Avila Beach Activities

Pier Fishing

The Avila Beach Pier is considered one of the best fishing piers along the central coast. Extending 1,685 feet into the bay, it hovers over fairly shallow water with a sandy bottom. The most common catches are white croaker, calico surfperch, shinerperch, surfperch, and jack mackerel.

Many anglers report they have the best luck fishing the area just beyond the surf line and under the pilings. Those angling for halibut find the best seasons to be from spring into the summer.

Night fishing is allowed on the pier, which is open 24-hours a day and is lighted at night. A license is not required. Restrooms are located at the end of the pier and at the foot of the pier. A bait and tackle shop is found on the pier. There are also showers on shore, benches along the pier, and fish-cleaning stations.

Avila Beach and Pier, San Luis Obispo County, CA

Fishing the Harford Pier

The Port San Luis Pier attracts experienced fishermen who like the commercial fishing industry atmosphere. The 1,320-foot-long pier is protected by Point San Luis and a substantial breakwater. The center of the pier seems to attract the most anglers. There they fish for surfperch, mackerel, white croaker, and jacksmelt. Closer to shore fishermen find rockfish.

Since the pier is a busy place with boats coming and going and cargo being off-loaded, some parts of the pier are off limits. Anglers have to be careful to avoid the various boats, lines, buoys, and such. Out at the end of pier is a covered section which makes a good post during inclement weather.

The Harford Pier is open 24 hours a day. Bait and tackle can be purchased on the pier. Fish-cleaning stations and restrooms are found near the foot of the pier. The pier is lighted at night.

Patriot Sport Fishing, based on the Harford Pier, offers sport fishing trips, whale watching, and private charters.

Central Coast Aquarium

50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, CA (805) 595-7280
The Central Coast Aquarium aims to educate and inspire everyone about ocean stewardship through educational programs, outreach and offerings. With hands-on exhibits, outdoor excursions and laboratory lessons, the Central Coast Aquarium is working to positively influence visitors' perspective toward this very important part of the natural world.

Visitors to the Aquarium will enjoy an aquarium with hands-on exhibits. Among the educational programs at the Aquarium are a Discovery Lab, a Floating Lab, a Pre-K Program, and a Summer Camp for children in grade K-9.

Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Adults $5, children, students and seniors $3
Central Coast Aquarium

Hike and Tours

Point San Luis Lighthouse Hike and Tour

Organized hikes to the Point San Luis Lighthouse are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The 3.75-mile hike covered uneven terrain and is considered to be moderately strenuous.

Reservations for the hike should be made at least two weeks in advance in ensure a place on the hike since numbers are limited. Admission to the lighthouse for a tour of the Lighthouse Headkeeper's quarters is $5 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Other buildings can be visited for no charge.

Point San Luis Lighthouse Trolley Tours

For those who would rather ride than hike, Trolley Tours of the lighthouse are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays at noon, 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Reservations are required: (805) 540-5771. The cost is $20 per person.
Point San Luis Lighthouse Tours

Into the Water

Avila Beach's ocean waters are a popular attraction for all kinds of water sports enthusiasts. Although not known for its big surf, the waves are enough to keep boogie boarders happy all day and make a good location for beginning surfers. Kayakers launch into the calm San Luis Obispo Bay and explore the caves and inlets along the coastline north and south.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Van Curaza Surf School
80 San Francisco St., Avila Beach, CA
Surf lessons year round and summer surf camps, catering to all levels of experience.

Avila Beach Paddlesports
3915 Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach, CA
(805) 704-6902
Kayak tours and lessons, kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboard rentals

Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards

The Junior Lifeguards program focuses on character development as well as skills in ocean swimming and in dealing with hazards in the ocean. Participants learn about water safety, paddling, swimming, outrigger canoe, and first aid. The program is open to youths in San Luis Obispo County ages 9 to 16. Registration for 2023 is open now.

Participants must pass a basic swimming test usually held on dates from late April to through late May in at Sinsheimer Pool.
For more information see Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards

Avila Beach 2023 Program Schedule

Session I: June 19 through July 7, 2023 (no meeting July 4)
Session II: July 10 through July 28, 2023
The Avila Beach program is Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to noon, although some Fridays may be all day long during competitions.

Horseback Riding

Avila Beach Vista Riding offers three 2-hour long guided trail rides along the coast.

Coastal Splendor takes you to stunning views along the coast as you wind through the hills.
Sunset Grandeur lets you experience the Pacific at sunset as you ride the hills along the coast.
Special Occasion Romance takes you to the most romantic spots along the coast.

Avila Beach Vista Riding

Volleyball and Basketball

Two beach volleyball courts are located on Avila Beach north of the pier near the park. They are open to the public. A basketball court is found close by in the park.

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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety