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel provides free newspapers. You can enjoy the outdoor pool and spa tub, work out at the fitness center, and relax in front of the lobby fireplace.
Dine at the Bistro, where you can also have a drink at the bar. Food is also available at the coffee shop. Full breakfast is available for a fee. Courtyard by Marriott has a 24-hour business center and a meeting and conference space.
What are the best values in Avila Beach, CA?
The Hilton Garden Inn San Luis Obispo Pismo Beach offers good value for your money, with lovely views, beautiful outdoor recreation and seating areas, and well-decorated rooms. Rooms feature refrigerators, LCD televisions, desks, and free Wi-Fi. This Pismo Beach hotel offers an outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center. Dine at the Great American Grill or enjoy room service during limited hours, and have a drink at the bar/lounge. Breakfast is served daily for a fee.
Embassy Suites By Hilton San Luis Obispo offers rooms with sofa beds, refrigerators, microwaves, and flat-screen televisions. Wired and wireless internet access is available for a surcharge. Amenities include an outdoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center. Dine at the Greenhouse Grill and Cafe or order room service during limited hours. A free reception is held daily, and you can get a drink at the bar/lounge. The hotel serves a daily complimentary breakfast.
Does Avila Beach, CA have enjoyable activities and attractions?
Avila Beach's historic structures include the Point San Luis Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1890 to address shipping accidents. It operated until the mid-1970s and was restored in 1995 to museum quality. Lighthouse tours are on Wednesdays and Saturdays and start with a trolley ride from Wild Cherry Canyon.
The Avila Beach Farmers Market is open Fridays from April through September by the pier on Front Street. It features fresh produce, food booths, entertainment, and a variety of activities. Visitors can ride the trolley to the market. The free three-season trolley service runs from Pismo Beach Premium Outlets to Port San Luis. Avila Beach is on the route, which also hits Avila Barn, Bob Jones Trail, Avila Hot Springs Resort, the KOA campground, and many resorts. Regular schedules run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Schedules vary on other days.
The Avila Valley Barn sells fresh fruits and vegetables from baskets and crates in an open-air barn. Depending on the time of year, visitors may be able to pick their own produce. Families will love the petting zoo. A pair of gift shops sell jams, jellies, candies, cheeses, baked goods, unusual kitchenware, and even toys.
The Pirate Park & Playground features a pirate ship fort, green space with picnic tables, play structures, and more. The park is adjacent to the beach in downtown Avila.
If you have a dog, head to Fisherman's Beach. Locals call the small beach Dog Beach, as dogs regularly run free through the surf. Well-behaved dogs are allowed to be off-leash anytime on this beach and Olde Port Beach. Pete's Pierside Cafe is a dog-friendly restaurant within walking distance.
Avila Beach's many trails include the Bob Jones Trail, a 3-mile paved bike and walking trail that ends in downtown Avila Beach. Mallagh Landing is the namesake of David Mallagh, who visited California as a sailing captain and built a small wharf. The trail from Port San Luis Harbor to Mallagh landing provides views of the coastline and the Harbor and is a favorite among bird watchers. The 9-mile trek is easy and takes about three hours. The Ontario Ride Trail offers 4 miles of beautiful scenery as it traverses a steep ridge above Shell Beach.
The Pecho Coast Trail & Rattlesnake Canyon offers a 3.75-mile round trip featuring the Point San Luis Lighthouse. The hikes are all docent-led, and reservations are required. Hikers will see native flora and fauna and can view gray whales swimming. They will also learn about the history of Avila Beach and the Chumash tribe that once resided there.
If you're looking for an experience you won't get anywhere else, plan a trip to small but busy Avila Beach, California. In this joyful little community, you can relax and enjoy the sunshine, watch whales, go on a rugged hike, shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and mementos, and enjoy the local cuisine.
FAQs about hotels in Avila Beach