Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Avila Beach City Beach is the sandy shore that stretches the length of the coastal side of Avila Beach. The town itself was once a quiet rural-feeling spot, mixing industrial surroundings with accessible hillsides that locals would head to to hike at. However following a large underground oil contamination, the area went through significant clean up, and soon after the development began to move in.

The town is now gentrifying and projecting itself as a coastal tourist spot. Restaurants, inns and bars line the beachfront, with a block of it being closed off to vehicles altogether.

The beach itself is family friendly, with lifeguard towers, showers and bathrooms, and plenty of space for throwing out towels, chairs and umbrellas. Visitors can fish from the open portion of the pier, or walk just take in the views of the surrounding coastal landscape.

North of City Beach is a large public park with playgrounds, grills, tables, and lawn space. The area is popular with those walking their pets. 

Overall, Avila Beach's City Beach is an inviting recreational beach, with all the added amenities of a loding and and restaurant district and bar scene located immediately in the vicinity. Dogs are permitted on the beach on leash, or off leash while under voice command control before 10am and after 5pm only. Beach hours are from 6am to 10pm. There are several parking areas and onstreet parking in the surrounding area, much of which varies in price.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Street Parking

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Family friendly. Food and amenities nearby.

Cons

Area is quickly changing.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

ADA accessible
Picnic tables
Surfing
Flushing toilets
Family friendly
Potable water
Showers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Santa Maria Valley + Santa Lucia/La Panza Mountains, California
Santa Maria Valley + Santa Lucia/La Panza Mountains, California

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