Avila Beach
add photosAvila Beach promises beautiful views and plenty of activities for kids of every age. From trolleys to kayaking to playgrounds, Avila makes for a fun filled day.
12 Reviews for Avila Beach
7
70 families found this helpful
"Easy-going, fun for families!"
We went to this beach last Sunday and had a great time. Parking was easy, only $5 for the entire day! We were there from 11am-3pm and barely moved from our spot on the sand. Our 2 year old daughter just played in the sand and water the entire time, she did NOT want to leave. Tons of other families were there but it didn't seem crowded. She played with the other kids and they also had playground equipment and swings on the sand!
When we were leaving, there was a band playing off of the sand and lot of street vendors were out. Perfect day for all of us and would recommend it to others. Although it was in the middle of summer, I did wear a sweater over my suit for a while. Recommend bringing them for your kids, too!
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'11, '12
0 families found this helpful
"Just Beachy :)"
This is a great little beach for families. Some of the highlights include: a swing set on the sand for the kiddos and free bon fire pits right on the beach (these are hard to come by in California). Avila also tends to be warmer than neighboring Pismo Beach so it's a great option. Just know that there can be some college partiers at the bon fire pits on the weekend but the pits are spaced far enough apart and I've never had any problems.
1 family found this helpful
"Oh so fine!"
This is the highlight of our trip to the Central Coast. The playground near the beach was fun for my 3 year old (slides and a pirate ship) and for my 10 month old (baby swings). The bathrooms were clean. And, the best part was the beach is nice and not crowded. The sand is super-fine and very comfortable to walk on for kids who are more particular about not stepping on things that are too rough or scratchy.
Supposedly you aren't supposed to go in the water. At least that's what a sign says. Something about agricultural runoff. Sounds scary; maybe that's why it's not a crowded place. Doesn't bother us though. We'd come back for the beach any day, though you won't see us going for a dip. The water is too cold anyway...
0 families found this helpful
"Great Beach/Park"
Ever since this park and beach has been redone its been really nice! The park is safe and really great, especially for younger children. The beach is nice and can have bonfires still I believe. It's a nice little town area as well with some cute places to eat and such. The pier is worth a walk as well, as it's rather short.
1 family found this helpful
"Great beach!"
This is a great beach; it's never too crowded (like Pismo Beach), and there are awesome restaurants and a few cute shops. The beach has a nice long pier, and a playground for the kids. The weather is always a little better compared to other beaches, too. Parking is not bad; you may have to walk a little if you don't get lucky and find a good spot.
0 families found this helpful
"Best park for kids on the central coast"
I honestly believe that this is the best beach on the central coast. The weather on this south facing beach is always warmer than any other beach in the area, the sand is nice and fine, the waves are gentle, and playground is fun. The playground area is the perfect size but on a warm Saturday can seem a tad small because so many people come here.
The beach itself has a very gradual grade into the ocean making it very nice for kids to play in. The waves don't get very big here unless it's a huge south swell or storm. Our kids are really starting to enjoy boogie boarding and the "inside break" (all 2 feet of it) is perfect for the young boogie boarder just starting out. There are a couple places that rent boards and wetsuits on Front St. If you decide to join your kids in the ocean you will want a wetsuit because the Central coast ocean temps range in the low to mid 50's. Brrrrrr! But for some reason, which I have forgotten, kids are partially immune to cold water when it's the ocean so it works out.
There is a creek at the western end where toddlers can wade and have fun. Our kids like float down it on their boogie boards. We go here all the time and take our out-of-town guests here regularly.
1 family found this helpful
"Fun beach!"
We love going to Avila Beach. It is such a great spot and it is so kid friendly. They have an awesome play structure within just a few feet of the sand, great restaurants, shops, coffee shops, etc. Make sure to hit Blazing Blenders; you won't be disappointed!!
0 families found this helpful
"Cute beach"
Avila Beach is definitely my favorite beach to take the family to. It's very kid friendly. They have a fantastic park right next to the beach with dolphins for the kids to sit on, a pirate ship, and a grassy area to play. It's usually nice and cool at this beach, a great place to escape from the heat in the Summer!
1 family found this helpful
"More fun in the off-season"
We really enjoy Avila Beach. There is a great playground by the beach, a nice pier and boardwalk area, and the beach itself is great fun. I miss the "old" Avila feel but the "new" look seems to be more popular with tourists. I gave it 4 stars because in the summer it gets so crowded it really is not as much fun.
0 families found this helpful
"The best place"
Of the 4 plus beaches within 15 minutes of our house we always end up in Avila. the beach is almost always warm. There are cute shops to browse and good places to eat. we love the custom house. It's fun to walk out on the pier and Farmer's Market there on Fridays is always a hit.
0 families found this helpful
"Avila Beach"
Old Port Pier at the very end has all the sea lions you can imagine. You can eat at Fat Cats great curly fries. Always sunny even if it looks foggy in Pismo Beach head over to the great beach. You can rent boggie boards. RV Camping is available with all new showers at Old Port Pier too. There is a secret beach if you hike around the rocks past the pier.
1 family found this helpful
"Avila Beach"
Avila Beach is a blast! It has shopping, restaurants, wine bars, hotels, a community center, and an excellent playground. The beach is pristine and gorgeous with lots of wildlife and sea creatures. It is fun to walk down the pier and see the fish people have caught, that is if you're not fishing yourself. On Friday afternoons, their is a great Farmer's Market with a bunch of local vendors and wonderful selections of fruits and veggies. Also, the Bob Jones Trail ends up at Avila Beach, so if you're looking for a workout, that's a great trail! :)
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