Vacation Inspiration: Plan a Trip to Avila Beach With Kids - 510 Families
KSS ad

Vacation Inspiration: Plan a Trip to Avila Beach With Kids

About four hours from Berkeley, Avila Beach is a tiny town on the Central Coast. We recently stayed in a condo just steps away from the boardwalk and beach and were charmed by this sweet place. Read on for a list of things to do in Avila Beach.

Things to do in Avila Beach
Pre-sunset splashing on Avila Beach

Things to Do With Kids In Avila Beach

The Beach. Avila Beach is in San Luis Obispo County, the sweet little sister of more well-known Pismo Beach.  Smaller than Pismo, Avila features its own soft sand beach with small waves for boogie boarding.

In the sand at Avila Beach
Avila Beach sand | photo credit: Scarlett Currier

VRBO Rentals In Avila Beach (link)

The Boardwalk. Front Street is a strip of cafes with ice cream counters, donuts, gift shops, and restaurants.

Tip: If your kids have no patience for restaurants like mine, send one parent down to pick up pizza and bring it up to your condo.

The Bob Jones Trail. Bring your wheels to enjoy this paved creekside path. It’s a nice way to spend an hour or two.

Avila Valley Barn. This family-friendly farm gets decked out for whatever season it is: pumpkins and apples in the fall, Christmas holidays, adorable chicks at Easter. You can walk into the fields and pick pesticide-free produce (whatever’s in season). The onsite shop and bakery are charming and packed with local goodies. Hayrides and pony rides take place during warm weather.

Avila Hot Springs. This unique swimming pool (with waterslides!) is naturally heated via a nearby hot spring. Thermal hot pools allow kids 8 and up to soak. Onsite tent cabins mean you can stay at the Hot Springs and ride your bike a couple of miles along the Bob Jones Trail to Avila Beach for an affordable vacation.

Dinosaur Caves Park. Technically in Pismo Beach, this little playground is set in front of a spectacular ocean view. Head there at sunset to watch the sky change as the kids play.

Central Coast Aquarium. Walking distance from the beach and boardwalk, this tiny aquarium is an easy outing. A playground and picnic area are available outdoors in front of the building.

Other seasonal activities in the area: Monarch Butterfly spotting from October to February and Whale Watching from May to October

Does this sound good to you? Book a trip for the Spring!

Where to Stay in Avila Beach

Rental condos and houses are abundant in Avila, and how close you are to the water likely impacts the price. I stayed in a condo that was a stone’s throw from the beach, with a loft that I thought would be fun for the kids. I later remembered that I hate lofts. Everyone has to be quiet once the loft-sleepers go to sleep and, in the morning, any kitchen activity wakes up the loft-sleepers. For me, it’s a lose-lose.

However, it was a nice new building “The Courtyard at Avila Beach” and the proximity to the beach meant we could go down there multiple times per day or head back to our place for a potty run.

Here are a bunch of rentals located close to the beach that will accommodate 2 adults and 2 children.

Related: Where to Stop on a 101 Road Trip with Kids

Get the {510} Families weekend planner in your inbox. It's free!

* indicates required

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

We've got your instructions for family fun right here!
Sign up today and get a list of kid-friendly activities for East Bay parents every Friday.
Stay Updated
You can unsubscribe anytime.
close-link
logo
Scroll to Top