The 15 Best Things To Do In Avila Beach (2024)
Want to know all the best things to do in Avila Beach? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Avila Beach is a charming seaside town along California’s central coast with plenty to offer visitors.
From exploring the beach and hiking the bluffs to shopping and dining, there’s something for everyone in Avila Beach.
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Best Things To Do In Avila Beach
These are the best things to do in Avila Beach.
1. Enjoy A Leisurely Breakfast At Avila Market
They have some grab and go options, as well as an assortment of Breakfast Burritos.
We typically gravitate toward Breakfast Burritos because when they are split in half it’s usually the perfect portion size for breakfast for the two of us.
You can also find Avocado Toast, Breakfast Sandwiches, and Breakfast Scrambles.
2. Have Your Morning Coffee At Kraken Coffee Co.
Avila Market offers coffee on their menu, but if you’re looking for a coffee shop, Kraken Coffee Co is the place to go.
We stopped in for a Black Coffee for JP and a Hot Chocolate for me.
I also grabbed a toasted Ham and Cheese Croissant because it looked good (and was good).
3. Take A Morning Stroll Along Avila Beach
We were here on a Monday morning before 10 am, so it wasn’t particularly busy.
Everyone else that was on the beach was out with their dogs.
The sun was nice and warm, but the air and water were chilly.
It was a great temperature for being out and about.
Along the beach is where all of the shops and restaurants are.
It is a small area that is only about a couple of blocks long.
This area was very clean, pretty quiet, and not too busy.
4. Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards is a family-owned winery near Avila Beach.
They offer award-winning wines and cider, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors should visit Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards to experience the best of Central Coast wine country.
They are open Sunday through Thursday from 12 pm – 5 pm and Friday and Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm.
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5. Avila Hot Springs
Avila Hot Springs is a natural hot springs resort in Avila Beach.
It is a popular destination for people looking to relax and rejuvenate in the natural beauty of the Central Coast.
The hot springs are said to have therapeutic benefits, and the resort offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant.
They are generally open 8 am – 9 pm, but hours can change seasonally.
If you’re going just for one day, a day pass is $25 for adults 16+, $22 for children 15 and under, and $22 for seniors 55+.
A half day pass for 8 am – noon is available for $15.
If you’re going just to accompany someone but not swim, passes are $10.
If you’re going only after 5 pm, passes are $15.
6. Central Coast Aquarium
The Central Coast Aquarium is a small, non-profit aquarium in Avila Beach.
It is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and fish.
The aquarium offers educational programs and exhibits, and is a great place to learn about the marine life of the Central Coast.
It is also a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Tickets for adults ages 13-59 are $9, children 3-12 are $7, children 2 and under are free, seniors are $6, and military with ID for up to 4 people are $6 each.
7. Golf At Avila Beach Golf Resort
Avila Beach Golf Resort is a challenging and scenic course with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
It is a great place to play golf if you are looking for a challenge and a beautiful backdrop.
You can schedule a tee time for anywhere from $40-$90 usually, depending on the time of day and day of the week.
8. Alapay Cellars
Alapay Cellars is a family-owned winery in Avila Beach that offers award-winning wines and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The winery is open daily from 10:30 am – 6:30 pm and will stay open until 7 pm on Saturdays, and on Fridays from April to September will stay open until 8 pm.
Wine tastings are $25 per person and the tasting fee is waived with a bottle purchase.
Alapay Cellars offers a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Viognier.
The winery also has a gift shop that sells wine-related merchandise.
Alapay Cellars is a great place to visit if you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable wine tasting experience.
9. Avila Valley Barn
Avila Valley Barn is a family-owned farm and market in Avila Beach that offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hayrides, pony rides, and a petting zoo.
The barn is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
The Chicken Shack & Smoke House is open daily from 11 am – 5 pm and the Sweet Shoppe is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm.
Pony rides are available Fridays through Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm.
Avila Valley Barn is a great place to visit if you are looking for a fun and educational activity for the whole family.
10. Dine At Blue Moon Over Avila
Blue Moon Over Avila is a French bistro in Avila Beach that is known for its delicious food and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
It is a great place to visit for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
During Happy Hour from 3 pm – 5pm drinks are 20% off.
They have a seasonal menu with rotating dishes inspired by global cuisines.
Blue Moon Over Avila is open daily except for Mondays from 11:30 am – 8:30 pm.
11. Pecho Coast Trail
Pecho Coast Trail is a scenic hiking trail in Avila Beach that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands.
It is a great place to visit for a hike, a picnic, or just to enjoy the outdoors.
The Pecho Coast Trail is only accessible through guided hikes.
There are two you can choose from including a 3.75 mile round trip hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse and an 8 mile roundtrip hike to Rattlesnake Canyon.
You can enjoy a tour of the Point San Luis Lighthouse for $10 if you take that hike.
12. Bob Jones City To Sea Trail
Bob Jones City To Sea Trail is a paved, multi-use trail in Avila Beach that runs along San Luis Obispo Creek and ends in downtown Avila Beach.
From start to finish it’s a 3 mile trail.
It is a great place to walk, run, bike, or rollerblade.
The trailhead is located on Ontario Road (Avila Beach, California 93424).
13. Enjoy The Sunset On Avila Beach
Watching the sunset on Avila Beach is a beautiful and relaxing experience.
The colors of the sky are simply breathtaking.
The sunset obviously takes place at a different time every day throughout the year, so when you’re there just check your weather app or google “Avila Beach Sunset Time” and that day’s sunset time will be at the top.
14. Throw Back Some Drinks At Mr. Ricks
When we put our name down for Custom House, they recommended getting drinks and/or appetizers next door at Mr. Rick’s while we were waiting.
So we went over to Mr. Rick’s and shared a Mai Tai while we waited.
Our wait was probably 20 minutes or so.
15. Have Dinner At Custom House
Once we were seated in Custom House, we had the option of indoor or outdoor dining.
It’s cooler than I like in the evenings in California, so we opted for indoor dining.
As our meal, we shared a Shrimp Cocktail and an order of Fish and Chips.
We also had bread service that was Sourdough Rolls with Garlic Butter.
For dessert, we shared Chocolate Lava Cake and Bread Pudding.
Where To Stay In Avila Beach
Avila Beach offers a variety of lodging options, from budget-friendly motels to luxurious resorts.
No matter what your budget or style, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in Avila Beach.
✅ San Luis Bay Inn
San Luis Bay Inn overlooks all of Avila Beach and is the best place to stay in town.
They have rooms with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, balconies, and more.
You can see a full walk-through of a one bedroom at San Luis Bay Inn in this video on our YouTube Channel.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At San Luis Bay Inn Today!
Is Avila Beach Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing beach vacation, Avila Beach is the perfect place for you.
With its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and variety of activities, Avila Beach has something to offer everyone.
If you’re looking for other activities like wine tasting or hiking, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy that in Avila Beach too.
More Fun Things To Do Near Avila Beach
Along the Central and Southern California coast, there are a ton of great beach towns and wine regions.
Here are more fun places to visit near Avila Beach.
✔ Santa Barbara To Solvang: A Weekend Getaway Guide
This fun weekend getaway itinerary splits the weekend between seeing the highlights of Santa Barbara and the highlights of Solvang.
✔ Camp At Cachuma Lake
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is just outside of Solvang and it’s a great place to go camping whether you want to camp in a tent, an RV, or even in one of their yurts.
✔ Best Things To Do In Solvang
Solvang is an amazing Danish town full of wine tasting rooms, authentic shops, and world-class dining.
There’s so much to do that you can keep going back many times without seeing and doing it all.
✔ Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park is just off the coast of California.
You can take day trip or overnight camping excursions to various islands out of Oxnard and Ventura.
Santa Rosa Island
This is one of the islands that takes a little longer to get to, so it’s not visited quite as much, but it’s worth the time it takes to get there.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is much closer, so when visiting for the day, you get a lot more time on the island to explore.
It’s one of the more popular islands to visit and even has 2 separate harbors you can choose to use as your disembarkment point.
✔ Ventura Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Ventura is a popular coastal town south of Solvang.
It’s laid back, has some historic sites, and is popular for surfing.
A weekend getaway here can be so relaxing and so fun.
Conclusion: Things To Do In Avila Beach
Avila Beach is a quiet coastal town with something to offer everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous outdoor getaway, or a romantic getaway, you’re sure to find plenty of things to do in Avila Beach.
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