26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Avila Beach (CA)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Avila Beach, CA?

Avila Beach is an unincorporated community located in San Luis Obispo County of California, United States. This community is approximately 200 miles south of San Fransisco, and 160 miles in the northwest of Los Angeles, CA.

Avila Beach is one of those cities you should probably visit at least once in your lifetime. It is a family friendly city, a fun place to take the kids, featuring museums, outdoor adventures oppotunities and performing arts and lots more.

Are you planning an exploration of Avila Beach? Here are the top places to visit in Avila Beach, CA.

Things to Do in Avila Beach, CA

1. Avila Beach Pier

Avila Beach Pier
Credits: sarowen / Flickr
Avila Beach Pier

For a fun and exciting hang out with your family and friends in Avila Beach, visit the Avila Beach Pier.

Avila Beach Pier is located at the heart of the beach; a day spent here is a day well spent; you might take a walk around the beach and stop for a break and grab a cold drink.

The pier contains several shops scattered all over the place where you can shop for about anything you want. You may also laze in one of the hammocks strung under the pier and participate in tightrope walking with other locals.

Avila Beach Pier is clean and well maintained, making it a perfect place to relax and watch the sunset.

Address:Avila Beach Pier, California 93424, United States

2. Avila Wine Company

Avila Wine Company
Credits: Jag_cz / Shutterstock

Of course, your visit to Avila Beach isn’t complete without a stop at Avila Wine Company for an incredible experience.

Avila Wine Company offers a wide collection of the best wines with unique tastes and quality for a reasonable price.

The outdoor Patio is comfortable and lively, a nice place to relax while tasting wines and tapas-style gourmet foods produced using exclusive central coast products.

Avila Wine Company has wonderful staff and owners who are very knowledgeable about every wine produced, and they let you know more about the drinks.

They are open from Sunday through Thursday from 12pm-9pm, and Friday & Saturday from 12pm-8pm.

Address:53 San Miguel St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

3. Peloton Cellars

Peloton Cellars
Credits: Yulia Grigoryeva / Shutterstock

One of the fun ways of exploring a new city is visiting some of the best wineries or breweries in the city.

Peloton Cellars is one of the best wineries in Avila beach; it is a family-friendly winery that ensures you and your loved ones have a great time.

The winery comprises an incredibly decorated tasting room where you get to try out some of their best brew samples.

Peloton Cellars also provides a lively outdoor seating which allows you to meet and interact with other people.

Some of their best wines are pinot noir’s, Chardonnay, pinot grigio, zinfandel, and many more, making it more difficult to pick from.

Peloton Cellars has a super friendly staff that goes out of their way to talk about each wine produced and the winery’s history.

The winery is open from Sunday to Tuesday from 12pm-5pm, and Friday & Saturday from 12pm-7pm.

Address:470 Front Street, Avila Beach, CA 93424 United States

4. Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa

Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa
Credits:dotshock/ Shutterstock

Visiting Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa is one of the best things to do in Avila Beach, although many tourists and locals are not aware of the importance of this club.

Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa offers exciting facilities and activities, including a large heated Olympic-sized pool.

The clubhouse features two hot tubs, two workout rooms with machines, and weight lifts ideal for those who want to build their body or do some conditioning.

Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa also features numerous tennis courts, a gigantic library, and a comfortable seating area with a fireplace, few tables including a pool table, and a Tv.

The club offers great music with other special events held here, the food and drinks served are fantastic coupled with the super friendly staff.

Address:6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach, CA 93424 United States

5. Avila’s New Shark Exhibit

Avila’s New Shark Exhibit
Credits: I Wei Huang / Shutterstock

Amongst the best things to do in Avila Beach, CA, is visiting Avila’s New Shark Exhibit, where you get to witness creatures you probably have only seen on Tv.

Avila’s New Shark Exhibit was formed by Captain Micheal Brink, who began a new self-guided tour exhibit that showcases every species of shark teeth and jaws displayed in a way that exceeds your imagination.

The tour is educational and informative; it serves as an eye-opener that teaches every detail you need to know.

Avila’s New Shark Exhibit features a small but unique gift store with books, t-shirts, toy sharks, and more.

Don’t forget to bring your camera along and get ready to take great pictures you will show off to your family and friends.

Address:66 Landing Passage, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States.

6. Port San Luis Lighthouse

Port San Luis Lighthouse
Credits: Hollywood1950 [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Port San Luis Lighthouse
Port San Luis Lighthouse is an amazing place to visit in Avila Beach, which is filled with lots of interesting stories you probably haven’t heard of.

It was established due to the sinking of steamship Queen Mary Of The Pacific in 1980, in the attempt to navigate in the dark of night into the harbor.

Port San Luis Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places list in 1991; in 1995, a non-profit organization called the lightkeepers was formed to help maintain and oversee the structure.

This place is highly recommended to history lovers and hikers and those who would like to go kayaking to Whalers Beach.

Port San Luis Lighthouse contains lots of information and history with pretty knowledgeable tour guides who take the visitors on a tour.

The lighthouse is now open to everyone, both young and old; they learn about the early families and lightkeepers who once lived here.

Address: 1 Lighthouse Road, Avila Beach, CA 93424 United States

7. The Custom House

Custom House
Credits: Harold Litwiler / Flickr
Custom House

A visit to the Custom House is one of the top things to do in Avila Beach, CA, with your family and friends.

The Custom House is located on the downtown promenade pretty close to the Pacific Ocean in Avila beach.

They offer a comprehensive food menu that includes burgers, refreshing salads, hand-cut steak, sandwiches, nachos, Custom House Cioppino, fresh fish, Slow Roasted Prime Rib, and more

The Custom House has a full-service bar that serves cocktails and other kinds of drinks; you might decide to relax inside the restaurant or at the outdoor patio.

They are open from Sunday to Thursday from 8am-8pm, and Friday & Saturday from 8am-9pm.

Address:404 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

8. Morovino

Morovino
Credits: Lukas Gojda / Shutterstock

One of the top things to do in Avila Beach, CA, is Paying a visit to Morovino, a nice winery which offers you a calm atmosphere to hang out with your friends

Morovino serves some of the best wines in Avila Beach, and it is locally owned by Andrea and David Bradford, who found it to share their passion for food and winemaking.

The winery features a tasting room where you get to taste some of their best and finest wines; they have a unique taste and great quality you can’t find elsewhere.

Morovino has a club that offers a wide variety of wines, coupled with the cozy atmosphere at the bar or the “wine lounge” where you can relax with your friends.

The winery recently partnered with Haub Art to produce an impressive selection of beautiful fine art and wine in Avila Beach. Make sure you stop by the gallery and check out the jewelry and artworks made using acrylic, enamel, watercolor, and oil.

Morovino is open from Sunday to Thursday from 12pm-6pm, and Friday & Saturday from 12pm-7pm. You cannot visit Morovino without leaving with bottles of wine and beautiful artworks from the gallery.

Address:468 Front Street, Avila Beach, CA 93424 United States

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9. Pirates Cove

Visiting Pirates Cove is one of the best fun things to do in Avila Beach, CA, with your friends and family for a memorable day out.

Pirates Cove is a charming beach featuring trails perfect for hiking making it a popular destination for experts and learners.

You might decide to take a long walk around the beach while you also enjoy the beautiful views of rocky cliffs over the beach.

At Pirates Cove, you will meet other locals drinking and hanging out; you might also see a nice sunbather as well.

10. Reimer’s Candies Gifts & Ice Cream

Reimer's Candies Gifts & Ice Cream
Credits: Atsushi Hirao / Shutterstock

Are you ready to try out fantastic treats that will tickle your tastebuds? Visit Reimer’s Candies Gifts & Ice Cream located in Avila beach.

Reimer’s Candies Gifts & Ice Cream is a reputable family-owned and operated business serving the public for over fifty years.

It started with selling chocolate at the little red gingerbread house by a Visalia candy maker in Three Rivers; ever since, it has grown and welcomed visitors from different parts of the world.

Reimer’s Candies Gifts & Ice Cream offers more than eighty varieties of finely and quality chocolates made with unique ingredients and fresh cream.

They offer different candies such as chews, sours, licorice, and lots more. They display over two dozen ice cream flavors with peaches, nuts, berries, and so on, making the ice cream more delightful.

Reimer’s Candies Gifts & Ice Cream is open Sunday, Monday, & Thursday from 11am-7pm, Friday from 11am-8pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm, and 11am-7pm, don’t forget to try out their famous homemade peanut brittle.

Address:324 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

11. Avila Gallery

Avila Gallery
Credits: The Avila Gallery / Facebook
Avila Gallery

Avila Gallery is a place you will absolutely love to visit in Avila Beach for a fun and interesting experience for lovers of arts.

Avila Gallery was established through the hard work of different people who came together in 2015 and created some space to work, sell artworks, and teach.

The gallery organizes different classes, including classes on jewelry making from 9am-12pm on Saturdays; at your request, a custom jewelry can be made for you.

Avila Gallery creates a platform for people to talk about enamel jewelry, ceramic pottery, silver & gold jewelry, succulent plants, and Tahitian pearls.

The gallery also hosts classes on lost wax casting, paintings, and enameling; Avila Gallery displays beautiful paintings, ceramics, pottery, jewelry, and other cool artworks.

Address:65 Landing Passage Avila Beach, CA 93424, Avila Beach, CA 93424 United States

12. Bob Jones City To Sea Trail

Bob Jones City To Sea Trail
Credits: Anetlanda/ Shutterstock

During your trip, your checklist of best things to do in Avila Beach should include visiting the Bob Jones City To Sea Trail for some fun outdoor time.

Bob Jones City To Sea Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that stretches up to Avila Beach, making it a popular place for cyclists, hikers, and runners.

It is an excellent trail for jogging and walking, especially in the morning, where you get to enjoy the early morning sun or cool breeze.

There are benches along the large fishing heron for people to sit and relax and admire the beauty of nature.

Bob Jones City To Sea Trail has bikes that are available for rentals just beside the large parking lot.

Address: Ontario Road, Avila Beach, CA 93406 United States

13. Avila Beach Farmers’ Market

Avila Beach Farmers' Market
Credits: simona pilolla 2 / Shutterstock

A wonderful farm where you get to shop for food products in Avila beach is Avila Beach Farmers’ Market.

 Avila Beach Farmers’ Market offers fresh and quality items like vegetables, fruits, jerky, grains, honey, jellies, meat, fish, pickles, and jam.

The market also features different types of knick-knacks and hayrides; there is a small petting zoo, you will also find many goats and other animals.

 Avila Beach Farmers’ Market has many local artists who offer live entertainment and make shopping so fun and lively.

There are local restaurants around where you can taste their traditional meals, desserts, and pastries.

 Avila Beach Farmers’ Market is open from April to September only on Fridays; make sure you visit the market shop for local food produce and dishes while enjoying the beautiful view of the ocean and live music.

Address;443 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

14. Avila Hot Springs

Avila Hot Springs
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A visit to Avila Hot Springs is one of the fun things to do in Avila Beach, especially during hot summer days.

Avila Hot Springs is the best place to be when you feel stressed and exhausted; it was established in 1907 with lots of fantastic facilities.

It features a heated freshwater pool and a mineral pool in the lounge, whose source is beneath the Earth’s surface from a geothermal spring deep.

Avila Hot Springs features several cabins and camping sites for visitors who want to stay for a while, and you can use the freshwater heated pool and mineral pool if you’re visiting for a day.

The resort is all about helping you relax using a well that pumps water to the surface and, in turn, cools the water to 104 degrees, excellent for relaxation.

Avila Hot Springs features a spa that offers great services and comfortable rooms and water slides for the little ones. Kids are allowed entry for a fee of $10 and adults for $10.

Address:250 Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach, CA 93424 United States

15. Ocean Grill Restaurant

Ocean Grill Restaurant
Credits: Ocean Grill Avila Beach / Facebook
Ocean Grill Restaurant

For an amazing dining experience in Avilla Beach visit the Ocean Grill restaurant with your friends and family.

Ocean Grill Restaurant serves delicious and delightful Seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and American entrees.

They offer a comprehensive food menu including crab cakes, clam chowder, fish & chips, glazed salmon, ribs, Morro Bay black cod, local rockfish tacos, and pork chop.

The restaurant is famous for its pork chop with roasted onion or apple jam, crispy Brussels sprouts with goat cheese & dried cherries, and any of their signature six wood-fired pizzas like Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza, margarita pizza, meat lover pizza, and so on.

Ocean Grill Restaurant consists of eight taps that offer an impressive collection of craft drafts; the wine menu is commendable, containing the best kinds of wines.

Address:268 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

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16. BoltAbout Electric Bike Rentals

BoltAbout Electric Bike Rentals
Credits: Popova Valeriya / Shutterstock

Biking is one of the fun things to do in Avila Beach; visit BoltAbout Electric Bike Rentals to buy or rent bikes.

BoltAbout Electric Bike Rentals offers electric bikes and scooters for hourly or all-day rental.

They also sell different brands of electric bikes and scooters such as iZip, Segway, Electric Bike Company, Bird, and Bulls.

Their primary goal is to create an amazingly fun and memorable experience as you explore the city using your bikes.

BoltAbout Electric Bike Rentals has been in business for over five years with the desire for the visitors to not just have a fun experience but a safe ride as well.

They make sure each bike is in good condition before giving it out with some safety guidelines to guide the individuals.

Address: 472 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

17. Blue Moon Over Avila

Blue Moon Over Avila
Credits: Blue Moon Over Avila / Facebook
Blue Moon Over Avila

A visit to Blue Moon Over Avila is one of the best things to do in Avila Beach, CA, with your friends and family for a memorable meal.

Blue Moon Over Avila offers a wide food menu that showcases their passion for different cuisines and serves the public with delicious meals.

The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients with the best flavors and finest quality to prepare the meals; the food menu is rotated regularly.

Some of the meals served include Hummus with baked pita, a basket of French banquette, roasted salmon salad, pasta bolognese, salad nicoise, jumbo shrimp cocktails, warmed baked white beans, roasted organic chicken, and many more.

They serve meals suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten options.

Blue Moon Over Avila also serves different kinds of drinks, including imported & local beers, with an impressive wine selection.

Address:460 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

18. Central Coast Aquarium

Central Coast Aquarium
Credits: Radu Bercan / Shutterstock

One of the top things to do in Avila Beach is visiting Central Coast Aquarium for a wonderful time with your friends and family.

Central Coast Aquarium has been in existence since 1994 and has become part of the community and the lovely memories of many families.

It was established by Russel Kiesseg, who has so much passion for marine life & ocean stewardship and wanted to share his knowledge with others.

Russel Kiesseg began organizing classes or lessons on marine life and ocean stewardship long before the aquarium became active,

Central Coast Aquarium hosts a monthly Sharks After Dark Events and a Shoreline Explorers guided visit, which is open to everyone. You might decide to join the cleanups team and help maintain the facility and its beauty.

Address:50 San Juan St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

19. Hula Hut

Hula Hut
Credits: Timolina / Shutterstock

For a city to be tourist-friendly, it should have a nice restaurant where delicious breakfasts are served to energize the visitors for the journey ahead.

Hula Hut is one of the best cafeterias In Avila Beach, known for serving amazing American cuisines suitable for breakfast and lunch.

Some of the breakfast meals served are burritos made with your preferred ham, marble rye Rueben, sausage or bacon with eggs, onions, peppers, and potatoes.

Hula Hut serves other meals like shrimp tacos, fish tacos, El pastor Taco meal, clam chowder, Belgium waffles, tuna sandwiches, and more.

Try out some of their coffee drinks, including cappuccinos, espresso, gourmet coffee, latte, mochas, as well as their banana smoothie, sorbet, and many more.

Hula Hut also offers a separate menu for kids filled with delicious items, including chicken nuggets, peanut butter, jelly sandwiches, and more.

You will definitely love their ice cream section displaying different amazing flavors which are locally made, such as peanut butter, Butterfinger, chocolate, raspberry swirl, and many more.

Address:380 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

20. The Libertine Brewing Company

The Libertine Brewing Company
Credits:Leszek Czerwonka / Shutterstock

One of the top things to do in Avila Beach is visiting the Libertine Brewing Company with your travel companions.

Libertine Brewing Company is a small but cozy tasting room located in Avila Beach with indoor and outdoor seating.

The tasting room features fourteen taps of their own brews; some of their finely crafted beers are sold in bottles.

Libertine Brewing Company provides a comfortable environment with great staff that is friendly and welcoming.

The brewing company is open from Thursday to Sunday from 1pm-8pm(closed on Monday from Wednesday).

Address:90 San Miguel St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

21. Kraken Coffee Company

kraken Coffee Company
Credits: Yulia Grigoryeva / Shutterstock

One of the best ways to start your day is with a cup of flavorful and tasty coffee from the renowned coffee company Kraken Coffee Company in Avila Beach.

Kraken Coffee Company was established in 2017; they offer the best coffee in the city and serve as a popular meeting point for many tourists and locals.

Aside from coffee, they also serve beverages that come in different flavors such as affogato, cafe latte, iced coffee, iced white Mocha latte, Americano, Cafe Gibraltar & Latte, hot chocolate, Cappuccino, and more.

Kraken Coffee Company also serves meals to complement the coffee, Espresso, and other beverages such as fish & onion rings, shrimp & fries, fish & chips, and so on.

You may also try out some ice cream flavors from the batch of old fashioned ice cream; Kraken Coffee Company is open Monday & Tuesday from 7am-2pm, Thursday & Friday from 7am-4pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 7am-5pm.

Address:310 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

22. Mr. Rick’s

Mr. Rick's
Credits: Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock

A fun and lively place to hang out with your loved ones in Avila Beach is Mr. Rick’s, one of the latest and hottest bars on the beach.

Mr. Rick’s is all about giving you a fun and memorable experience with a beachfront patio, which enables you to enjoy the incredible view of the beach and, in turn, help you relax.

There are many pool tables, an internet jukebox, and more. Get ready to bring out your partying spirit in the evening because you will be served with the best entertainment from local bands and Dj.

Mr. Rick’s offers you with draft beer & cocktails, including Margherita, vodka soda & vodka cranberry, dirty martini, blood orange beer, Cazadores tequila, cider, Carona with lime, and many more.

They also offer a light fare menu which includes garlic fries, chicken & chips, tempura calamari strips & chips, salmon caesar salad, cobb, bacon cheeseburgers, clam chowder soup, and many more.

This answers what to do in Avila Beach, for a fun time, do add to your list of places to visit in Avila Beach, CA.

Address:404 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

23. KravaBowl

KravaBowl
Credits: Vezzani Photography / Shutterstock

Visiting KravaBowl is one of the unique things to do in Avila Beach; it is located inside the Avila Market Restaurant & Mercantile.

KravaBowl is an establishment created to bring acai bowls to Avila beach; Jacki and Mark Mantel own it.

They just don’t serve delicious meals but meals that are healthy and composed with great quality and fresh items.

KravaBowl offers amazing acai bowls coupled with fresh salads, smoothies, pressed juices, and breakfast bowls.

They serve Acai & pitaya bowls like incredibowl, probowl, barbie bowl, islanders delight, and cacao almond bowl.

KravaBowl also offers other meals such as Belgian waffles, veggie burritos, salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, and including meals for kids.

Address:354 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

24. Olde Port Beach

Olde Port Beach
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A day at Olde Port Beach sounds like a fantastic thing to do in Olde Port Beach. Olde Port Beach is an extensive sandy cove alongside Avila Beach Drive. 

This beach is quieter than Avila City Beach and less crowded but offers scanty amenities and no services. 

During the summer months, you will find a lifeguard and a food truck around. 

Dogs off-leash are welcome on the beach if they respond to that owner’s voice.

Address: 2650 Avila Beach Dr, Avila Beach, CA 93424-3560, USA

25. Alapay Cellars

Alapay Cellars
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Alapay Cellars was established in 2001 by winemakers and owners Scott and Rebecca Remmenga. 

Established two decades ago, Alapay Cellars have an unchanging philosophy of producing top-tier and hand-crafted French oak barrel-aged wines while displaying them in an exciting, relaxed, and comfortable tasting room environment. 

This approximately 2,000-square-foot ocean-themed tasting room is in downtown Avila beach, a stone’s throw from the stunning Pacific Ocean. 

This winery is the largest on Avila beach, with the longest presence. Alapay Cellars pride itself on its reputation for high-quality wines and offering a fun wine-tasting experience. 

The owners of this winery are friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable, and when you visit, you are likely to find Scott pouring in the tasting room. 

Address: 415 1st St, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

26. Avila Beach Whale Watching

Avila Beach Whale Watching
Credits: Stockphotoguy81 / Shutterstock

Avila Beach Whale Watching offers family-friendly and educational boating adventures. 

This boat tour service only accepts six passengers per trip to provide a more personal and unique experience. 

Mark Kocina is the captain, owner, and founder of Avila Beach Whale Watching, and he has been captaining boats for more than 40 years. 

He is excited about providing an opportunity for you to adventure on the incredible “Pacific Flyer” boat. 

Pacific Flyer is an excellent power catamaran that provides an exceptionally smooth ride through the waves. 

She is a very steady boat with two hulls, making her a perfect platform to take lovely pictures. 

Address: Port San Luis Pier, Avila Beach, CA 93424, United States

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Plan a Trip to Avila Beach

Avila Beach is a beautiful and amazing city with lots of exciting attractions and activities.

There is something for everyone, from wineries, fun parks, restaurants, historical sites, trails, and many more.

Start planning your trip to Avila Beach today, make a bucket list of places you will like to visit, and also pin this guide to have handy the top attractions in Avila Beach, CA.