Do & See

Avila Beach, California

Do & See in Avila Beach, California

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Do & SeeGuide was updated: June 23, 2025

Most visitors to Avila Beach spend their time partaking in all of the activities offered by the beach and ocean like hiking, surfing, fishing, and cycling. Of course, there are other draws to the area, like wine tastings at the local wineries and nearby attractions like Hearst Castle, The Charles Paddock Zoo, and the Central Coast Aquarium.

Central Coast Aquarium

Central Coast Aquarium

The Central Coast Aquarium has been providing a close look at marine life for visitors of all ages since 1994. With desires of cultivating ocean stewardship in the community, Central Coast provides opportunities for hands-on science and oceanic exhibits and programs. They invite everyone to 'dive in and connect below the surface.'

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Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Built by William Randolph Hearst in a cliff overlooking San Simeon in 1919, Hearst Castle now offers tours exploring its grand rooms, upstairs suites, cottages and kitchens. The Neptune pool has been fixed in 2018, and provides a fitting setting for its surrounding sculptures. If you want to know more about the history of the building, a theater with explanatory screenings is also available.

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Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

San Luis Obispo county is the third-largest producer of wine in California. Some of Avila Beach's finest wineries are: Avila Wine & Roasting Company, Peloton Cellars, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery and Alapay Cellars Tasting Room, the latter standing out as the largest winery in Avila Beach.

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Bob Jones Bike Trail

Bob Jones Bike Trail

Nature enthusiasts have little issues finding fun in Avila Beach. The Bob Jones Trail is great not only for biking, but for hiking as well. Bike rentals are available at the beginning of the trail, which will guide you along plush gardens and peaceful streams.

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Avila Hot Springs

Avila Hot Springs

A hot mineral soaking pool is just one of the many amenities on the site of the natural Avila Hot Springs. Camping and other lodging, as well as a heated pool, showers, and an arcade are also available. The Springs themselves have a history that's over a century old.

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Avila Beach Surfing

Avila Beach Surfing

Surfing is a favorite among the many ocean-centric activities in Avila Beach. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, equipment rentals and lessons are readily available. Avila Beach Surf School and Van Curaza Surf School are excellent choices to kick off your surfing adventure.

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Charles Paddock Zoo

Charles Paddock Zoo

Charles Paddock is the only zoo on the central coast. The Zoo is home to hundreds of species of animals from around the world. They are dedicated to conserving both exotic and local species of animals, from lemurs to geese.

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Oceano Train Depot

Oceano Train Depot

The Oceano Train Depot has been converted into a museum, but it was once a bustling stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad line. Commercial and transportation activities took place from the hub of the Oceano Train Depot from 1904 until the 1950s.

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Avila Beach Golf Resort

Avila Beach Golf Resort

One of the most popular courses on the Central Coast welcomes golfers of all skill levels. Golf to a backdrop of sparkling blue waters and rolling hills. Just one of the course's myriad features is its fairways of kikuyu grass, which hearkens to the Riviera Country Club.

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Patriot Sportfishing

Patriot Sportfishing

Patriot Sportfishing offers more than just deep-sea fishing; they also provide whale watching and private charter options. Unlike other trips, you'll enjoy a full day of fishing rather than spending most of your time on a lengthy boat ride. They specialize in rockcod fishing during the open season, which runs from April 1st to December 31st.

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Port San Luis Lighthouse

Port San Luis Lighthouse

The site of the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse, which has undergone a number of renovations since 1995, is a park open to the public. The Lighthouse is home to numerous opportunities for exploration. For those seeking an educational experience, there are historical tours of the lighthouse itself, and for those seeking to indulge in the outdoors, there are beach coast trails.

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Piers of Avila Beach

Piers of Avila Beach

Once used for shipping in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the piers are now used for their views. The Avila Beach Pier is the first of the three piers and was first constructed in 1908 by the county of San Luis Obispo. Over two thousand local residents gathered there on April 30th, 1908 when President Teddy Roosevelt's 'Great White Fleet' anchored offshore. The Harford Pier was developed in 1873 and is now used for fishing, restaurants and commercial fishing. The last pier, the California Polytechnic State University Pier, is an educational and marine research facility.

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SLO Tours Boat Charters

SLO Tours Boat Charters

SLO Tours offers tours that explore the coastlines of Avila Beach and Shell Beach. They even take riders on an adventure into coastal caves via the Seaweed Express. It's a great opportunity to see some of the marine animals that call these waters home.

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Avila Beach Paddlesports

Avila Beach Paddlesports

Avila Beach Paddlesports provides kayak and SUP rentals, lessons, and eco-friendly Adventure Tours all year-round. Traverse across the calm and scenic Port San Luis Harbor Adventure Tour, and bound into the riveting sea caves at Fossil Point and Shell Beach. All ages and ability levels are welcome.

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Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay State Park is home to several natural attractions, the most notable being Morro Rock, one of the coastal volcanic peaks known as the Nine Sisters. It's also home to a natural history museum, a public golf course, camp sites, and opportunities for an array of outdoor activities. The bay's northeast edge is a saltwater marsh that even serves as home to a thriving bird population.

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