The Avila Beach center point is about the area of Avila Beach Pier and the area of Downtown Avila Beach.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Below are reviews of the city of Avila Beach, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Avila Beach is our favorite place on the central coast
Quaint, the perfect setting
Avila Beach is in close proximity to the coast, wonderful restaurants, and with other towns close by. There are many sites to explore.
Everything is accessible: shops, restaurants, beach. Our favorite beach city♥️♥️
We have always enjoyed the proximity to the beach, we have enjoyed the old custom house for many years. We also love the Avila Valley Farm!