Page 34 - SLO Visitors Guide - Fall 2024

34 FALL 2024 slovisitorsguide.com
Avila Beach
Take a drive away from the beaten
paths of Hwy. 101 and Hwy. 1 and
discover the quiet paradise of Avila
Beach. The oceanside community
offers something for every interest
and all ages from quiet romantic
weekends to beaches, hiking trails,
kid and pet friendly parks, shopping,
great food, golfing and hot springs.
Choose from the many hotels and
enjoy family meals or a sunset dinner
at an oceanfront restaurant. This
delightful small town rests at the
edge of San Luis Obispo Bay. The San
Luis Obispo Creek empties into the
bay at Avila Beach providing views of
native wildlife along with the region's
unique marine life. The nearby Avila
Beach Bird Sanctuary is great for
bird watching any time of year and
especially during bird migrations.
Attractions
Piers in Avila Beach
Avila Beach boasts three piers, two
historic piers and a private pier that
houses the California Polytechnic State
University’s Center for Marine Sciences.
The Harford Pier, built in 1873, was
used for shipping before the railroad
arrived. The pier also has a romantic
history as a liquor smuggling hotspot
during the 1920s. Today, the pier is
occupied by commercial fishing and
restaurants and is open to pier-fishing.
Avila Beach Pier was built in 1908 and
was important for fishing and ocean-
bound passenger transportation. It
has been partially closed to foot traffic
since 2015 due to storm damage.
For information about the piers, call
(805) 595-5400.
Fishing
Personal boats and kayaks can be
launched from Olde Port Beach, a
public hoist at Harford Pier and two
additional hoists are made accessible
to the public by the Port San Luis
Harbor District. To arrange use of
either the trailer boat launch for boats
up to 28’ feet, or the mobile hoist for
larger boats call the harbor district at
(805) 595-7895.
Hiking
The Bob Jones Trail starts at the
trailhead on Ontario Road and
wanders along the San Luis Obispo
Creek. The paved trail, about three
miles from trailhead to downtown
Avila Beach, is a mostly smooth hike or
bike ride with benches along the way.
Hotels & Lodging
Seven Sisters Vacation
Rentals
Offers beautiful and unique luxury
vacation homes along the Central
Coast. Their coastal and wine country
homes are known for idyllic settings,
designer furnishings, and exceptional
amenities. Their guest service team
consistently receives 5-Star reviews for
offering an ultimate vacation rental
experience. 7svr.com (805) 900-6000.
Avila Beach • Pismo Beach • Grover Beach
Morro Bay • San Luis Obispo
(805) 900-6000 • www.7svr.com
Book Now! Book Now!