Avila Beach is a Central Coast gem.  Like Carpinteria Beach near Santa Barbara, interest in this San Luis Obispo County beach is tremendous and not in proportion to the town's modest population.  

Avila Beach recently was rebuilt from the ground up, after oil leaks from storage tanks necessitated bulldozing several years ago. Due to numerous requests for information, our staff at  BEACHCALIFORNIA.COM returned to Avila Beach to see the "new" Avila Beach, rebuilt from the ground up, after oil leaks from storage tanks necessitated bulldozing of a large portion of the community that's located within the bounds of San Luis Obispo County.

Avila Beach is nestled along beautiful, rolling hills, seven miles north of Pismo Beach, seven miles south of San Luis Obispo, and half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco.  Driving a few miles west of  Highway 101 along shady, tree-lined roads that lead to the Pacific Ocean,  Avila Beach and a bay with three piers come into view. A privately owned pier sandwiched between Avila Pier and San Luis Wharf is gated, while the other two wooden structures are open to the public. A bend in the road to the left leads you to new cement parking lots that have replaced smaller facilities located along a single street running in front of the beach. The new look of Avila reminds us of Imperial Beach and its redevelopment which utilized cement in a similar fashion to create artistic adornment to functional items. Slightly decorated, the concrete benches and walkways contain nautical art and themes.  Cement starfish cling to benches, much as the real ones can be seen while standing on the lower stairs landing of the pier, overlooking pilings beneath the planked walkway. 

At the base of the pier stands a new structure with restrooms.  Built as a replica to a previous facility, everything looks clean and neat.  Plaques at the base of the pier and across the street at the rebuilt market identify the current structures as replacements to historical buildings.  Construction continued on our recent visit, with restaurants and shops planned for opening in the future. 

The old Avila was a cute, quaint little beach hangout with hot dog and pretzel carts. The carts are still there but are framed less by the ocean now as the added concrete stretches further into the landscape.  Frequented by residents and college students from nearby Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, the new Avila Beach is more family friendly. A playground surrounded by a grassy lawn contains the latest foam padded, safety flooring beneath a climbing pole, slides and kiddie rides. The playground was at capacity, though attrition allowed for new arrivals to gain access to the equipment, during our mid-week visit. 

If not for the surrounding hills that drop into the ocean through millions of years of volcanic formation,  today's Avila could be any beach. What continues to separate it from Imperial Beach with its cement, is the topography, geologic structures and population. While Imperial Beach and dozens of others are flat stretches of sand that go on for miles, Avila Beach offers bay views and colorful hills that change color seasonally. Comparing this location to the populated regions of San Francisco or San Pedro with similar hills, we visualize thousands of people, houses, ships and busy ports in Avila Beach. Across the bay and within view, Harford Pier at Port San Luis was one of the busiest ports in California a century ago. Today, Avila Beach and neighboring Port San Luis are small communities with a resort atmosphere.  Sunbathing, swimming, boating, fishing, surfing, golf and the beaches can be 10 degrees warmer than a few miles north in Morro Bay where the wind often provides a chill. In fact, locals say that this protected cove has some of the warmest, finest beach weather on the Central Coast. It is absolutely true! 
 

Activities include: 

Avila Beach Golf Course is a seaside resort located 3 miles off  Highway 101 between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. Nestled in  hills and on the bay, the resort includes a par 71, 6500-yard championship course. The front nine is situated within  oak-lined valleys. The back nine transverses a tidal estuary. Golfers of all abilities will enjoy the  challenge of this scenic course.  The Avila Beach Golf Resort hosts numerous annual events throughout the year, including the California Festival of Beers on Memorial Day weekend, the Central Coast Wine Classic in July, Pops By the Sea Concert on Labor Day weekend, plus Jazz by the Sea and Central Coast Salmon Enhancement each fall. These events are in addition to a host of other concerts, special holiday banquet celebrations and celebrity golf tournaments that take place each year at the breathtakingly beautiful Avila Beach Resort. Reservations are available one week in advance. For times or questions call.  Pro Shop (805)595-4000.

Farmers & Farmer's Market is held every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Avila Beach.  Sponsored by the Avila Beach Business Association, it includes 20 vendors, live music and kiosks selling foods, fruits, fresh produce, seafood and family fun with vendors and contest prizes.

Bi-plane rides from Oceano Airport can be chartered for a ride to Avila Beach. Reserve your seat on a special charter trip in bright, yellow bi-plane. We took the ride and have some photos for your viewing.