7 Enchanting Reason to Visit Avila Beach, CA

As a late Mother’s Day present, I planned a trip to Avila Beach, California for a mom-daughter vacation with Avila La Fonda Hotel as our homebase. It was an ideal halfway point for us both. She lives in Santa Cruz and I live in Los Angeles, roughly a 3-hour drive for both of us.

Living in Los Angeles for more than a decade, I was surprised that I’d never heard of it before. The quaint little seaside town of Avila Beach, population roughly 1,700, was a great discovery for not only its easy, Los Angeles weekend getaway locale but for many other reasons as well.

Here are seven cool facts about Central California’s Avila (pronounced AH-vuh-la) Beach, located in San Luis Obispo County, that make it unique:

Hole in the Sky

1. The Chumash Indians, who lived in the area centuries ago, named the beach “Hole in the Sky” due to its unusual temperate climate. “It can be foggy all around but here in Avila Beach, it’s blue skies and sunshine, usually 10 degrees warmer than the other beaches like Shell or Pismo,” explains Vince Shay, local kayak tour operator of Avila Beach PaddleSports. Notice the “Hole in the Sky” in photo above.

Gone to the Dogs

2. I’m not a dog owner, but both my mom and co-founder of Voyage Vixens, Lindsay Taub, are. Dog owners that I know desperately wish for a lake or beach in California where their pooches can splash around without fear of the park rangers or lifeguards kicking them out. Avila Beach is a haven for beach loving dogs and their owners. Dogs are allowed on Avila Beach (leashed) before 10am and after 5pm. They are allowed all day/everyday (leashed) on the Olde Port beach aka “Dog’s Beach” (a 5-min walk from Avila Beach), next to the Hartford Pier. There’s even doo-doo bags provided to clean up after your dogs.

Dreamy Farmers Market

3. Every Friday afternoon from 4 p.m – 8 p.m, the beachfront promenade transforms into a charming farmers market. Food, flower and veggie vendors abound. A live band plays while families and couples stroll the boardwalk, laughing, sampling treats and enjoying the panoramic ocean views while they shop. Based on recommends from a few locals, don’t miss out on the strawberry shortcake or the fish tacos. Avila Beach’s Farmers Market season is from March to September.

Wine Lover’s Delight

4. If you’re staying in town at Avila Lighthouse Suites or Avila La Fonda, wine tasting from some of San Luis Obispo County’s wineries is as simple as stepping out of your hotel room. Seven tasting rooms, most within a few blocks, are available in Avila Beach. No driving needed, so taste ’till your heart’s content. I visited most of Avila Beach’s wine tasting rooms that were located just a few minutes drive outside town, like Kelsey See Canyons and Salsbury (more to come on them). But I did get to visit CUVÉE Champagne Bar, Central California’s only champagne tasting room, serving flights of both domestic and international bubblies. And one other in town – Alapay Cellars. Winemakers Scott and Rebecca Remmenga are doing some interesting things like the 2011 Lagrein or 2008 Zinfandel Port.

Cymophobia Friendly

5. Whether you’re afraid of huge waves or just want a safe place for your kids to play, Avila Beach has very mild waves, at some times during the day, it looks more like lake. Due to the protected cove, the waters are very calm. To the right of the pier, if you’re facing the ocean, is geared more towards families with a beach playground.

Lighthouse Kayaking

6. Avila Beach has three trolley tours on Saturdays ($20 pp) to the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse which has great vistas stretching from Avila to Vandenberg. But why not get a workout in while doing some sightseeing? Avila Beach PaddleSports (formerly SLO Coast Kayaks) offers the only lighthouse kayak or paddleboard adventure in the area. Lead by kayak guide and Point San Luis lighthouse docent Ken Irwin, you get to paddle around the harbor and then to the lighthouse. The 3-4 hour tour includes a stop on the beach, snacks and tour of the lighthouse with possible encounters with sea lions, otters, dolphins and whales. For more thrills, opt for the Fossil Point adventure with the gregarious but oh-so-patient Avila Beach PaddleSports co-owner and expert guide Vince Shay. That’s my mom and I, rocking seaweed as the latest fashion, in photo above.

Get Ready to Salivate Farm-to-Table Gourmands

7. Not only does Sycamore Springs Resort & Spa have several private natural hot spring tubs to enjoy, but for foodies, be prepared to have your taste buds blown away at the hotel’s Gardens of Avila Restaurant. Utilizing in-season produce from the onsite garden, Los Angeles transplant Chef Rob Trester (in photo above), creates a delicate symphony of flavors, colors and unorthodox ingredients for an outstanding meal. Really, it was the best meal I’ve had in a long time. The starters, like the roasted quinoa, baby carrots and carrot top pesto and the grilled asparagus, poached egg, brioche and pea tendrils (see photos in gallery below), I’m still dreaming about.

For a visual tour, head to our Avila Beach photo gallery: