beginner
Avila Beach, CA, United StatesAvila Beach
Avila faces south into San Luis Bay, and Point San Luis breaks the prevailing northwest wind, so it is usually warmer than other Central Coast beaches. The main beach is under half a mile long, right below the Front Street shops and restaurants. Keep your swim away from the San Luis Obispo Creek lagoon just west of town, which is not recommended for swimming or wading because of runoff.
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith · Public domain
Latest reading · SwimScore 70/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 34°C, wind 15 km/h, waves 1.8 m, UV 7. Updated .
Know before you go
- Best conditions
- South-facing and sheltered in San Luis Bay; Point San Luis blocks the prevailing northwesterly winds.
- Getting in
- Public beach managed by the Port San Luis Harbor District in the town of Avila Beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash only before 10am and after 5pm.
- Water quality
- San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health samples ocean water weekly at 19 coastal locations for three indicator bacteria, issues health advisories when standards are exceeded, and advises avoiding water contact for 72 hours after significant rain.
- Watch for
- San Luis Obispo Creek lagoon (agricultural runoff; not recommended for swimming or wading)
- Elevated bacteria after rain
- Facilities
- Picnic tables with charcoal BBQs · Restaurants and shops on Front Street
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, portsanluis.com, portsanluis.com, slocounty.ca.gov
Safety Information
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Details
- Location
- Avila Beach, CA, United States
- Type
- ocean
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Coordinates
- 35.1792, -120.7372