Avila Beach

Great for a beach getaway!!! Lots of cool shops on the boardwalk.

Avila Beach is always a hit! There are nearby hotels, restrooms, and restaurants. There is a shallow area which is perfect for kids.

Gorgeous day, great beach, nice water, got there before it got too packed (it does get busy - and parking can be hard to find)

I love this beach. It is more "quaint" and relaxing than Pismo. Great place to go wine tasting, or for a walk along the pier.

During our vacation in San Luis Obispo, we made a trip to Avila Beach, and it's a lovely spot, but be warned about the parking! If you don't arrive early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) to snag a spot in the lots closer to the coast, you'll find yourself parking in the residential areas. These streets are incredibly steep, much like San Francisco, and require some good parking skills. If you arrive around noon, finding any spot, even in the residential areas, can be quite challenging. There's a pier, but it was under maintenance during our visit, so only a section of it was open. The beach itself is quite nice, featuring a small slide and two swings. Most importantly, it has soft sand and pleasant water. With a beach umbrella, kids can easily spend the entire day playing here. The ocean water isn't too cold, and the sand isn't coarse, making it a very comfortable place to relax. Overall, it's a great beach for a family day out, but definitely factor in parking strategy for a smoother visit!