The Golden State’s Pacific coastline is one most people dream of visiting. Many tourists’ go-to cities are popular spots, like San Francisco or Los Angeles, but about a three-hour drive north of L.A. lies one of the most underrated California beach towns secluded from crowds, Avila Beach. This charming coastal city has fewer than 2,000 people residing here. When you think of going somewhere under the radar, this is the place to be. The seaside area is brimming with tall palm trees, offers plenty of local businesses, and features some of the most incredible sunsets. Even if you spend only one day in this Central Cali municipality, you’ll wish you were a local.
Avila is not your typical California beach town. Here, mountainous terrain overlooks sandy stretches of gorgeous aqua waters, giving visitors the best of both worlds. From whale-watching to hot springs and even apple picking, it’s the type of place that will give the active hiker and the relaxed beach bum something new to try. The boutiques lined along Front Street sell mementos, so you and your squad can get something tangible to go with your everlasting memories — and you’d be benefitting the town’s tourism industry. The mom-and-pop stores add to the cozy charm of Avila, where the city looks like it’s a staged movie set … only, people actually live here.
The beach and unique things to do at Avila Beach
Adventure awaits under cotton-candy skies mirrored across the glossy sandy shoreline. If Avila Beach is known for anything, well … it’s in the name. Being a coastal town, there are quite a few beach areas, but the main beach has a pier stretching nearly 1,700 feet (via Highway 1 Roadtrip). The ocean waves crash along the rocks and creep down the powdery white sand, leaving a long shallow entrance to dip your toes in the water and take a romantic stroll. You can go surfing or watch for gray whales along the whale trail (best seen between October and February). Every Friday seasonally from May until August, the local Farmer’s Market is located ashore, selling fresh produce with live music as entertainment.
The market is mainly food vendors, but if you’re searching for unique trinkets, you can head to the promenade and buy adorable nautical-themed jewelry at Footseas. While you’re at it, get yourself a trendy hat at Hats Unlimited to wear throughout the walkable town. The small boutiques on Front Street even include a fishmonger, Harford Seafood Company, where the majority of the seafood sold is locally caught…