Avila Beach
Avila Beach Circa 1970s
Avila Beach - Then
Avila has an amazing history - Once a whaling village; home to a 1400 foot pier that provided deep-water access to ocean going oil tanker’s (the World’s largest prior to World War ll), a tourist stop for sea-faring travelers venturing to and from Los Angeles and San Francisco; a manned look out for enemy (Japanese) ships and aircraft, a port for survivors of the SS Montebello sunken by the Japanese in 1941. So many stories to tell! I will try to share many of them here. I’d like to start with the tourist - something that we have in common with Today.
The Hotel Marre once provided lodging to guests traveling via steamships to and from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Avila was a perfect stopping port along the way and a destination for many. The Tribune reported on arrivals and departures of ships and listed names of any notable passengers. The steamships carried about 90 passengers and 200 tons of cargo. Records show over 900 ships making calls at the Avila piers on an annual basis (about 2 ½ ships a day).
The San Luis Light Station was constructed in 1890, per an executive order signed in 1867 by President Andrew Johnson.
Dog Beach Avila - wonderful playground for your canine friends!
Avila Beach - Now
I had the pleasure of being a docent for the hike to the Lighthouse. I learned a lot of history about Avila and its importance in the development of the Central Coast and the State of California. It’s a wonderful vantage point of the harbor and piers. I highly recommend taking one of the tours offered - hiking isn’t for the faint of heart as it can be a bit challenging in some places. The trolley is a great alternative. Docents have wonderful insights to the history, flora and fauna!
Avila has a wonderful Aquarium now that is great for children to explore the underworld of sealife, it has an abundance of wine tasting downtown, several great places to stay whether you’re looking for hotels or vacation rental opportunities, hike the foothills, stroll, walk or cycle Bob Jones Trail, visit the petting zoo at Avila Barn and pick up some great local produce and products, including some fabulous baked goods and ice creams! The Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa Resort has been providing a healing retreat long before it was trendy. The resort sits amongst the trees and provides a natural setting for relaxing and nurturing. Avila has a Farmers’ Market with live music on the oceanfront and this is the absolute best place for people watching as well.
Perfect afternoon to enjoy an ice cream cone at the Avila Barn!
Featured Eatery
MerSea’s Seafood Restaurant
3985 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, CA - (805) 548-2290
Casual dining at a great location at the end of Harford Pier. Offering a full bar and a menu of seafood fare, sandwiches, salads, calm chowder, and kid’s meals. A great place to meet friends and spend time with family sharing a meal.
Take a leisurely stroll past folks fishing or cleaning their latest catch at the cleaning station. Enjoy your cocktail and meal with a front row seat overlooking playful sea otters and sea lions. Looking back to the shore, you can see Avila’s own Dog Beach where human and canine frolic in the sand and water in harmony - making new friends and meeting favorite pals for playdates. If your timing is just right, you may see a whale breach and your breath will be taken away by the majesty of it all.