Family-Friendly Activities in Avila Beach

 

Bikers on the Bob Jones Trail in Avila Beach, California.

Avila Beach, California is a family-friendly travel destination. Families traveling with kids will find a variety of fun activities that the whole family will enjoy. Your crew is sure to have a memorable trip during your stay in Avila, visiting every place from the beach to museums and more.

Read on for the inside scoop on the best family experiences that this quaint beach town has to offer vacationers:

The Beach

It may seem like a no-brainer, but the beach is the perfect spot to spend the day in Avila. Avila Beach is surrounded by hills, sheltering it from the wind, and is known to be sunnier and warmer than other nearby locations, making it an ideal place for families to spend the day playing in the sand and frolicking in the water. While there are six main beaches in Avila, three are especially ideal for families and can be easily accessed along Avila Beach Drive.

Avila Beach runs along the waterfront of this charming beach town, just steps from shops, restaurants, and the pier. Families with young children will also have a good time along the shores of San Luis Obispo Creek at the north end of the beach, which forms a small lagoon perfect for the kids to play in. There is also a pirate-themed playground nearby for even more places to play.

Olde Port Beach is just a mile west of Avila City Beach and is known for allowing seasonal bonfires. Official bonfire rings appear on the sands from March through November, weather permitting. Kids will enjoy warming their toes by the fire or making smores.

Bordered by the Port San Luis Boatyard and Historic Harford Pier, Fisherman’s Beach is the place for little adventurers. Launch your kayak into the water from this spot.

Avila Valley Barn

Family-friendly Avila Valley Barn has been a favorite roadside stop since 1985, serving up farm-fresh fruit, sweet baked goods, its famous grilled corn, and mouthwatering barbecue. The farm offers a variety of seasonal activities like hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin patches, hay mazes, and Christmas trees. Families will enjoy visiting the gift shop for souvenirs and candy, picking seasonal fruit, and visiting the farm animals at the petting zoo.

Central Coast Aquarium

Spark the wonder of your kids with a visit to the Central Coast Aquarium, close to Avila’s City Beach. This small facility is home to dozens of species, from the giant Pacific Octopus and sharks to tidepool creatures like sea stars and rock crabs. Kids will be thrilled by the touch tanks and interactive exhibits and will have the opportunity to ask guides questions about the local sea life.

Bob Jones City to Sea Trail

For families that like to keep it moving, the Bob Jones Trail is a popular paved pathway for a stroller-friendly walk or kid-friendly bike ride. This mostly flat trail starts by Avila Beach and ends at Avila Valley Barn. The complete trail distance from one end to the other is approximately three miles. If you’re visiting during the summer and only want to walk one way, hop on the free Avila-Pismo Beach Trolley, which makes stops at the trailhead on Ontario Road and in the middle of town near the beach on 1st Street.

Harbor Boat Tours

Cruise around the bay on a boat tour and take in harbor highlights like Pelican Jetty, the Shark Trench, and the Avila Sea Caves. Kids will enjoy zooming across the water on a boat, and there are several tour options available in town. SLO Tours offers a two-hour whale-watching tour ideal for older kids.

All of these family-friendly activities will ensure you have a trip to remember. Families will enjoy staying at Cobbo’s Beach House. Our luxury vacation rental sleeps up to 18 guests and is ideal for families with kids, offering a pool table, cornhole arena, video game hookups, and two hot tubs.