Day Trips to Take During Your Avila Beach Vacation

Known for its calm ocean waters and natural hot springs, Avila Beach on California’s Central Coast is a charming beach town in San Luis Obispo County. Tucked in the San Luis Obispo Bay, Avila is home to a small, but breathtaking, strip of coastline lined with palm trees, quaint shops, bistros and sophisticated tasting rooms. Visitors also enjoy the luxury golf resort with views of the water, and picturesque cycling, walking and hiking trails.

A destination unto itself, Avila Beach is also an ideal home base to a variety of other nearby locales and attractions.

Pismo Beach

Just a seven-mile drive from Avila, Pismo Beach is home to shimmering ocean waters and a vintage beach town lined with surf shops and clam chowder joints. Dubbed one of the most walkable beaches in all of California, it’s also the site of the historic 1,200-foot-long Pismo Beach Pier built in 1928. While strolling the pier, catch a view of the surfers below or spend some time fishing, no license required. The Oceano Dunes and Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove are other popular attractions. Don’t leave without sampling the outstanding selection of local wines at Tastes of the Valley, which earned honors as one of the top 20 wine bars in America from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Morro Bay

Rising 576 feet from the ocean, Morro Rock is the symbol of the seaside paradise, Morro Bay, which is less than 25 miles from Avila Beach. Dubbed one of the country’s best places for bird watchers by the Audubon Society, Morro Bay is teeming with wildlife, including peregrine falcons, otters and other sea creatures. Explore the Embarcadero, a waterfront street with shops and restaurants known for beautiful water views and fresh cuisine.

San Luis Obispo

Only a 15-minute car ride from Avila, San Luis Obispo combines history and outdoor adventure in this college and wine country town all in one. Recognized as the happiest city in the country, the Central Coast community centers on its bustling downtown area filled with blocks of historic buildings, including Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosoa, eclectic restaurants and craft breweries. On Thursday nights, the popular Downtown SLO Farmers Market is the place to be, featuring local growers and specialty food vendors. Head to the Edna Valley, a boutique region known for cool, ocean-influenced growing conditions that are ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to visit the best tasting rooms and wineries. Don’t leave before a visit to the landmark Madonna Inn known for it’s elaborately decorated, eccentric themed rooms, and hike up Bishop Peak, which rises 1,559 feet for the best view in the area.

Cayucos

The laid-back beach town of Cayucos is just under 30 miles from Avila Beach, and boasts miles of white sand beach and an iconic public fishing pier, which first opened in the 19th century. Take a stroll up Ocean Avenue where some of the town’s original buildings from the 1800s era still stand, many now covered in gorgeous murals. There’s a restaurant to please every palate, from the local chowder house to five-star dining, as well as snacks and goodies from the nationally known Brown Butter Cookie Company. By day enjoy the fabulous antique stores, surf shops and gift stores or take a hike along Estero Bluffs State Park Trail to admire panoramic views of the bay. At night take in the night life at The Old Cayucos Tavern, a historic bar with card playing rooms, pool tables, dancing and live music or stop by small family winery Cayucos Cellars for wine tasting. 

Looking for accommodations in Avila Beach, California. Visit www.cobbosbeachhouse.com to book your stay at our luxury vacation rental.